"The best solution for decluttering is here! How to easily determine which clothes you can sell for a high price and which ones you should throw away during your end-of-year cleaning"
~~~
Do you want to declutter your clothes during your end-of-year cleaning, but are worried about whether you should sell them or throw them away?
In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners how to identify clothes that will sell for a high price and how to use mail-order purchase services and Mercari .
In addition, we will introduce new methods such as "re-editing" to make use of clothes that you can't throw away .
After reading this, you will be able to declutter without hesitation, and your closet and mind will be clearer.
~~~
What you need to know before throwing things away: The best solution for decluttering
When you start decluttering, simply getting rid of clothes you don't need can end up making you regret it.
Especially during the big end-of-year cleaning, you need to be able to make efficient choices within a limited amount of time .
In this section, we will clearly explain the true meaning of Danshari and the benefits of organizing your clothes at the end of the year .
If you know the right mindset and timing, you can declutter without regrets, leaving your closet and mind in order.
What is Danshari? Its meaning and original purpose
It's not just about "tidying up" or "throwing away"
The original meanings are these:
・No : Don't put in unnecessary things
・Throw away : Throw away unnecessary things that you already have.
・Ri : "Let go" of attachment to things
The goal is to "live with only the things you really need"
It is characterized by refreshing not only the space but also the mind.
Why decluttering your clothes is the best time to end the year
🧹It 's time for a big cleaning, so it's easy to organize
→ As the year comes to an end, it's easier to change your mindset and let go!
👚 Identify the clothes you haven't worn in a year
→ Clothes that you haven't worn throughout the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons = perfect for getting rid of!
💰 Best time to sell at a high price through mail-order purchase or Mercari
→ Demand increases at the end of the year and there are many purchase campaigns, so prices tend to be high!
🧳You can now secure space for your new clothes in the new year.
→ The best solution for storage is to declutter before buying more!
Three benefits of "selecting clothes" before spring cleaning
① 🕒 It saves time on cleaning
・Closeout becomes easier if you have fewer clothes
- No more hassle with moving things, making your spring cleaning more efficient!
② 💸 Don't miss out on "high-value clothes"
・Sell brand clothes and popular items by carefully identifying them
- You can also earn extra income through purchases and flea markets!
③ 💡 You can reset your mind
・You can say goodbye to clothes that don't suit you right now
・Getting rid of clothes that don't suit your age, body type, or fashion trends can help you get off to a positive start.
No more confusion! How to decide whether to sell or throw away your clothes
Are you stuck trying to decide whether to sell or throw something away?
Especially when it comes to decluttering clothes, feelings like "it's a waste" or "I might wear it someday" can get in the way and make it difficult to let go.
However, if you correctly assess the condition of the clothes, the brand, and their compatibility with the trends, you can clearly sort out which clothes can be sold for a high price and which should be thrown away .
In this chapter, we will clearly explain the criteria for disposing of clothes and what to look for so that even beginners can easily make decisions.
Should you throw away clothes that are worn out, pilling, wrinkled, or stained?
✅We cannot sell clothes that are obviously damaged!
[Not recommended] Pilling, wrinkled collar, sweat stains, faded colors, etc.
The most important prerequisite for "having someone wear it" is that it is in good condition.
🚮Criteria for deciding whether it's okay to throw something away
→ If you don't want to wear it or can't give it to someone else, it's a sign to get rid of it!
Branded clothing and popular items are likely to sell for a high price
If you have popular brand-name clothing that is in good condition, the only option is to sell it!
[Conditions that make it easy to sell at a high price]
・Famous brands (e.g. select brands other than Uniqlo)
・Within 3 years of purchase
-Suitable for the season and trends
No pilling or stains
You can even get a high price through mail-order purchase or Mercari!
If you're unsure whether you can still sell something, take a photo and check the market price.
Should you sell or throw away fast fashion? Tips on how to decide
Even fast fashion can be "sold" depending on the condition
[Selling cases]
Brand new with tags, almost unused
・Items that can be used in this season
・Popular brands (GU, ZARA, etc.)
[Cases where throwing away or recycling is recommended]
・Worn out T-shirts, stretched knitwear, etc.
♻️ If you don't want to throw things away but can't sell them, take advantage of a used clothing collection service!
