"Out with the old, in with the new" - the quote that has been used in a myriad of occasions. But, I promise, in this scenario, it's used to indicate positive change.
You see, I was never a huge fan of reorganizing my room with a new season, but after moving to my first apartment in New York City, I realized how important "seasonal cleaning" was for me personally. This past weekend, my sister-friends asked me to help me clean my closet. Note that the fact that I didn't ask them to help me, but rather that it was the other way around displayed how special (and one-of-a-kind) these friendships were. In fact, they inspired me to rearrange my closet and let go of clothes that I don't wear anymore, leading me to collect bags of clothes to give away.
After countless hours of rearranging my clothes, the entire couch was covered with scarves, sweaters, and jeans. It was a mess, but a beautiful mess in that I recognized how much my style had transformed. In fact, it was a good transformation because this mirrored me transforming into a stronger and more positive individual. I felt empowered and motivated - change was a good thing and even my clothes were telling me that.
Wondering what to do with these clothes, my roommate and I discovered Buffalo Exchange - a store where you can buy, sell, or trade your clothes for cash or store credit. What was amazing about this store was that the clothes that didn't particularly fit my style anymore were given to a store that promoted a variety of styles. In fact, Buffalo Exchange strives to protect the environment by reusing and recycling clothing. The idea of giving clothes a "second life" supports the idea of preventing clothing pollution. Now, for the process, you ask? It's so easy, it'll make you want to clean out your closet weekly.
The process:
1. Collect all of your clothes in a bag and bring it to the store with a valid photo ID.
2. Get an amount for the price that your clothes will be sold for and then either decide if you want cash back or store credit.
Results: You cleaned your closet, gave back, and allowed your clothes to live a "second life"
It's important to note that not all of the clothes are taken depending on the season. In fact, sometimes, the clothes aren't taken simply because there isn't enough room, not because it isn't wanted. However, there is still another home for the older sweaters and jeans this spring season: East Village Thrift Shop
After stopping by Buffalo Exchange, my roommate and I stopped by the thrift shop named above and gave our other clothes a new home. Needless to say, it was an amazing feeling to be able to give back so easily.
Spring cleaning? I recommend it. Time to say slowly say goodbye to winter this march and head into warmer weather and clearer skies.
For now, though, I'll cherish the cool winter nights where it's socially acceptable to wear sweatpants for the majority of the day.
Websites below for both stores mentioned:
