Tag: thrifting

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A Step-By-Step Guide To Buying Pre-Owned Luxury Handbags

Clair by Rebag: Instant Appraisals for Designer Handbags
A Step-By-Step Guide To Buying Pre-Owned Luxury Handbags

The only thing better than owning a designer handbag is getting one at a discount, however most high-end designers like Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel will never reduce prices. The only other option is to buy pre-owned – and there are many reasons you should! 

Firstly, you can save a lot of money – hundreds or even thousands of dollars off of retail. Buying pre-owned is also the sustainable fashion choice. Finally, the pre-owned market is much more diverse than retail: you have access to many designers in one place, offering different bags from various years and collections. 

You can pick from top designers such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Prada and many more. This gives you the chance to find something truly special, rare and unique – at times, you can even come across something made to special order: 

But buying a pre-owned luxury handbag can be a daunting task. You may be asking yourself: where should I buy one from? How can I tell if the seller is trustworthy? How do I know it’s real? What designer should I choose? 

Seasoned shoppers who know how to navigate the resale market know the answers to these questions and frequently score great deals on high end designer bags and you will too. 

Step 1: How Can I Find a Reputable Place to Shop Designer Bags?

Should I Try auctions?

The biggest mistake is starting with online auction sites – you never truly know what you’re getting, and there is very little buyer protection. In fact, Louis Vuitton was awarded over $60 million in damages from online auction site Ebay, arguing that up to 90% of “Louis Vuitton” bags sold on Ebay were counterfeits. 

And that’s just one designer and one auction website – it is a known fact that the counterfeit industry thrives on knocking off top designer brands and selling the fakes on auction sites. And while there are authentic bags on auction sites, the hassle of sorting through the fakes and the risk of ending up with a fake is hardly worth it. Save your time and your money by avoiding this altogether when shopping pre-owned handbags.  

Instead, look for a dedicated designer resale company that specializes in the procurement, merchandising and sale of second hand designer items. You can also check out the thrift stores in your area. You can get your hands on some designer bags there as well. Check out the thrift store in panama City beach, FL. There are a lot of these companies and each one can offer something unique with their platforms, so be sure to do a little research on which company works best for you. Not all designer resellers are the same, so here is what you should look out for: 

Check if the reseller offers lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Authenticity should be the reseller’s foundation, and many, if not most resellers will have an “authenticity guarantee”. But don’t be fooled! Most of these guarantees are time limited, so if it takes you a few weeks, months or even years to realize it’s a fake, you won’t get your money back. 

You will find only a handful of designer resellers that offer a lifetime authenticity guarantee. As a buyer, you want to always have that peace of mind that your item is truly authentic and not have to wonder after the return period has expired. If, for any reason, you find the item is not authentic, you should be able to return it to the reseller at any time. Codogirl.com was founded on this belief. 

Step 2: How to Choose the Designer That Works Best for Me?

One of the best parts of shopping resale is the variety to pick and choose from. You have the ability to shop handbags from all top designers and many long-discontinued items – the only hard part is choosing just one! 

Consider asking yourself: what do I need this handbag for? Is it for everyday carry? Formal events or date nights? Is it for work? Depending on your taste and purpose, some luxury designer handbags can work better than others.


Discover durable, luxurious everyday carry: 

If you want a luxury handbag that you are not afraid of scratching, Louis Vuitton is without a doubt the best to look for. The monogram canvas tote bags are made from the same ultra-durable material that Louis Vuitton used in their famous luxury travel trunks, which were known to be the highest quality and nearly indestructible. 

Louis Vuitton bags come in a variety of styles, colors and materials. For a more subdued look, the classic LV monogram or Damier print canvas are excellent choices, but if you want a conversation starter, you can consider the rare Multicolore canvas edition designed by Takashi Murakami – available exclusively on the resale market as they are no longer in production. 

Step 3: How Much Can I Save Buying Pre-Owned?