A quick guide to deciding which clothes to sell and which to throw away
|
Judgment criteria |
Clothes like this... |
Recommended disposal methods |
|
💡Branded clothing in good condition |
Purchased within the last 3 years, clean, and trendy |
✅ You can sell it for a high price, so go to Mercari or mail-in purchase! |
|
💡Good condition but no brand/fast fashion |
Unused - worn a few times |
🤝 Possible sale. Suitable for flea market apps |
|
⚠️Clothes with pilling, creases or stains |
It looks old and not clean |
🚮 Throw it away or recycle it without hesitation |
|
🤷♀️ Clothes you're unsure about or can't let go of emotionally |
Memories and expensive clothes |
🔄 Considering re-editing services such as OLDFLIP and donations |
A quick reference guide to the criteria for "clothes that sell" and "clothes that don't sell"
|
Check items |
✅ Characteristics of clothes that sell |
❌ Characteristics of clothes that don't sell |
|
brand |
Famous brands, designers, department stores, etc. |
No brand, a brand that is too little known |
|
situation |
No noticeable stains or tears, few pilling or wrinkles |
There are stains, creases, pilling, tears, and severe fading. |
|
era/fashion |
Trendy design, current model |
Trends from a few years ago, old styles, and things that have a strong sense of time |
|
season |
Clothes appropriate for the current season (e.g. winter clothes for December) |
Off-season clothing |
|
By item |
Outerwear, dresses, bags, sneakers, etc. |
Heavily used innerwear and underwear |
|
Tags and accessories |
Brand tag included, buttons and zippers included |
No tags, missing accessories (e.g. no belt) |
|
fast fashion |
Uniqlo, GU, ZARA, etc. are acceptable as long as they are in good condition |
Worn-out fast fashion in general |
Check your decluttering priorities with a checklist
The most difficult part of decluttering clothes is deciding what to prioritize .
Even if you just casually look around your closet, memories and doubts tend to get in the way and stop you from picking anything.
In this chapter, we will introduce checkpoints to help even beginners decide which clothes to throw away, sell, or keep without hesitation.
Make sure you declutter smoothly and finish your end-of-year cleaning feeling refreshed!
First, separate your clothes into first and second batches.
When you start decluttering your clothes, it's easiest to sort them into "first-string" and "second-string" categories .
This is the easiest and most practical way to organize your closet.
・First team: My favorite clothes that I still wear often and that are in good condition
・Second string: Clothes that you don't wear often, or are just storing away because you're unsure.
The key is to think of something as "frequently worn = necessary" and base your decision on frequency of use rather than emotion .
If you're unsure about how to declutter, try using the number of times you've worn something in the past year as a guideline.
Make it a priority to get rid of clothes you haven't worn this year
Clothes that you keep but don't wear are a prime example of things that should be decluttered.
Especially when you look back at your clothes during your big end-of-year cleaning , it becomes immediately clear that you don't really need those clothes.
・"Clothes that you didn't wear last year or this year" are items to sell or throw away
・Branded clothing and items in good condition can be sold at a high price through mail-order purchase services or Mercari.
・We recommend disposing of any items that are worn or showing signs of deterioration.
Accumulating unused clothes not only takes up space in your closet, but also prevents you from replacing them with new clothes .
Reevaluate clothes that no longer fit your age, body type, or fashion.
One of the best solutions to decluttering is to reevaluate clothes that no longer suit you .
Due to changes in age, body shape, and lifestyle, there are many cases where clothes that once looked good on you are no longer worn .
・Clothes that don't fit your body type or no longer suit you
・Fast fashion that has gone out of fashion
・Clothes that make you look younger or are uncomfortable to wear
Consider selling, donating, or reusing these items .
To achieve tidy storage, it's important to keep in mind the idea of "keeping only the clothes you will need in the future."
Decision sheet for when you're unsure whether to throw something away or not
|
check |
Question |
|
☐ |
I haven't worn it once this year |
|
☐ |
There is deterioration such as pilling, stains, creases, fading, etc. |
|
☐ |
I feel depressed when I wear it or I feel uncomfortable when I look in the mirror |
|
☐ |
It no longer suits your age, body type, or lifestyle. |
|
☐ |
Outdated/fast fashion, so I don't have a chance to wear it |
|
☐ |
"It was expensive..." "I'll wear it when I lose weight" - I'm leaving it for "someday" |
|
☐ |
I already own several similarly designed clothes |
|
☐ |
It's not a first-string uniform, but a "second-string" uniform that's just been stored away. |
📝 → If three or more of these apply to you, get rid of it by selling it, throwing it away, or donating it!
