Last year about this time, I took a good hard look at my closet. There were clothes that I hadn't worn in not only one but probably over two years, there were even pieces that I forgot I had. I never realized just how much stuff I'd accumulated over the years and how much I didn't really use.

My come-to-Jesus moment was when I learned about how my personal decisions affect Mother Earth. If I threw away the clothes I didn't have use for, they would sit in a landfill for up to 40 years. But I had memories with these clothes. They deserved better! The reality is, for example, if it doesn't get sold within 4 weeks at Goodwill, it'll get thrown out (Huff Post). 95% of clothes sitting in landfills could be reused (Walsh). I found some solutions for those trying to de-clutter or minimize their abundance of clothing.

Plato's Closet. If you have one around, or something like it (a higher end Goodwill that will buy back name brand clothes), I'd take advantage! They don't pay you what it's worth by any means and more often than not they don't accept a lot of what you give them but I usually make $30-$40 every trip over there. You keep what they don't buy (which is what I'll get to next)!

ThredUp. ThredUp is an app, sort of like an online Plato's Closet. You order a "clean out" bag and they ship it to your house, completely for free! They keep around 40% of the items you send in and you get paid once they sell. There's an option to pay to have the clothes that they don't keep but they find the need for clothing in larger cities and work with companies to get clothes to kids and even adults in need, for free. You also get a cute little email when something has sold and where it sold to!

DePop. DePop is like ThredUp's edgier older sister. Also an app, you post pictures of items, anything from stickers or clothing, shoes and accessories, or home goods as well! You list your price and people make offers to you which you can accept or decline. This app really gives the seller full control and ensures that you get the price that you're looking for. You can save items that you like to your profile and message with the seller. It's similar to a social media platform if you ask me!

Instagram and the Facebook Market place. Speaking of social media, there are SO many accounts that are set up for thrifting and for people trying to get rid of their old items. People even go thrift shopping for you, post the gems they find, and will ship them to you! Payments are usually over pay pal or Venmo. Using your social media platform is a great way to minimize your stuff!

On the other hand, if you're on a budget but have a shopping list, there's probably someone that already has it and is trying to get rid of it. Happy minimizing!!!!