You can save anywhere between 20 and 70% buying pre-owned. But some pre-owned bags are more expensive than new.

A lot of people ask themselves – how much money can I save buying a bag pre-owned? The short answer: a lot. However, like buying any luxury item pre-owned, the price depends on a number of factors too. For example, pre-owned can also mean unused, therefore a Birkin bag that is clearly unworn can cost just as much on the pre-owned market as it would retail, if not more, due to such high demand and little supply. 

If the handbag was pre-loved, price depends on the condition first and foremost, and then also on the rarity of the handbag, the color and style (whether it is trending or not). For example, the rarer exotic skin Hermes Birkins typically cost a lot more than “regular” Birkins, even if they are worn. If the bag is in a highly desirable color – like, say, a Chanel Classic Flap in beige or black – then it is likely to cost more on the resale market than less sought after colors. 

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Thrift Stores

Thrifting 101

Tips for Thrifting During the Coronavirus
Thrifting 101

Thrifting is a fun way to shop for unique pieces that not many other people have. It may take multiple trips, but it’s all worth it when you find that one vintage item for $5 that you know will get you tons of compliments.

Thrifting is not for the faint of heart.  It’s not made for convenience or a quick find. There are no mannequins or models showcasing the items being sold, which leaves you on your own to dig through the racks to find those hidden pieces of treasure. However, that’s the part that I love the most about thrifting.

Thrifting makes you work for what you want, which only adds to the excitement and pride you feel when finding those special items. When you walk into any thrift store or consignment shop, you have full reign and freedom without the pressure from aggressive sales associates.

Shopping second hand is a great way for you to shop ethically and sustainably. Some of the best Thrifting 101 rules are to find inspiration, keep an open mind, and be realistic with each find. The hope is that this post will help you on your thrifting journey, whether you are just starting out or a veteran thrifter looking to find a new method.

The thrifting trend, however, was jump started as the popularity of individuality began to rise. Many young adults found themselves low on cash, convicted by the dangers of fast fashion, yet wanting to express themselves. This led them to two main choices, indulging in fast fashion, or embarking on the journey of shopping secondhand.

Fast fashion, while keeping up with the trends in a cost-efficient way, comes with many side effects. While shopping at many department stores like Forever 21 and H&M is convenient, many of these companies source their items from labor factories overseas. These factories often utilize unsafe working conditions that take advantage of their workers.

Once you embark on the anti-fast fashion pursuit, it is easy to be overwhelmed or confused. Shopping from sustainable and ethical brands can be expensive, but not knowing what to do when you walk into a Goodwill or consignment shop can be even more daunting.

For me, the journey to a sustainable fashion lifestyle has been a long process. I started off spending way too much at thrift stores. I would come home with anything that looked interesting, ending up with way too many clothes that I wasn’t excited to wear. I quickly realized my new habit was not efficient.

I needed to find key pieces that fit my style that could be worn in multiple outfits. While it is so easy to want to take home that one of a kind, bedazzled, lavender grandma sweater, how many times are you actually going to reach for it when you’re getting ready in the morning?

Here are the top three tips that have helped me the most when hunting for the perfect find:

Before I even enter the store, I start by doing research and compiling a bunch of photos for inspiration. Pinterest has become my best friend for collecting all the outfits I want to recreate, while also helping me stay up to date with any new trends. Preparing to yourself to thrift with inspiration puts yourself in a good mindset to look for certain items to match those pictures.

One thing I have learned from thrifting is the art of scanning through the racks. It is best to keep in mind certain colors and textures that you like best. This will save you an immense amount of time and help you not feel too overwhelmed by the large amounts of clothes.

My second tip is to keep an open mind. This is the perfect place for you to find something out of your comfort zone since the prices are so low. Using your Pinterest inspiration, find things you’ve never tried before!  Every store is different so don’t be discouraged when you visit one and it isn’t anything like you expected. Each place may have a few gems, but they may also be drowning in large amounts of old raggedy t-shirts and stained jackets.

