Have you ever looked into your closet and wondered why you’ve held on to your old clothes that you haven’t worn in years?
If so, you’re far from alone. With the rise of fast fashion, Americans are buying more clothing than ever — and this clothing only has a limited lifespan in our wardrobes.
If you’re looking to get rid of your unused or off-trend clothes this spring, you might be wondering where these clothes should go. Many people put them in trash bags and take them to the curb with the rest of their garbage. However, a wiser option is donating them to a local charity. Here’s a look at four of the best reasons to consider donating your old clothing this season:
Reason 1: You’ll de-clutter and organize your living space
One of the top reasons why people clear out their closets is to get rid of excess clutter around the house. When the average number of outfits owned by American women has risen to 30 from just nine in 1930, it’s easy to see why. Holding on to too many clothes can take up significant space within our living spaces. It only makes sense to consider donating your unused clothes so you have more space and organization in your home.
Reason 2: You’ll be helping families in need
Charitable clothing donations are one of the best ways to help families who don’t have the means to purchase new clothes of their own. Gently used clothes of all sizes are high in demand from local charities dedicated to helping families in need. There are a number of charities that pick up donations directly from your door, making the process especially easy for those with busy schedules. And many of them will do so for free.
Reason 3: You’ll be making the environmentally friendly choice
Did you know that the average American throws away 82 pounds of textile waste annually? That adds up to a staggering amount of waste piling up in landfills — about 10.5 million tons per year. Instead of tossing your old clothes in the trash, donating it to a local charity will help get the most use out of these garments. It’s a smarter choice for the environment and for living a less wasteful lifestyle.
Reason 4: You get money back in the end
Another key benefit of donating your clothes? Charitable donations like clothing donations are given tax rebates, meaning you’ll get more money back on your annual tax return. You’ll be helping families and need and helping your own wallet at the same time.
No matter your reasons for getting rid of your old clothes, there are plenty of benefits for choosing to donate them, from helping families in need to protecting the environment. You’ll see these benefits almost immediately — so there’s no better time to start than now!