When summer rolls around, I love shopping for a new wardrobe and taking plenty of lazy Sundays to myself to restock my wardrobe and to revamp my look. Heading out with my girlfriends for a spot of shopping, closely followed by a few rounds of icy cold ciders in a rooftop bar somewhere, is definitely one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon. Of course, there’s sometimes those weekends when I just cannot push my credit card any further, and when I am totally short on money. On those weekends, I have to bow out of the festivities and take stock at home. When that happens, I do one of two things:
- I get upset and promptly vow that I’m swearing off capitalism forever, only to be up at midnight shopping for dresses online at one of my favourite one retailers.
or
- I take a gung ho approach to the whole thing and set about revamping my wardrobe and my finances with a few impromptu garage sales and eBay sales.
I have found that the most important approach to the whole ‘short on cash’ thing – is to stay positive about it, and to realise that you really don’t need that many clothes, and that it’s far more important to have a nice selection of current faves, than a wardrobe full of ‘classic’ but not worn items. Be daring, be fearless, be bold, and you will reap the rewards. I want to share with you my top four ways to turn your closet into cash this summer so that you can enjoy a whole festive season full of gorgeous outfits and fantastic frocks.
Number one: Go garage
I’m not talking about the garage band thing here, I’m talking about the garage sale. In Melbourne, (where I live) it’s exceedingly common for people to just walk out their front door and onto the street and to set up a clothing rail with some loved but good clothes for passers-by to rummage through and possibly buy. I have had plenty of success, both as a buyer and as a seller, in taking and making here. I highly recommend this method if you:
- Have lots of attractive clothing
- Don’t mind what kind of price you get
- Are happy to sit out on a weekend day and spruik your wares
- Don’t mind bargaining with people face to face
Number two: Go eBay
This old classic. eBay is a great way for you to get some great money for your clothing in a secure place, with plenty of rules. I am a big fan of using eBay to move some of my classic items that are higher ticket, so I use it sometimes. I highly recommend this method if you:
- Want to get a good price for some of your stuff
- Don’t mind waiting for the right buyer
- Hate dealing with people face to face
- Have an eBay account with some good feedback already (as some buyers don’t trust non-validated sellers)
Number three: Go Instagram
This is a great way to sell to a curated audience. Use the #shopmycloset tag to direct people who are looking for clothes to your account, and simply list some of the pieces that you want to sell. This is a great visual tool. Once people bid in the comments section you can process the transaction through PayPal so it’s secure.I highly recommend this if you:
- Have a great selection of cute, current or vintage stuff to sell
- Are happy to post anywhere in the world
Number three: Go suitcase rummage
Have a suitcase rummage with your friends, and for friends who don’t have anything to swap, they can pay for your items. This is a great way to get some of your covetable friends’ styles in your own wardrobe! I highly recommend this if you:
- Have stylish mates
- Don’t mind not getting money for everything
- Are happy to swap your items
Well, I hope that this has been a helpful piece for you. Good luck cashing up this summer!