If you see anything with the smallest amount of potential, pick it up and try it on. You don’t ever want to miss out on a good find by closing off your options and being narrow-minded. You also will never find golden pieces every visit. There may be several times where you walk out empty handed, and that is totally okay.

Lastly, be realistic with yourself. Stay open-minded but ask yourself, “am I really going to wear this or put it to use?” You need to be brutally honest. If there is no way you can fix it up to make it look good on you, then leave it for someone else to find. A key point is to be sure you’re sticking to your size range. You may start trying to convince yourself you’ll just get those Levi’s 501s that are three sizes too big altered, but we all know they’ll sit in your closet for weeks before you even remember you bought them.

It is pointless for you to shop second hand, but then waste it by never using those purchases. Use your inspiration to help gauge whether that item will execute the vision you have in your head. You will know when something strikes your eye and is worth purchasing. A key tip is to see if you can style a piece you like in 3 different outfits from your own closet. A closet full of niche items is no closet at all.

Overall, thrifting is great for any person balling on a budget. It may be time consuming, but it is so fun and rewarding. You’ll quickly learn you don’t need a lot of money to make your visions come to life. Now, go off and start searching for those gems at thrift shops in Lebanon, TN. You got this!

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Thrift Stores

Tips for Thrifting Like a Pro

Tips And Fabrics To Avoid In Your Thrift Store Hunt
Tips for Thrifting Like a Pro

Thrifting is a fun and easy way to approach your wardrobe mindfully and sustainably without sacrificing style. It’s also budget-friendly. But when you’re a beginner, thrifting can be super daunting. That’s why I had three experts share their top thrifting tips to get you started.

Thrifting requires different strategies than shopping online. Clicking around on a website is a lot easier than going through rack upon rack of clothing in person. But that’s one of the best—and most rewarding—parts of thrifting: It’s a challenge, and you never know what you’re going to spot on.

I reached out to some thrifting pros to find out how they approach shopping at the thrift shops in Lebanon, TN. When you use their thrifting tips, you’re bound to have a great experience.

The Best Thrifting Tips, According to the Pros

Tip 1: Research and Shop Local

If you’re new to thrifting, Tyler Chanel of Thrifts and Tangles says to start off by finding fan-favorite thrift stores. “Do a quick Yelp search or Google search to find the top-ranked thrift stores in your area,” she says. “If you’re new to thrifting, these thrift stores are typically more organized and easier to navigate.” By visiting a locally-owned thrift store, you’re also supporting your neighbors and putting money back into your community.

Tip 2: Start a “Thrift Wishlist”

Trish from Trish Stitched recommends creating a “thrift Wishlist” filled with inspiration from your favorite websites and fashion bloggers. Create a board on Pinterest, or a mood board to hang on your wall. That way, anytime you’re out thrifting, you can keep an eye out for specific items you already know you’ll love. That also ensures you’re not overconsuming and only bringing home things you need.

Tip 3: Become a Regular

If you’re often left discouraged after thrifting, you’re probably just not going enough. Dina Younis of Dina’s Days says her biggest piece of advice is becoming a regular at your local thrift stores. “Go often. Stock changes daily—multiple times a day,” she says. “But that’s not the only reason why you should go often. Going often helps you become more comfortable navigating a thrift store, too.”

That’s right: Thrifting is a skill. Like a muscle, you need to repeatedly work it to watch it grow. While you’re there, take your time scanning through the items and you’re bound to find something that catches you eye. Before you know it, you’ll be going home with the thrift finds of your dreams.

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Thrift Stores

Fashion But Make It Sustainable

How Technology can Help Make Fashion Sustainable?
Fashion but make it sustainable

With fashion weeks taking place around the world, fashionistas everywhere wait to see what trends will pop up this season. However, the question that has been looming over these events year after year is: how sustainable is the clothing industry? In this blog, I’ll discuss sustainable fashion and how you can make a difference with what you choose to put in your wardrobe. 

