Throw a Spring Cleaning Party and Score Some Loot While You're at It

Nothing is quite as refreshing as a heavy-duty closet cleaning: tossing away tops and dresses you haven't worn in over a year, that pair of jeans you've been hoping to fit into for three years running now and those shoes that give you killer blisters. Admittedly, it can be a challenge to get rid of our once-loved items, but if they're just sitting there gathering dust, it's time to give them the boot.


Donating clothes to a local charity, or if you live in many NYC neighborhoods, to random pedestrians in a practice commonly referred to as "curbing," is commendable. Surely someone can benefit from the pair of black pants that fit you before you nixed the baby weight.

If you've ever shopped on consignment or browsed the racks at your local vintage store, however, we have a fabulous idea. Throw a spring cleaning party by hosting a clothing-exchange bash at your place. Before you and your friends head over to the donation center, see what gems they've got lurking in the corners of their closets and see which of your pieces someone can get one more season of wear out of.

Here's how it works. On the invitations, you ask each invitee to bring three to five pieces of gently used clothing, bags or shoes that they no longer have a use for. In order to come up with the items, they'll have to clean out their closets, which is perpetually on our to-do lists.

This spring cleaning party serves a real purpose and gives back to the community, too. Plus, it's a chance for the ladies to get together, drink some wine and add a fresh step to the spring wardrobe without spending a dime.

All the clothing that isn't snagged by anyone at the party can be donated to one of the following organizations:

1. The Vietnam Veterans of America.
These folks will actually come and get your used items, so all you need to do is pick up the phone: 800-775-VETS.

2. Goodwill.
Find out where you can donate locally.

3. Donate My Dress.
Run by the Hearst Teen Network, this organization gifts your gently used outfits (think prom dresses) to someone in need. Now's your chance to recycle all those bridesmaid dresses taking up space in your closet!

4. Clothes4Souls.
This global not-for-profit institution gives your used articles to impoverished families in need around the world.

5. Salvation Army.
You can drop your stuff off or arrange to have it picked up (they accept furniture and all sorts of household goods) by this 147-year-old organization.

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