Clear Out Your Wardrobe and Make Some Cash

I recently got fed up with the amount of clothes strewn all over my bed and floor — the aftermath of yet another morning lamenting that I had "NOTHING TO WEAR!" when I stumbled upon the epiphany that I would create a capsule wardrobe. While this was a brilliant idea, it meant that I had to get rid of hundreds (literally hundreds, I have a problem) of items of clothing. I wanted to make a little cash while clearing out my closet, as I knew I would be spending money creating my capsule wardrobe (which you can read about in another post linked in my profile).

Here are the winners from my closet cleaning experiment! While there are physical resale and consignment stores still willing to take your trendy items and either give you cash on the spot or mail you a check, there are now many apps and websites where you can sell your clothing, sans middle man that I found much more lucrative.

Poshmark

Poshmark is an easy to use app where you snap a few photos of your items, select a category, name a price, and voila your item is listed for sale! Poshmark takes 20 percent and provides a flat rate shipping label so you don't pay for shipping and there is no need to weigh your items as long as they are under 5 pounds.

It's probably the simplest app I've used thus far! You can follow others' "closets" and share your own, a sort of built-in marketing system. Items must be shipped within seven days of sale, and funds are released once a buyer "accepts" the item or three days after item is delivered.

Funds are available for withdraw via Venmo, direct deposit, or check.

Facebook

Facebook groups specifically geared for buying and selling gently used clothes are becoming increasingly popular. Typically, the groups have a specific price range, are run by one to three moderators, and require payment via PayPal. Pros are that items can be sold instantly and there are no fees with item sold. Cons are that as it is not a traditional selling site, there are not as many safeguards for the seller or the buyer. My favorite group is called, "Mom's $20 and under" — all sizes and brands of women's clothes, as long as it does not go over $20 shipped. If you are looking to buy, you can post an "in search of" post and individuals can reply with pictures and prices of what you're requesting. It's a great way to build your capsule wardrobe!

Vinted

Vinted is a simple app, a lot like Poshmark, although less popular, so items may take a little longer to sell. Vinted takes 19 percent and also provides prepaid shipping labels, pictures, category and price. Withdraw is available via direct deposit or check.

Thredup

Thredup is the largest online consignment/thrift shop. You order a "cleanout kit," a large bag that you fill with the items you want to sell, and ship it to Thredup where they process your order and send you an offer for the items they are willing to buy. They're generally less than you would get selling items directly to customers, but typically faster and definitely less work. Keep in mind the items they do not purchase will either be donated or you have to pay to have them shipped back to you.

You are paid either by PayPal or funds are loaded on a Visa Prepaid card.

Plato's Closet

Plato's Closet is a brick and mortar resale shop that pays you cash on the spot for new and gently used clothes. You will likely earn less than the amount you would make selling to an individual online, but save time and trouble. You can search for the store closest to you here: https://www.platoscloset.com/Locations#us

Style Encore

Style Encore is another physical store, a Plato's Closet for the slightly more mature audience. It is actually owned by the same mother company, Winmark Corporation. Think brands like J. Crew, Talbots, New York and Company etc. You are paid cash on the spot, but you must have photo I.D. on you. Don't be caught without it!

There you go! Make some money so you can rebuild a new wardrobe! Check out my capsule wardrobe post if you need some inspiration, and leave me your tips as well!