Know before you dispose of it! Tips and tricks for selling at a high price
Do you think that getting rid of clothes means throwing them away or selling them ?
In fact, we now live in an age where there are a variety of disposal methods to choose from, such as "selling at a high price," "donating easily," or "recycling and continuing to wear."
In this chapter, we will introduce the best timing and techniques for selling at a high price, especially towards the end of the year, as well as a wide range of methods, from second-hand clothing collection and reuse/recycling services as options for making use of clothes without selling , to methods for dyeing clothes black and using dry cleaners to make them re-wearable.
Why selling clothes at the end of the year tends to increase the purchase price
①: New Year's sales lead to increased purchasing
This is the time when we want to secure stock for the New Year's sale and the first sale of the year.
The end of the year is when buyers are more likely to actively purchase goods, which means they tend to be more aggressive in their appraisals.
②: There are many end-of-year special appraisal promotions
Increased points, free shipping, bulk purchase benefits, etc.
This limited-time campaign will increase your chances of selling at a higher price than usual.
3. Winter items are the "seasonal items that sell right now"
Winter items such as coats and knitwear are in high demand.
Prices are likely to be highest at the end of the year, right in the middle of the season .
How to sell at a bargain price by taking advantage of a purchase campaign
Many dealers are running end-of-year special valuation promotions.
・If you meet the conditions, the purchase price can increase by 10 to 30%
・Brand clothes can be sold in bulk to increase the appraisal value
📌Check the campaign pages of major buying services and OLDFLIP in advance .
Where is the best place to sell? Mercari vs. home delivery purchase
|
item |
Mercari |
Mail-order purchase |
|
Suitable clothing |
Trendy and in good condition clothes |
Brands and bulk sales |
|
merit |
You can set your own prices |
Easy bulk disposal |
|
Disadvantages |
Listing, packaging and shipping required |
If you are not satisfied with the assessed price |
💡 If you're unsure, we recommend starting with "items that can be sold on Mercari" and then "selling the rest through mail-order purchase."
The importance of checking and cleaning clothes before selling them
Some people may think, "Won't I lose money if I send it to the dry cleaners?", but if the condition improves, the chances of selling it will increase !
Especially for popular brands and outerwear, the difference can be several thousand yen.
■ Basic checks (determining whether it will sell)
□ Check for damage such as pilling, creases, fading, or stains.
□ Check that the brand tag, size tag, and washing instructions are still intact.
□ Are the clothes appropriate for the season? (Winter clothes before winter, summer clothes before summer)
□ Is it a high-priced brand or a design that matches the trends?
■ Cleaning and maintenance check
□ Have you removed pet hair, dust, etc. with adhesive tape?
□ Have you ironed or steamed the wrinkles or creases?
□ Have you checked for strong odors (sweat, tobacco, perfume)?
□ If there are stains or dirt, have you cleaned them at home or at a dry cleaner if possible?
■ Packing and preparation check (before home delivery purchase or flea market listing)
□ Did you fold it carefully to avoid wrinkles?
□ Have you removed any hangers or other items that are not necessary for purchasing or selling?
□ Did you clearly state the brand name, size, condition, etc. (if it's a flea market)?
What about clothes you just can't throw away? Reusing them is a new option
"I have an attachment to these clothes and can't sell them..." "But I don't wear them..." For clothes like these, consider options for "reusing" them instead of throwing them away or selling them .
▷ Use used clothing collection services (Uniqlo, Zara, etc.)
・Bring it to the store for collection and reuse
・Environmentally friendly eco-friendly decluttering
▷ Assorted playback services (OLDFLIP, etc.)
- Re-edit multiple used clothes together and re-create a new style
・Transform unused clothes into new pieces
▷ Make it wearable again by dyeing it black and cleaning it
・Even clothes that have been abandoned due to fading or stains can be restored by dyeing them black.
・The more expensive or favorite your clothes are, the more they are worth recycling.
➡ OLDFLIP also offers black dyeing, assorted recycling, and used clothing collection , allowing you to "declutter for the future" without letting go of your memories.
Sell, donate, or throw away! A summary of how to dispose of clothes depending on the purpose
"I want to let go, but I don't know which is the right way" - for those of you who are unsure.
