Don't Trash It, Trade It!

Recently I was toying with the idea of selling garbage bags filled with older clothes that I don't wear anymore on craigslist, and put up a couple of ads which garnered a lot of response. But attempting to coordinate 'open houses' to sell a shirt for $5 or $10 was so not worth the hassle - especially when you've got strangers stomping around your house.

I felt obligated to purge some of this excess wardrobe before we moved recently, but wasn't prepared to just give it all away. Some of this stuff still had value and I wanted someone to appreciate my once-loved clothes! There was only one solution: the clothing swap.

2 garbage bags, a big tupperware container and a box full of shoes followed us to the new place. And I am so thrilled I didn't get rid of some of this stuff. Not only have I ransacked the stash for a nearly-abandoned sweater that I can't believe I almost tossed, but I have currency to barter with.

I did this once before in Victoria; convinced my manager to let me borrow the bar I worked at for a Sunday afternoon, invited a bunch of friends to bring their neglected clothing, and we'd trade. It was nearly Christmas so whatever was left over, we decided to donate to a women's charity.

We each just picked a corner of the bar, laid out our clothes and browsed at what everyone else had. Then it came down to a very precise, almost scientific, haggling process: "How about my purple sweater for your skirt? You paid how much for it?? Ok, I'll throw in this belt too. Deal!" We all left with tons of new stuff to wear, didn't spend a cent, and the trunk-load of clothes that was left over was donated to a great cause.

I plan to host another one of these nights soon instead of dropping dollars on new spring clothing; plus it's a great excuse to have the ladies over, drink some wine and gab for hours.

Should you decide to try something similar with your pals, here are a couple local charities that could use the excess clothing. If anyone else has any great suggestions as to where to donate, I urge you to leave a comment and let everyone know.

Dress for Success helps low-income women make the transition into the work force by providing professional clothing and additional resources.

WISH Women's Shelter offers support for women working in the DTES sex trade.

Happy free 'shopping'!