out with the old.

No, we're not talking about pets, siblings, spouses, or elderly family members.

CLOTHES. All those CLOTHES. You know, the ones you haven't worn yet this season and aren't planning to? I have two possible solutions to your problem.

1. GIVE THEM ALL AWAY.

2. EBAY.

Ok, there are really three options here.

3. EBAY & GIVE THE REST AWAY.

There is no reason to hang onto clothes you are NOT going to wear. Chances are, if you have not worn the item this winter/fall, you probably did not wear it last winter/fall. Take it off the hanger and put it in one of two piles (if you are following option #3--which I recommend).

How do I know if it will sell on Ebay or if I should just send it to Goodwill?!?!?!?! HELP!

Ok. Calm down.

Ebay things from places like these:

-Anthropologie
-GAP
-J. Crew
-Banana Republic
-Ann Taylor
-Ann Taylor LOFT
-Designer ANYTHING

Goodwill things from these places:

-Target
-Old Navy
-Walmart

Ok. Now that you've got your two piles. Let's determine the "worth" of your items in your Ebay pile (aka the lowest price you are willing to accept for it without crying).

-Sign onto Ebay (obviously make an account if you don't already have one)
-Search for other items like yours.

For example:

I have a sweater that I bought at Anthropologie. It's made by Moth. It's brown lace. I'm going to search "anthropologie moth lace" and see what pops up. It turns out, that there are two other people (how dare them) selling the SAME sweater I want to sell. SO, when it comes time to price my sweater, I price it lower than these two people, but still in the same ballpark.

Ok, now that you've searched, take photos of the items you want to list on Ebay.

Upload those photographic works of art.

Start listing!

WAIT!!! What info do I put in my listing?!?! Wah!

I suggest that you check out other items similar to your own and see what information those sellers are providing.

Shipping. Fun times. If it's one single clothing item, I like to go with USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Envelope option. I charge $6/$7--I always add a delivery confirmation number. Always save your proof of shipment--at least for a month or two.

You should know that there is a listing fee (unless Ebay is running some kind of promo) depending on the price you are listing your item for. These fees are usually around $1/item.

There is also a "sold" fee--this is roughly 10% of your profit.

So, give it a try--you will be AMAZED at what people will pay for your gently used (or even new) items!!

And, if your items don't sell, try changing the price or go ahead and haul them over to Goodwill.

Good luck!

I leave you with some things I listed today....


Ann Taylor LOFT Animal Print Dress




GAP Striped Sweaters




Anthropologie Moth Cashmere Blend Cardigan