What is Sustainable Fashion?

To be sustainable, is to be long-lasting and durable. “Fast fashion” a term used to dub brands like Forever 21 and Primark, sell cheaply-made clothes that are only meant to last one season. What’s more, the small cost of the garments to the customer is often at the expense of the wage and working conditions of the sewers. 

Sustainable fashion does not only concern itself with the quality of fabric, but also with the ecological integrity and environmental factors that surround its manufacturing. 

Of course, it is important to note that it is a privilege to be able to be sustainable. Eco-friendly brands are often expensive and inaccessible to lower-income individuals and families. However, I do have some tips and tricks for anyone who wants to make more conscious decisions about their shopping choices.

How Can You Be More Sustainable?

Shop Locally 

Not only does shopping locally mean supporting your community, it also can stand your fashion out from the crowd. Research boutiques in your area and see if they have any items that catch your eye. 

Thrift Stores/Charity Shops

This is a great option for people on a budget. While it does take a bit of sifting to strike gold, thrift shops in Destin, FL are a great place to refresh your closet and continue the cycle of sustainable fashion. What’s more, you can use your shopping trip as an opportunity to donate any clothes that you no longer wear! Have something that doesn’t quite fit? If you have the extra dough, or the sewing skills, you can always get a garment tailored. 

The Wearability Test

Sometimes, we can’t help but be sucked into a good deal. If this is the case, first try to do your research on the brand and their ethics. Then, ask yourself if you’d wear the item more than 30 times? If the answer is yes — you’ve just upgraded your wardrobe. But if it’s no, maybe it’s best not to invest in this piece of clothing just yet. 

Take Care of the Clothes You Do Buy

The tag on your t-shirt is there for a reason: to give you instructions on how it should be washed and cared for. Well-kept clothes will last longer and can be staples in your closet for years and years!

Consider Making Your Own Fashion

You don’t have to make a ball gown right away, but designing and creating your own clothes is a great way to ensure sustainability. With mask mandates still in effect, manufacturing your own reusable masks is a great way to look fashionable while also reducing the amount of waste that litters our environment! 

Remember a little choice can go a long way, and every conscientious decision helps!

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Thrift Stores thrifting

FIVE WAYS TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME FOR THE NEW YEAR

How to Make Decluttering Easier and Learn to Let Things Go | Real Simple
Five ways to declutter you home for the new year

Out with the old and in with the new! It is time to declutter your home for the new year! Deciding what items should be kept and what needs to be donated is challenging with so many rooms.

CREATE A PURPOSEFUL ENTRYWAY 

Since the entryway is the first thing people see when they walk into your door, make a great first impression. Often this space ends up becoming a piling ground for everyday items. Create a useful entryway by removing unnecessary items and using storage containers. Here is a list of items to declutter from this space: 

  • Unworn shoes
  • Extra coats and jackets
  • Umbrellas
  • Unused tote bags
  • Piled mail 
  • Seasonal items 

DECLUTTER YOUR LIVING ROOM BOOKSHELVES AND COFFEE TABLES

Living rooms are one of the most versatile rooms. They can be used as offices, entertainment and playrooms. This causes extra items to pile up and cause clutter. To keep a space clean and functional, remove unnecessary items and donate them to a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL. Check out some things to declutter from your living space: 

  • Unwatched movies
  • Books 
  • Old magazines 
  • Kids toys 
  • Extra blankets 
  • Unfunctional furniture
  • Lamps 
  • Outdated pillows 
  • Decor 

MINIMIZE YOUR COOKWARE

One of the tips to declutter your home is to tackle your cluttered kitchen cabinets. As the year went by, you probably threw things in it without thinking about it and winded up with multiple items. Maximize your kitchen space by removing items that are the same, no longer used or mismatched. These are some items to remove from your cabinets or pantry: 

