Organized Living

RETHINK YOUR CASTOFF CLOTHING

Fall is an excellent time of year for indoor organization projects. Unlike spring, which beckons with its warm weather and pressing outdoor chores, cooler weather allows you to focus without the lingering image of the lawn growing longer with each passing hour, and makes for more pleasant conditions as you root through closets and shelves, cursing all manner of accumulated items you should have gotten rid of years ago.

Once you’ve tackled the job and created a mountain of clothing and accessories you no longer need, what can be done with them? Here are several agreeable, even creative options. Most donations are tax-deductible:

• Your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or other charitable organization is a worthwhile solution if you have clean, wearable items of clothing, unbroken toys, and undamaged housewares.
  
  
• Is your closet stuffed with old prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses or ill-fitting tuxes? Your local community theatre or school drama program might find some use for those garments in their costume department. If the gowns are still fashionable, some cities have programs where donated prom gowns in excellent condition are given to high school girls who might not otherwise afford them. Ask around.
  
  
• Know anyone with small children who love to play dress-up? You could create a fantastic dress-up trunk with your cast off scarves, costume jewelry, hats and high heels. If you don’t know any young children, try donating your dress-up goods to a local pre-school or day care center. Just be sure the items are clean and in good condition.
  
  
• If you have clothing or other textile goods, like draperies or tablecloths, that are made of interesting or high quality fabrics, they may be of interest to quilters, who often scour remnant tables in fabric stores for choice pieces.
  
  
• Long sleeved adult shirts make great painting shirts for kindergarteners, pre-schoolers, and kid crafters, as well as grownup artists. Local schools and art studios would be more than happy to take them off your hands.
  
  
• Old undershirts and cotton garments make excellent rags for dusting, car washing, and other household chores. Tear them into strips and create an old-fashioned rag bag that will save you money on disposable wipes.
  
  
• Garage sales are an option, but don’t expect to make much from old clothes, even really expensive pieces. Historically, only lightly worn baby and toddler clothes sell well at garage sales.
  
  
• Well-made clothing in pristine condition can be sold through a consignment store, where you pocket a portion of the store’s proceeds. Know that you must call ahead and make an appointment for the owner to review your offerings. Come with all items on hangers, cleaned and pressed, and be prepared to spend at least a half hour processing your things, more if you have a large amount. Not all items may be accepted.
  
  
• If you do want to dispose of some high quality vintage clothing and you know something of its value, try selling it on Ebay.
  
  
• Here’s an idea some women have found fun and productive. Once or twice a year, they clean their closets and have a party. Everybody brings their best discards—things that no longer fit or they’ve just grown tired of. Munching on appetizers and sipping drinks, they swap clothes and bid on high-demand items. Lots of fun, and everyone leaves happy!