The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Most everyone has someclothes in their closetthey need to get rid of.

Here are suggestions for deciding how to pare down or remove items.

You don’t need a reason beyond not feeling good in it.

Placing denim clothing items into a donation box

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Instead, pass down photos, which take up far less room but preserve the same memories.

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Its From a Past Relationship

Keeping clothes associated with sentimental memories is OK. Let those items go.

Because they’re often expensive, it can lead to guilt over getting rid of them.

Overstuffed closet

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Even if you only wore an item a few times, these items probably have some life left.

See if a consignment shop will take them.

Don’t feel guilty about letting it go.

Trunk of old stuff

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Write a nice thank you note, then pass that item on.

Once these items are past their prime, recycle them.

Pass on hobby- or event-specific items when you’re done with them.

Old wedding dress

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Get rid of items similar to something already in your closet.

Donate or pass along gently used items that are still in good shape.

Threadbare shirts can make good cleaning cloths.

Red silk dress on hanger

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Here are some ways to extend your clothing’s usefulness.

Find a Good Consignment Store

Find a consignment shop that appraises and takes used clothing.

Posters around town and social media posts in neighborhood groups can help promote your yard sale.

Sentimental locket

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you’ve got the option to even have a joint sale with neighbors to draw a bigger crowd.

Local animal shelters often need linens, blankets, and towels.

Call the shelter first to ensure it accepts donations and inquire about the items you’d like to donate.

Vibrant yellow blouse in closet

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Some shelters accept things that others do not.

you might collect it via PayPal or a ThredUp gift card.

Tradesy works just like ThredUp, but it favors more high-end fashion items.

Stack of clothes

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you’re free to leave your boxes and bags of clothes on the front porch.

This option is excellent for those who are continually decluttering.

This is an endearing option for those changing careers from an office job to one that needs casual clothing.

Stack of pink and vibrant clothes

Getty Images/Kinga Krzeminska

They’ll often accept household items you’d like to get rid of.

These organizations include churches, children’s groups, and women’s shelters.

These charitable organizations will sell your items or deliver them to a shelter for those in need.

Gift in orange bag

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The group also has a truck to pick up donations from your home if you schedule an appointment.

Contact Local Homeless Shelters

Contact homeless shelters to see whether they’re taking clothing donations.

Be sure to ask which items they will accept.

Blue jeans with worn texture

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Also, ask whether the items must be sorted or boxed in a specific way before donating them.

Organize a School Fundraiser

Contact your local school administrators and suggest a fundraiser to benefit the school.

Students, teachers, and community members can bring in their used clothing.

Old football jersey

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Then, a group of volunteers can organize the items to be sold.

For instance, cotton T-shirts are great for use as dust cloths.

And you might even buff a table or other furniture with a hole-filled sweater.

Similar items hanging in a closet

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Have the item professionally cleaned and restored to make it look as new as possible.

Seeing others wearing your special items can feel good even if you’re not wearing them.

Box up your used clothing in no shape to donate or sell, and trash it on dump day.

Selling gently used clothes to a consignment shop

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Get rid of clothes you no longer like or wear.

If you’re afraid you’ll regret giving away an item, try an interim system.

Never donate clothing that is stained, ripped, or moldy.

Boxes of clothing to be sold at a garage sale

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Throw away or recycle those items.

There’s no set rule as to how many clothes you should have.

Box of clothing for donation to an animal shelter

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Selling clothing online

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Donation boxes in the back of a car

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Reaching out to Dress for Success

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Preparing donations for a rummage sale

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Handing a box of clothing donations over to an organization

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Searching an online database of homeless shelters

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Organizing a school find raiser for donations

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Turning used clothing into rags

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Giving away hand me down clothing

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A box of free clothing on front steps

The Spruce / Ana Cadena