  • Unused small kitchen appliances
  • Extra tupperware 
  • Kitchen gadgets
  • Used baking ware
  • Outdated kitchen decor 
  • Coffee mugs and cups 
  • Utensils 
  • Unopened cookbooks

FRESHEN UP THE BATHROOM 

One of the most important tips to declutter your home is not to forget your bathroom! Organizing your bathroom can save you time and frustration. The bathroom can end up accumulating extra stuff that has no purpose in there. Create a functional bathroom by sorting out all the unnecessary items into a donate or toss box. Here is a list of things to declutter from your bathroom: 

  • Extra towels
  • Expired makeup and locations
  • Hair accessories
  • Unused beauty appliances
  • Decor items that do not fit your style

CLEAN OUT THE CLOSETS

The closets in your home can get jam packed with clothing that was bought and never worn. Make extra room for all the new clothes that you plan to buy for yourself or family members by removing unused clothes. Start by removing these items from your closet: 

  • Clothes that no longer fit
  • Clothes that were only worn once
  • Unworn shoes 
  • Extra accessories 
  • Seasonal clothes
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Thrift Stores

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LEFTOVER ESTATE SALE ITEMS?

What Do You Do After the Estate Sale?
What to do with your leftover estate sale items?

Estate sales are a convenient way to sell large amounts of items in a small period of time. However, planning one is not a walk in the park. There is a lot to consider, like what items will be on sale, which days will you hold it, who will host it and what happens to estate sale leftovers? 

WHAT IS AN ESTATE SALE?

Estate sales are a way to sell all or most of the home’s items. These sales usually last between two to three days. Think of this sale as a large yard or garage sale. 

People tend to hold estate sales before a move, when a family member dies, divorce, bankruptcy or downsizing. The profits of an estate sale usually go to the owners, banks, charities or family members of the deceased. 

HOW DOES AN ESTATE SALE WORK

The first step to hosting an estate sale is choosing the location. Will you host it in your house or a family member’s property? This sale can be hosted by yourself, family members or a company you hired. Next, you need to decide which items you are going to sell, price the items and take inventory of them.

On the day of the estate, give people a number to come into the property. Limiting the number of people avoids overcrowding and allows you to help the people better. Once people are inside the property, they can browse and shop. 

If they find items they want to purchase, they must carry items until they are ready to pay. For things that are too large to hold, customers will let you know they want to buy them, so you can mark them as sold. 

People can also place bids on items that they do not want to pay the marked price on. Bids are placed at the end of the sale. However, items can be sold if people are willing to pay a marked price. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO ESTATE SALE LEFTOVERS

You can toss or recycle items

When sorting through your estate sale leftovers, ask yourself if the items work or if you should gift them? If you say, no to both questions, then toss or recycle items. You should only toss items that are not recyclable. Tossing items in landfills, like appliances and electronics, are harmful to the environment.  Check your local recycling center to see which items they accept. 

You schedule a donation pick up

If you did find items that are worth donating to a thrift store, schedule a donation pick up from thrift shop in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. This service is available by certain thrift stores. It saves you the time having to rent a truck to take items to donation bins. Before scheduling your donation pick up, make sure all items are packed and bagged. That will make it easier for donation drivers to load items. Also, be sure to check to see which items are accepted by thrift stores. 

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL THRIFT SHOPPING TIPS

5 Tips for Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget | FamilyApp
BACK-TO-SCHOOL THRIFT SHOPPING TIPS

Did you know that August is Back-to-School Month? This whole month is dedicated to preparing kids, parents and teachers for the new school year. This process includes meeting teachers and tackling that shopping list. 

When shopping for back-to-school this year, do not forget about the value that thrift shops in Santa Rosa Beach, FL can offer. Here is why you should do back-to-school shopping at thrift stores and what items you can find there.

WHY SHOULD YOU BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOP AT THRIFT STORES? 

