If your wardrobe is full but you still feel like you have nothing to wear, you are not alone. Most of us hang on to clothes that no longer fit our bodies or our lives. A clear out can feel amazing, but throwing clothes in the bin creates unnecessary waste. This guide shows a practical, easy way to declutter without sending good clothes to landfill. You will learn what to keep, what to rehome, and what to recycle.
In Hertfordshire? You can book a free clothes collection in Hertfordshire online.
Why sustainable decluttering matters
Clothing has a real environmental footprint. It takes water, energy and chemicals to make fabric, then more resources to cut, sew and ship. When we discard clothes in general waste, we waste those inputs and create extra emissions. WRAP estimates around 336,000 tonnes of used clothing are discarded each year in the UK, much of it headed for landfill or incineration. Source: https://wrap.org.uk/
There is another angle too. WRAP’s citizen research found people keep preloved and vintage items for longer on average, about 5.4 years compared with roughly 4 years for off the peg new items. Repairing garments can add around 1.3 years of extra life. The average person in the UK owns about 118 items of clothing, and roughly 26% have not been worn in the last year. Nearly 23% of people say they buy clothes expecting to use them only for a short time. All of that points to a big opportunity. If we extend the life of clothes through repair, reuse and resale, we cut waste fast. Source:
Before you start: set yourself up to succeed
- Pick a realistic time window: block out one or two hours per session.
- Gather supplies: Use three bags or boxes labelled Keep, Rehome, Recycle. Use Rehome for anything you will donate or resell.
- Make simple rules: If you have not worn it in 12 to 18 months, it is probably time to let it go. If it doesn’t fir you well today, it goes. You can give sentimental items get a small dedicated box.
- Prep laundry: Wash anything that is obviously dirty so you can judge condition fairly.
- Create a clean staging area: Clear your bed or a table so you can sort in one place.
The three pile method
Pull everything out so you can see the full picture. Sort into three piles:
- Keep: For items you wear often and feel good in. Put these back in tidy groups. If something needs a quick fix like a button or a small seam repair, keep it in sight and mend it this week so it gets worn.
- Rehome: Clean, wearable items that someone else can use. This includes both donations and resale. You can donate everyday pieces which are in good condition and even resell some higher value items.
- Recycle: Items that are stained, torn or worn out beyond repair. Bag them dry and take them to a textile bank so they can be turned into rags or recovered fibre. You can find your local clothing and textile recycling service by using a service such as Recycle Now
Quick checks
Ask yourself: Does it fit well today. Did I wear it in the last 12 to 18 months. Is it clean and presentable.
If yes to all three, it is likely Keep or Rehome. If no and it is damaged, it is Recycle.
Rehome smartly: donate or resell
A quick decision rule helps. If the item is clean, in good condition and from a known brand, consider reselling it first. If it is good quality but you do not want the hassle of listing and shipping, donate it. If it is damaged or very worn, recycle it via a textile bank. Shoes should be paired and tied together. Bras in good condition are welcomed by many charities. For bedding and towels, always check the service you plan to use accepts them.
Reselling and free local rehoming
If an item is in great condition or a known brand, try reselling first. You keep clothes in circulation and recover some value. There are many good options to sell your clothes online, which are:
- eBay works well for branded fashion, vintage and job lots. Search Sold listings to set a realistic price.
- Vinted is quick from your phone and strong for high street brands and kidswear. Buyers pay the fees which keeps pricing simple.
- Depop suits vintage, streetwear and unique pieces where styling matters.
- Facebook Marketplace is ideal for local pick up and bulky bundles. Be clear on collection times and payment, and meet in public where possible.
If you want to rehome items fast without selling, post in local Facebook groups, Freecycle, or Buy Nothing groups. Bundling by size or season helps things move quickly. Use daylight photos on a plain background, show labels, mention fabric composition, list exact measurements, and check messages often so interested people do not drift away.
How to donate well
Charity shops and community projects rely on good quality donations. Wash items, fold them, and place them in sturdy bags. If you have a lot to donate, call ahead to check capacity. Label bags by category, for example Men’s shirts, Kids 4 to 5 years, women’s etc. Clean, folded clothes sell faster, which means more funds raised.
If you live in Hertfordshire and have several bags, you can book a free clothes collection with Donate to Reduce. We will collect from your home and prioritise local reuse where possible. Book here: https://www.donatetoreduce.co.uk/
What about textile recycling?
Textile banks are the right place for items that are not suitable for donation or resale. These materials are sorted for rag use, industrial wiping cloths, or fibre recovery. Always bag items to keep them dry and clean. Wet textiles can contaminate whole batches.
National locator: https://www.recyclenow.com/
Keep your wardrobe clutter free
Do a mini review at the change of each season. Try a one in, one out rule. Keep a small Rehome bag in your wardrobe so unwanted items have a place to go. If you do a big shopping trip, plan a ten minute sort the same week so things do not pile up again.
Summary
Clearing your wardrobe doesn’t have to create waste. Sort everything into three simple piles: Keep, Rehome and Recycle. Rehome wearable pieces by donating locally or reselling on eBay, Vinted or Depop, and recycle anything too worn to wear through textile banks. Small habits like seasonal mini reviews and a one in, one out rule keep clutter from creeping back. When you are ready to move items on in Hertfordshire, book a free clothes collection here.