Instead of allowing these never-to-be-worn-again garments to take up precious space in your closet why not swap them with a friend during a Clothes Swap Party.
The idea is simple. Have each of your friends bring a bag of clothes that are still in good condition to your party. Separate the items by type (i.e. shirts, pants, skirts, coats, purses, etc.) and let your friends shop. No one pays a dime. If you like it and it fits, it’s yours. Everyone brings old clothes and everyone leaves with new clothes!
If this sounds like fun, here are a few tips to help you host your own swap.
1. Make it a party. Hop onto Evite.com and send out an electronic invitation to all your friends. Specify that each person should bring a bag or two of gently used clothes or accessories they are willing to give away. Have your friends bring a bottle of wine or a covered dish with them as well and make an evening out of it!
2. Be considerate. When inviting your friends, make sure to include multiple people from same or similar clothing sizes. There is nothing worse than getting to the party only to find out that the only clothes available are in a size 2 and you are a size 14.
3. Think of your house as a department store. Depending on how close you and your friends are, you may want to set up an area where people can try on clothes. This can be a spare bedroom, bathroom or even a sheet hung up in the corner of the room. Also, don’t forget mirrors. You will want to have one or two full-length mirrors.
4. Don’t get greedy. I know that since everything is free it is tempting to grab it all, but don’t. If you already have five blue sweaters, do you really need that sixth one? Just because items are free doesn’t mean you have to grab everything that is remotely your size.
5. Have a plan for leftovers. Once all your friends have traded clothes and everyone is done shopping, there will inevitably be some items that no one wants. You need to have a plan for these items. You can choose to take them to a church, homeless shelter or Goodwill store. You may even want to put something on your Evite telling your guests that all leftover items will be donated so that everyone is on the same page.
Although cleaning out your closest space is definitely a perk to a Clothes Swap party, it is also a wonderful way for you to go “shopping” for some new clothes without spending a dime. As more and more of us tighten our wallets, we need to find ways like this to have fun, enjoy the company of those around us and get creative with our spending choices.
Jessica Garringer is an avid couponer and bargain hunter. Contact her at JessicaGarringer@gmail.com or visit www.Saver Savvy.wordpress.com.
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