What do you do with all your unwanted goods after Spring Cleaning?

Spring is a time for renewal and starting afresh. The change of season is a great time to reassess your goals and get organised.

Whilst there are plenty of tips around about how to spring clean, there is not much information around about what to do with the ‘stuff’ you have decided you don’t want or need anymore.

Donation is always a fabulous option as it helps others in need and also gives you a great sense of satisfaction. However, if you are interested in making a little money on the side I have that covered too.

A Clothes Swap amongst friends is a great way to get rid of any good quality clothes you love but just don’t get the chance to wear anymore. It’s very social and fun. Gather up your girlfriends, choose a location (usually someone’s house), grab your clothes, a plate of food and some champagne and swap away.

Another option if you have designer clothes in good condition is to do a ‘Pop Up’ shop in your local area. This is a great idea if you have a few friends that are in a similar situation to help cover costs.

A fabulous organisation that accepts clothes and accessories is Dress for Success. This organisation empowers women to re-enter the workplace and find economic independence. Stylists assist in providing corporate clothing to give women a fresh start.

Second hand bras can be donated to Uplift Bras who offer bras to disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas.

Gumtree is a favourite of mine but you must be patient. Always list your item at a higher price than you are willing to accept as buyers love to barter. This way you get the price you want and they walk away feeling like they have got a bargain.

Gumtree also has a Freebies section where you list your things for free and people can come collect. This is a great option if you just want to get rid of something and don’t have the means to move it.

eBay is another great area to sell your things. eBay is great for items that can be posted as your item is then exposed Australia wide. Pick up is also available. Take heaps of pictures and provide a detailed description. Designer and name brands do very well. Research what similar items are selling for and list accordingly.

Baby and children’s clothes can also be a little earner as they often look like new and have only been worn a few times. Baby and Kids Markets may be an option if you have decided your family is complete and you have a lot of baby and kids items e.g. high chairs, pushchairs, porta cots as well as toys and clothes.

An old fashion garage sale is another option if you have a lot of items that would take forever to sell individually. The Garage Sale Trail is an annual event which is held this year on Saturday 22nd October 2016. This event links communities, enables people to get rid of their “stuff” and reduces landfill by redistributing. You can register what you are selling and people can then design their own walking trail of garage sales in their area.

Your local Buy Swap and Sell Facebook page is also a great place to sell your items. Whether it be kid’s toys, books, clothes or tools. Buyers come to you so there is no postage or travel costs associated.

Any toys, books, puzzles or games that are in good condition can also be donated to children’s hospitals. Sick children spend a lot of time in hospital so a variety of toys and activities help the time go a little quicker.

If you have reorganised your linen cupboard and have any old towels or sheets these can be donated to your local animal shelters or RSPCA.

If you have cleaned out your bathroom and you have any samples from hotels e.g. soaps or shampoos these can be donated to Pinchapoo. They also accepts toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, nappies, sunscreen and much more. This company provides toiletries to schools and community groups in need.

Another company that also accepts unopened hotel samples like shampoos, conditioners and soaps is The Beauty Bank. They currently only operate in NSW however goods can be mailed to them.

Female hygiene products e.g. tampons and sanitary pads and new bras can be donated to Distributing Dignity who also hand out to the homeless.

So whilst Spring Cleaning is incredibly liberating by donating your unwanted goods to charities you are helping so many people in need.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

Image credit Better Homes and Garden

www.dressforsuccess.org
www.zero2fivemarkets.com.au
www.kidspot.com.au
www.upliftbras.org
www.distributingdignity.org
www.pinchapoo.org.au
www.thebeautybank.com.au
https://www.garagesaletrail.com.au/