Back-to-school shopping can be expensive, especially if you have a few kids returning to school. The good news is that thrift stores can help you save money and still get high-quality items. These kinds of stores have affordable prices and even offer special sales. You can even find high-quality items that will withstand whatever your kids are doing at school.

Another reason to thrift back-to-school essentials is to help save the environment. Your kids outgrow clothes very quickly. That means your kids might only get a couple of months of wear out of their clothes before having to buy new ones. Thrift stores allow you to donate your kids’ clothes and buy new ones. Donating instead of tossing unwanted clothes helps reduce textile waste and the demand for new clothes. 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ITEMS YOU CAN FIND AT THRIFT STORES

Clothing

Kids grow fast, which means there is a high chance your kids’ clothes from last year will no longer fit them. Buying your kid a whole new wardrobe for school can be expensive, instead of paying full price for clothes that their kids will outgrow in a year, thrift them. 

Thrift stores Independence Missouri locations carry a full range of kids’ clothes. These stores have clothes for everyone, from the tiny preschooler to the graduating senior. Here is a list of clothing you can find at thrift stores: 

  • Jeans
  • T-shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Hoodies 
  • Jackets
  • Shorts 
  • Skirts
  • Dresses

Shoes 

Just as fast as kids grow out of their clothes, they can also outgrow their shoes. Kids need to have shoes that fit them correctly otherwise, this will cause discomfort, poor development or foot problems. Buying a new pair of shoes can also be expensive. 

The good news is thrift stores carry kids’ shoes at an affordable price. They have comfy tennis shoes for everyday wear, flats for picture day and even boots for those chilly autumn days. Do not forget to also bring in those pairs of shoes that no longer fit your kid.

Books 

Reading is an important part of a kid’s development, especially if they are just learning. It takes a lot of practice for them to develop this skill. That is why experts recommend that your kids spend at least 20 minutes a day reading. To keep your kids excited about reading, you need more books. You can find lots of affordable books at thrift stores. They have books for all reading levels. 

Desks

Whether your kid is doing remote schooling or going to a classroom, they will need somewhere to do their homework. Creating a workspace for your kid will help them stay focused and increase their productivity. If your kid does not have their space, create one for them with thrifted furniture. Thrift stores carry inexpensive pieces of furniture like tables, desks and chairs you can use to create a workspace.

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Thrift Stores Uncategorized

A GUIDE TO THRIFTING FOR DESIGNER HANDBAGS

17th Ave's Consignment Shopping - Discover Calgary's 17th Ave SW
A GUIDE TO THRIFTING FOR DESIGNER HANDBAGS

You can never have too many purses! They come in all sizes, colors and styles to complete your outfit and help you carry everything. Although they are an essential part of some people’s wardrobe, they can be a tad pricey – especially those designer bags. 

If you love the designer look but not the price, head to thrift shops in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Here I will share why thrifting designer bags are beneficial for your wallet and environment. 

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY BAGS SECOND HAND?

Buying handbags second hand not only saves you money but also the environment. Whether you decide to purchase a brand new genuine leather or nylon purse, it affects the environment. The fashion industry is considered to be the second-largest polluter, only being surpassed by the oil industry. 

To make one genuine leather bag requires cattle. These animals are raised in mass ranches that take many natural resources – like water and land. Many trees are cleared to make room for pastures. Removing trees leaves many other animals without natural habitats.

One of the trending bags right now is bags made out of nylon. Although they are very cute and trendy, these bags have negative impacts on the environment. First off, nylon is a non-biodegradable material – this means that if these bags are tossed, they can remain in landfills forever. 

Secondly, nylon releases microplastics into the oceans when they are washed. Once in the sea, tiny aquatic creatures may ingest them. This can lead to microplastics making their way through the food chain and reaching us humans. 

By thrifting designer bags, you are helping reduce the demand for new products and reducing pollution into the environment. 

