The Sustainable Next Chapter of Your Unwanted Clothing
A Sustainable Way to Purge Your Closet
If you’re like most of my clients on Chicago’s North Shore, sometimes clothes purchased no longer fit your lifestyle. This can bring feelings of guilt—both financially and environmentally. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are sustainable solutions to give your clothing a new life.
Nearly 12 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills each year, but there are many options for selling, donating, or swapping items you no longer need. SimplyOrganized helps clients declutter their closets in ways that are sustainable and community-minded.
Where We Donate
When helping clients declutter, about 95% of purged items are donated to smaller, local organizations where you can see the direct impact. Some of our favorite North Shore charities include:
Winnetka Thrift Shop - 100% of the Winnetka Thrift Shop proceeds benefit Counseling Center of the North Shore and is only run by volunteers.
New To You Charitable Resale Shop - they have donated between $32,000 – $50,000 to 12 local charities which benefit local families in need
North Shore Exchange - all their proceeds support Chicagoland charities providing services for children and families experiencing poverty, as well as Family Service of Glencoe.
WINGS services for families fleeing domestic violence are funded, in part, by all proceeds from our three resale stores
The Shop at the Center - put volunteers to work polishing, sorting, and selling merchandise to support NSSC’s mission of empowering older adults, their families, and the community. All sale proceeds directly benefit North Shore Senior Center
YWCA Shop for Good - 100% of profits help support YWCA’s domestic violence, economic advancement, and racial justice programs that serve women across northeastern Cook County.
Thrift Shops and Consignment
Shopping secondhand is a great way to extend the life of clothing. Nearly 90% of my wardrobe is from consignment or thrift stores. On Chicago’s North Shore, local consignment shops like KMK Luxury Consignment in Winnetka and My Best Friend’s Closet in Highland Park are perfect for reselling high-quality items.
Other Donation Options
YMCA, Women’s Shelters, Homeless Shelters
Essential community organizations often in urgent need of clothing donations.
Churches and Community Rummage Sales
Community-driven events provide another avenue to give clothing a second life.
Virtual Consignment and Resale
Poshmark – Quickly upload items for resale, though be mindful of potential discounts and fees.
ThredUp – A hands-off resale option that manages listing, selling, and shipping for you.
eBay – Great for items that are hard to find or discontinued, leveraging strong SEO for visibility.
Swap Parties
Hosting a swap party with friends is a fun and sustainable way to pass on clothes. Invite friends to bring gently used items, communicate sizes in advance, and enjoy trading pieces that better fit your lifestyle.
Take Back Your Home Sustainably
Sustainable closet decluttering isn’t just about reducing clutter—it’s about being mindful of the environment, giving back to your community, and simplifying your daily life. By donating, reselling, or swapping clothing, you create a positive ripple effect both locally and globally.
If you’re ready to reclaim your home sustainably, contact SimplyOrganized for expert guidance and systems that make whole-home organization effortless.