“To Donate or Consign?…” that is the Question

Quarantine had you rummaging through all your closets and drawers, discovering loads of stuff you or your family members no longer wear. Now what? There are many options to give your unwanted items a second life. What is best for you?

When you decide to donate, make sure your clothing is in good, resale condition. Donation facilities have many items to process; therefore, it helps to make sure everything is clean and stain-free. The point of donating is to support your local (and national) organizations to profit from the sale. These profits go to numerous programs that benefit individuals, groups, and communities worldwide. Additionally, your donation helps keep clothing on the rack, which helps reduce textile pollution.

When you decide to consign, you earn money in return. So, make sure you are committed to the extra effort it will take to prepare your items for resale. Consignment shops only accept your gently worn, clean, current clothing, shoes, and jewelry. Each shop has different policies and pay-out scales, so be sure to call before you go to learn more. Whatever pieces the consignment shop doesn’t accept, they usually donate to a local charity.

 Sites like The RealReal, Poshmark, and ThredUp are great online consignment options. With Poshmark, you are responsible for marketing your items. You will need to post photos of each item you are selling, along with a detailed description and the selling price. The RealReal and ThredUp take the guesswork out of it; all you do is request a shipping bag, fill, and mail it back. The company determines your profits from the sale of your items.

Whether you donate or consign, both are eco-friendly choices on the environment by reducing their carbon impact. When your clothes get a second chance, it clears your closets of clutter, as well as promotes reusable fashion.