THRIFTING DESIGNER HANDBAGS TIPS

Check current trends

The good thing about trends is that they always make a return. Thrift stores have handbags from all decades and styles. Not sure what is trending? Draw inspiration from social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. 

Know the classics

If you are not looking for trendy pieces, look for purses with classic designs. These kinds of handbags will always be in style, no matter the trend. How do you know which purses are classic? Look at the design of iconic designer bags that are always in style. Some of the most popular handbags of all time are: 

  • Louis Vuitton Speedy 
  • Chanel 2.55 
  • Hermes Birkin
  • Celine Luggage 
  • Lady Dior 
  • Balenciaga City

Search for high-quality materials

When thrifting for handbags, be sure to look at the material of it. If you want a handbag that will look good for years, look for one made out of genuine leather. To find bags made out of leather, check the tags and know the look of leather. Genuine leather handbags will have slightly uneven stitching. Fake leather will have seamless stitching. 

Inspect the handbag

If you find a bag that you love at a thrift store, inspect it for damage. You want to check to see if it has any scratches, marks, broken pieces or missing parts. You can then decide if the bag is worth the purchase. 

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Thrift Stores

How To Help a Friend Declutter Their Home

10 Creative Ways to Declutter Your Home
How To Help a Friend Declutter Their Home

Everyone needs a little help once in a while, especially when things start to pile up and life gets more stressful. A common stressor that many people deal with is taking care of their homes—a task that can fall by the wayside when other matters come up. If you decide to help a good friend or family member clean up their home, you certainly understand the meaning of kindness. Whether it’s a small amount of help or you need to step in for someone struggling with hoarding tendencies, here’s how to best help a friend declutter their home.

Ask the Right Questions

It’s important to remember that you are there to help your friend, not dictate what they need to do. Asking the right questions can help you understand what your friend’s goals are for decluttering. The right questions can also help them see that they don’t need to keep everything. Here are a few questions to keep in mind:

  • When was the last time you used this?
  • Do you need more than one of these?
  • Does this have special significance to you?
  • Would you really miss this item if it were gone?

Present Multiple Options

Everyone works differently, especially when it comes to maintaining their own house. Again, if you want to help a friend declutter their home, it’s best to do it in the method they would prefer. Maybe they want to get everything out in the open before they start going through everything. Maybe they would prefer to go section by section. Tell them you’re ready for however they would prefer to declutter and that you’ll be there no matter what.

Have Disposal Plans

Knowing what to do with all the extra junk is half the battle. You can toss items in the trash if they are broken, not useful in any way and only take up space. However, don’t discount everything right away. You might find a valuable they would wish to sell rather than throw away. A lot of things that people want to get rid of, especially things like clothes or household items, make great donations for others to use.

Don’t Push Past Too Many Limits

Decluttering can be both physically and mentally draining. Especially if your friend has a serious problem with clutter, they may not be able to start right away. There’s nothing wrong with pushing them to go a little further than they want to initially, but they might be flat out uncomfortable with going past a certain point. Make sure to understand these boundaries as you help clean up. Keep in mind that although it may be stressful at first, they will feel so much better after they get their home in order.

You helped out a friend with decluttering and now you have lots of stuff for donations, the thrift stores in Santa Rosa Beach, FL will gladly accept the gently used items to help those in need and to benefit their charity partners. You can improve your friend’s life by decluttering and help someone else with your donation in the process.

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Thrift Stores

The Most Useful Items To Donate in the Summer

Charity Tax Deductions (What Counts as a Contribution?) | The TurboTax Blog
The Most Useful Items To Donate in the Summer

The heat is on its way, and unfortunately, not everyone can handle it equally. With summer rearing its head towards us, it’s time to consider those whose struggles don’t stop when the weather gets nicer. Donations are a huge help in making sure that those who have trouble getting what they need are taken care of. I am going to go over some of the most useful items to donate in the summer so you can start to gather up your donations.

Although some of these items are needed all year round, there are a few special items that could benefit someone in the summer. It’s good to have a stock of items like these so shelters don’t run out of them halfway through the season.

