Second hand shopping, thrifting and sustainability.

Table of contents

• What is thrifting ?
• Digital Thrifting and Decluttering.
• Local stores thrifting.
• Sustainability and thrifting.

Hey there, Let’s talk about spring cleaning and thrifting. As a minimalist, this weekend I’m organizing my closet, and decluttering some rooms from stuff I no longer use, including brand new clothes with tags, gently used shoes, some furniture, and kitchen stuff, etc. I will probably go to a goodwill or Salvation Army donation center to take the larger items. And clearly will also go thrifting, You never know what you’ll stumble upon…

What is thrifting ?

In my own terms, thrifting is quite fun. But most importantly, thrifting is a sustainable way to score cool stuff while being kind to the planet and your pockets. It’s like going on a treasure hunt, for new stuff with tags, store samples, corporate donations, and pre-loved goodies waiting to be rediscovered. If you have not tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Thrifting is for everyone, whether you’re on a budget or ballin’ on a budget. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly basics to luxury steals, all in one place. And as usual here are my tips:

Digital Thrifting and Decluttering

Online thrifting

My favorite way to go thrifting is online, I have used platforms like eBay, ThredUp, Poshmark for quite sometime. Some friends have also mentioned Depop but I have not tried it yet. There’s so much to choose from anything from average clothes to vintage designer pieces, you can spend hours scrolling down filling your cart. 

Thankfully, the filters do all the heavy lifting, and in matter of seconds you often get exactly what you envisioned. It’s like having a virtual closet full of unique finds!

The easiest way to do is is by downloading the app and saving your size, and preferences for future times. It will kind of become your own personal shopper…

Before I move on, I forgot to mention that goodwill actually has an online presence. Some stores on eBay, some on its own portal, quite convenient. But it does get competitive with the bidding, I have not won any auctions yet. This usually happens with the luxury vintage items, Channel, Dior, Prada, Gucci. I’m not obsessed with fashion, I look for natural fabrics  rather than logos. but the point is that Goodwill is a treasure trove of hidden gems. 

Online decluttering: reselling and donations 

Now, if you need to do some decluttering, digital tools are also there for your convenience. I usually do it with items that are easy to ship. As I am not comfortable having strangers from Craigslist showing up on my front porch. 

I started back in university reselling my books on eBay and form there, it became part of my spring cleaning ritual for anything that makes sense to ship. The catch is that you have to do all the heavy lifting, list your stuff, be on top of it, look at the offers, and ship it on time…

There is also a ThredUp kit or donation bag that you get via mail, fill it with gently used clothes and forget about, until you get paid. The catch is that you don’t know how much you are getting for your items, and it could be very low. Often times you don’t get anything,  because stuff doesn’t sell, so they donate it to charity. But there are times that you get a credit for future orders. So you decide, ThredUp could make sense for some people, but for others, perhaps it is better to donate to Goodwill. 

Local stores thrifting 

Personal donations

You can also go to the physical thrift stores. Like I am planning to do this weekend. I don’t go very often but the times I have been to the local stores, I have discovered great items including: furniture, a retro lamp and a great Halloween outfit. You never know what you’ll stumble upon; But the best findings are brand new items with tags…

Corporate donations 

 While it varies from company to company, some big brands do donate excess inventory to organizations like Goodwill, a sustainable way of managing excess inventory, and contributing to their communities. And that’s why sometimes you can find store samples, or things that haven’t sold or are no longer in season. 

Additionally,  personal donations to Goodwill provides a second life to gently used clothing. It benefits individuals and and the planet. It’s a win-win sustainable practice that reduces waste and makes fashion more sustainable. So next time you’re on the hunt for something new (or old), consider thrifting. Who knows what treasures you’ll find? Happy hunting!

Sustainability and thrifting

If you go thrifting, look for natural fabrics if possible. It is good for you and the planet. Here are my top choices for comfort and quality but it’s of all the planet.

Natural fabric guide for Warm Weather

The following fabrics are highly breathable, absorbent, and also provide a cooling effect on the body, allowing air circulation. 

• Cotton
• Linen
• Silk
• Bamboo
• Tercel lyocell

Natural fabric list for Cold Weather

The following fabrics are natural and insulating. They are perfect for cold weather as they keep the body warm. They are also comfortable, lightweight, breathable and durable. 

• Wool
• Cashmere (will be a treasure)
• Alpaca