Spring Cleaning: 5 Useful Things to Do with Your Old Clothes Other Than Purging Them

Slip on boots with a thick sole are ideal to go underneath your bed or in your car.

I spent yesterday afternoon revamping my husband’s closet. Fun Fact: Years prior to starting Poplin and becoming a Personal Stylist, I would create outfits for my husband and take photos of them that he could reference on his phone. He used them all the time and when it was time for a career change, we realized that what are now, “outfit photos” for clients, are an incredibly useful tool for men and women trying to look their best and get out of the house quickly.

Back to the closet. If you, like me, are especially inclined to do some deep cleaning and reorganizing as the weather changes, you likely already have a few bags of clothes and shoes to be donated. Before those head out the door, there are some really useful ways you can capitalize on your beloved pieces before they go to their next owner.

5 Useful Ways to use your Old Clothes Instead of Donating Them

Have a sweater that you adore but it’s seen better days? If you’d tried cleaning, depilling and every other effort you can think of and it’s still a little too stretched out or pilled to be worn out in the world, consider moving it to loungewear. You’ll feel lovely at home and still look good when a friend unexpectedly arrives at your door.

Hip Loungewear

First, let’s clearly define loungewear. Loungewear are pieces that are so comfortable, you could easily fall asleep in them. But, you must also feel good about how you look in loungewear. Ask yourself this question, if a friend unexpectedly drops by and you happen to be wearing this piece, do you think, “I look good for someone hanging out at home?” If not, your piece does not make the cut for loungewear. If yes, pat yourself on the back for making a hard choice. Now, store your loungewear in a separate location that reminds you it’s to wear at home and not out on runs to the market or to pick up the kids.

An oversized cardigan is just right next to your bed at night, especially if you sleep nude or with lightweight pieces.

Preparedness Stash

On the West Coast, we are well aware of earthquakes. Often, we think about where to go in the house when an earthquake hits (never the kitchen as things fall out of the cubboards, under a table is ideal). However, it’s easy to not think about the practical steps if an earthquake, fire or other emergency strikes while you are sleeping. Keep an extra pair of shoes underneath your bed. Sneakers or a hard sole, closed toe shoe is ideal. This is because you may be walking on broken glass. You should also have a hard hat under your bed with your shoes. If you have a pair of sneakers that are comfortable, easy to get on and just aren’t your style anymore, put them under your bed. (By the way, your kids should also have a pair of shoes and a hard hat under their beds, as well. While we’re on this topic, be sure to have one comfortable outfit in your emergency kit in case you need a change of clothes after an emergency.)

Fun Fact: I often wear a jersey midi dress to garden or clean the house.

Gardening or Artist Collection

If you are someone who enjoys projects that get you dirty, you are well aware that you don’t wear your favorite pieces while doing those activities. But, have you considered actually loving what you look like when creating? It’s totally possible. Just shift some of your favorite pieces that are no longer feeling fresh to this new role. Sweaters that are pilling, shirts that have bleach stains, denim that feels weathered are all stellar choices. Remember to keep them stored in your projects stash and avoid using them for other projects You can even keep an old pair of sneakers, rain boots or clogs in the mix if they don’t look their best for your day to day.

Plan for unexpected detours with a stash in your car. A hat for sun (or rain), comfortable shoes and a jacket can be game changers.

Car Resources

As we start to head back into the real world, folks are driving much more than we have in the last couple of years. It’s easy to forget some of the not so obvious details to set yourself up for success. Keep a pair of comfortable sneakers or boots and a coat in your trunk in case of emergency. Shoes are the most important resource as you may not be wearing walkable shoes every day and having the option to change your shoes prior to an unexpected walk can be a real gift.

If you are ready to move on from your puffer, consider moving it to your camping stash rather than giving it away.

Camping, hiking and outdoor activities

I’m a big fan of the outdoors. Full disclosure: I’m less enthusiastic about the clothing. I find that when I wear the traditional North Face gear, I’m uncomfortable because I don’t feel like my authentic self. REI style is not my style and just because I’m in the woods doesn’t change how I feel about that. Fortunately, there’s a great solution for this: transforming clothes that aren’t at their peak into clothing for outdoor activities. A cozy sweater goes from pilled and past it’s prime to super hip for camping. Yes, you’ll want to be cognizant of the proper fabrics for your activity (wicking moisture from your body, staying warm, etc.). That can absolutely be done by combining a few key outdoor essentials with your beloved band t-shirts and jeans.

After you’ve gone through your collection of clothing that is ready to move on and shifted items to these categories, it’s time to donate. Remember, if items have holes or are disintegrating before your eyes, donation isn’t the answer. Not to worry! The landfill isn’t the solution, either. Clothing can be recycled and turned into new pieces. Donate those through my personal favorite: Ridwell, H&M or your local government. In our area, King County Threadcycle can hook you up.

Have so much fun with spring cleaning and as always, let me know how it goes.