Toiletries

Definitely a category of items that would be useful to donate all throughout the year, we can’t forget how important certain toiletries are to our daily lives and how some people have to go without them. Things such as deodorants, dental care products, feminine hygiene products, and more are all sorely needed. These kinds of items are the perfect thing to pick up on sale so you can get extras for cheap. When you need to restock, go that one step further and pick up an extra for someone who maybe can’t afford it right now.

Socks and Undergarments

Just because someone is down on their luck doesn’t mean they deserve to be uncomfortable. In a lot of places, socks and undergarments are some of the most requested items because of how essential they are to daily living. With the summer comes heat, and with heat comes sweat that can make people burn through clothing much quicker than normal. Remember that if you want to donate items like socks and undergarments, they need to be brand-new and in their original packaging. You can donate a lot of items used, but these two things specifically should be in mint condition for sanitary purposes.

Transportation

Something that a lot of people don’t consider is how difficult it can be to pick yourself back up when you can’t get anywhere. Whether you need to get to a faraway job, travel to an interview, or just go to the grocery store, transportation is just one more thing a lot of us take for granted. You obviously don’t need to go out and buy another car, but it’s possible you have another mode of transportation that someone could use. Bicycles and scooters can make such a big difference to someone’s life, even if those items are a bit aged. Having a reliable way to get around can have a huge impact.

School Supplies

Not many people think of school in the summer, but the break only lasts so long. Many schools rely on donations to have the supplies they need to teach children come fall. It’s never too early to pick up some extra school supplies and donate them to a school near you, especially when they’re on sale. The earlier these schools receive these donations, the earlier they can make their budgets for the year, so it does help to donate early.

Warm Weather Clothing

Some of the most useful items to donate in the summer are warm weather clothes. Just like how people need thick jackets and blankets in the winter, people without shelter need to be able to handle the heat. Whether you’re cleaning out your closet or perusing a thrift store, keep an eye out for breathable clothing suitable for the intense heat. Your donation could save someone a lot of misery when they can’t find a place to stay. Always remember to check old clothing for quality before you donate it. Clothing with rips or holes in it won’t be very useful to anybody.

Sunscreen

Another essential item for people lacking proper shelter in the summer is good sunscreen. High SPF sunscreen can go a long way towards not just keeping someone safe in the summer, but keeping them healthy as well. Sun exposure is a problem for people without a place to retreat to. Try to imagine if you had to be outside all day long in the sun without sunscreen, and you’ll probably understand why this is a useful item to donate.

First-Aid Equipment

First-aid equipment isn’t only needed in the summertime, but it’s obviously always a useful item to donate. People impacted by homelessness often don’t have a lot of options for medical care. Even simple items like bandages and disinfectants are things that we always seem to have on hand, but we never consider how bad it would be if we needed them and didn’t have them. Any first-aid equipment that you plan to donate should be completely sealed in its original packaging if you want it to actually find its way to someone in need.

Boxes and Bags

For people that lack a concrete place to live or stay, they are often on the move a lot of the time. This requires them to have a way to transport their important items from place to place safely. Sturdy boxes and quality bags can be quite useful to these people that need to travel around a lot. Certain places will take boxes and bags off your hands and repurpose them for people who need the extra storage space.

Non-Perishable Food

Especially in the summer, food can go bad very quickly if it’s not kept at the proper temperature. That’s why it’s so important that we donate non-perishable food items. Food that doesn’t need a refrigerator or freezer will be much more useful to someone who doesn’t have those things. The longer the shelf life, the better for these items. Much of this food goes to local food banks that need to be able to store products for a long time. If you really want to go the extra mile, try to donate food that has more nutritional value than your average canned item.

When you need a donation pick-up service that’s fast and efficient, thrift store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is the option to opt for. They’ll gladly come to pick up your donations whenever it’s convenient for you.

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