What to do with your Clothing you no Longer Want

Title: What to Do With Clothes You No Longer Want: 4 Smart, Sustainable Options

Meta Description:
Wondering what to do with clothes you no longer want? Discover 4 smart, sustainable ways to declutter your closet—from selling on Poshmark to recycling with Trashie.

Intro:

Cleaning out your closet can feel incredibly freeing. Whether you're embracing a minimalist lifestyle, changing seasons, or just tackling a much-needed decluttering project, parting ways with clothing you no longer wear is a smart move. But once the piles start forming, a common question arises: What do I do with all these clothes I don’t want anymore?

The good news is, your unwanted clothing doesn’t have to go to waste—or straight to a landfill. In this guide, we’ll explore four practical, sustainable, and sometimes even profitable ways to give your old clothes a new life. From selling online to recycling responsibly, here’s how to clean out your closet the right way.

1. Sell Your Clothing Online for Extra Cash

One of the best ways to get rid of gently-used clothes is to sell them. If your clothing is in good condition—think free of stains, rips, or excessive wear—then there’s a good chance someone else will want it.

Top Platforms to Try:

• Poshmark: Great for trendy, designer, or brand-name items. Simply snap a few photos, write a quick description, and list your item in minutes. Poshmark even provides prepaid shipping labels when your item sells. They do take a commission of 20%.

• ThredUp: If you want a more hands-off approach, ThredUp is a good. Order a Clean Out Kit, fill it with your items, and send it back. ThredUp handles the listing, selling, and shipping for you. It's definitely great for those looking to declutter clothing quickly and not looking for a big payout.

Pro Tips:

• Focus on in-season items (people shop for sweaters in winter, swimsuits in summer).

• Be honest about the condition and include clear photos.

• Bundle items by brand or category for quicker sales.

Selling your clothes isn’t just a way to make extra money—it also helps keep garments out of landfills and extends the life of your wardrobe pieces.

I have been selling on Poshmark for about 8 years now, it is definitely my favorite place to sell clothes. I have tried other apps and websites that are similar but I feel that Poshmark is the most user friendly and simple to use. It does take a little bit of time to take photos and list descriptions but you can set your own price which is something ThredUp doesn't allow you do do. Poshmark just introduced a new consignment feature where they send you a bag and you fill it up and they take care of the rest. I'm excited to try this feature soon, I will let you know how my experience goes once I give it a try.

ThredUp has just announced their new feature called Direct Listing. I have't tried it yet but it looks to be similar to Poshmark set up.

• If you would like to try out Poshmark and get $10 off your 1st order: Referral link

• If you would like to try ThredUp and get 45% off plus free shipping: Referral link

2. Recycle Unwearable Clothes Responsibly

Not all clothing is sellable. Torn, stained, or heavily worn items probably won't find a new home through resale—but that doesn't mean they should go in the trash. Textiles are incredibly recyclable, and several programs are designed to help you dispose of them properly.

How to Recycle Clothes:

• Trashie.com: This sustainable recycling platform lets you send in your unwearable clothes to be responsibly recycled or repurposed. Trashie rewards you with "TrashieCash" to use toward eco-friendly brands, giving your trash some surprising treasure.

• Local Recycling Programs: Many cities now offer textile recycling drop-off points. Look for municipal recycling centers, donation bins, or even local retailers with clothing recycling programs.

• Retailer Take-Back Programs: Big names like H&M, Levi’s, and The North Face offer in-store textile recycling bins. Some even give you discounts or store credit when you recycle your clothes with them.

What Can Be Recycled:

• Worn-out t-shirts, socks, underwear

• Old linens, towels, or fabric scraps

• Clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, or denim

Recycling helps divert millions of pounds of textiles from landfills each year. It's a small step with a big impact for the planet.

Trashie is definitely my top pick when it comes to recycling clothing. You buy a bag and they mail it to you and then you fill it up with the items. They show how much you divert from landfills and how much water you save which is pretty cool. I love how Trashie takes shoes as well as clothing and linens.

• If you would like to try Trashie grab $5 off your 1st order : referral link

3. Donate to Local Thrift Stores and Charities

Another eco-conscious and community-focused option is to donate your unwanted clothes. Thrift stores, shelters, and nonprofit organizations are often in need of gently-used clothing for people in need.

Where to Donate:

• Local Thrift Stores: Try to donate items to a true local/community thrift before donating to Goodwill, Salvation Army

• Women’s and Family Shelters: Many shelters are in constant need of clean, usable clothing—especially items like coats, shoes, and children’s wear.

• Churches and Community Centers: These often hold clothing drives or accept donations directly.

Donation Guidelines:

• Wash all items beforehand

• Avoid donating anything ripped, stained, or with missing parts (such as zippers or buttons)

• Sort items by category—this helps volunteers process them more quickly

Bonus: donating your clothes is usually tax-deductible—just make sure to get a receipt if you're dropping off at a registered nonprofit.

4. Offer to Friends or Family First

Sometimes, the best place to give your unwanted clothing a second life is a little closer to home. Before you start bagging items up for donation or resale, ask around—friends, family, and neighbors might love to take some things off your hands.

Ideas for Sharing:

• Host a mini clothing swap with friends. Everyone brings what they no longer want and leaves with something “new.”

• Ask younger siblings, cousins, or neighbors if they want to “shop” your closet.

• Use local social media groups like Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing Groups to gift items.

Not only does this method ensure your clothes go to someone who needs or appreciates them, but it can also be a fun, budget-friendly way to connect with your circle.

Why You Should Think Twice Before Tossing

Over 11 million tons of textiles end up in U.S. landfills each year. Most of this waste comes from fast fashion and overconsumption. When you toss clothes in the trash, they take years—sometimes decades—to decompose, releasing harmful greenhouse gases in the process.

Choosing any of the options above not only helps you maintain an organized, clutter-free space—it also reduces environmental impact and contributes to a circular fashion economy.

Closet Clean-Out Checklist

As you work through your wardrobe, keep this simple checklist in mind:

✅ Is the item in good condition? → Sell it
✅ Is it worn or stained? → Recycle it
✅ Would someone in need benefit? → Donate it
✅ Would a friend or family member love it? → Gift it
✅ Is it trash? → Only as a last resort

Taking a few extra steps can keep your clothes out of landfills and in circulation where they belong.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning out your closet is more than a chore—it’s a chance to reset your space and your mindset. Whether you're making room for a capsule wardrobe, preparing for a season change, or just trying to declutter your life, what you do with your unwanted clothing matters.

By selling, recycling, donating, or gifting, you can make more sustainable choices, help others, and feel great knowing your clothes have a second life ahead of them.

Ready to get started?
Set aside a Saturday, grab a donation bin, and start sorting. You’ll feel lighter, and the planet will thank you! Check out my Closet Organization blog post to find the best storage solutions for your closet space.

*article contains referral links where I would receive a small commission