The key to decluttering your clothes is to choose from three options based on your purpose: sell, donate, or throw away .
In this chapter, we will introduce new ways to use OLDFLIP, such as bulk sales through home delivery purchases, used clothing collection and reuse services, and re-editing OLDFLIP .
We will explain in an easy-to-understand manner based on your purpose so that you can find the disposal method that is best for you.
Easily sell in bulk with our home delivery purchase service
It's best to sell "brand clothes and beautiful clothes"
Recommended for:
I'm busy and don't have time to bring it to the store.
・I want to dispose of it all at once
・I want to "just get an appraisal" before throwing it away
✅Summary of benefits
・Just pack it in a cardboard box and send it
・Many companies offer free appraisals and free shipping
・There are many "increased appraisal value campaigns" at the end of the year
・You can return the item after the appraisal, so it's safe
Also noteworthy are used clothing collection and reuse services (such as Uniqlo) and OLDFLIP.
"Unsellable clothes" are not thrown away but "recycled"
Typical services:
-Collection in Uniqlo, GU, and H&M stores (anyone can bring it in)
OLDFLIP: A new service that accepts clothes with the intention of re-editing and restoring them.
✅Recommended for these clothes
・Fast fashion
・Worn-out clothes that are unlikely to sell
・Clothes that you feel are a waste to throw away
📌 POINT
→It's not a case of "disposing" but rather a "choice to move on to the next step," so there's no guilt involved!
Clothes you can't throw away... "Regenerate" them by dyeing them black, cleaning them, and re-editing them
What to do before giving up on your favorite clothes
Addresses these concerns:
・It's faded, but I still want to wear it
・It has memories and I can't throw it away
・I like the design but I'm worried about it getting dirty
✅How to play
・Black dyeing service : Makes uneven color and blemishes less noticeable
・Professional cleaning : Removes odors and yellowing and revives
・Re-editing OLDFLIP : You can also choose to reinvent it with new clothes
📌Don't throw away things = a clearer mind. Be positive for the new year!
If you're not sure what to do, try this! A list of clothing reuse services
①: Used clothing collection service
📦Don't throw it away yet!
Unsold clothes are sent to a used clothing collection service
▶ View used clothing collection service
②: Assorted playback (re-editing) service
I don't wear it anymore, but I can't throw it away...
For such clothes, try the new option of "re-editing."
▶ Assorted recycling service available here
③: Guidance for black dyeing and cleaning
🖤 Your favorite clothes again.
If you don't want to throw it away, you can revive it by dyeing it black or by having it professionally cleaned!
▶ View black dyeing and cleaning services
Even beginners can feel at ease! Packing manual for purchasing and collection
When selling or donating clothes, one thing that can be surprisingly confusing is how to pack them.
Even if you have clothes that have the potential to sell for a high price, if you don't prepare them properly before sending them, the purchase price may be lower or they may be refused.
In this section, we will clearly explain everything from the basics of packing to important points to keep in mind so that even beginners can feel confident in sending their items for mail-order purchase or used clothing collection .
Check out how to choose and pack cardboard boxes, as well as tips to prevent problems, and complete your "decluttering without losing money"!
Tips on how to choose and pack cardboard boxes
When using mail-order purchase services or used clothing collection, it is common to pack the clothes in cardboard boxes and send them.
Proper packaging can prevent issues during shipping and clearly communicate the value of your clothes.
[Points to consider when choosing cardboard]
- Use a sturdy box : Choose a thick, sturdy cardboard box so that it won't get crushed during shipping.
- A medium size is best : if it's too big, the clothes will move around too much, and if it's too small, they'll get wrinkled and creased when you stuff them in.
- Reuse is OK, but make sure it's clean : Used boxes are fine, but avoid ones that are torn or dirty.
[Tips on how to pack clothes]
- Place heavier clothes on the bottom and lighter clothes on top : This prevents the clothes from losing their shape and ensures stable packaging.
- Fold carefully : Arrange the collar of your shirt and fold your knitwear gently to make a better impression.
- Adjust gaps with paper or cushioning material : Ideally, adjust it so that the items do not move around inside the box.
Preparation to prevent stains and odors
The impression of appearance and smell will have a big impact on the appraisal amount and whether or not the item can be accepted.
By simply making the following preparations, you can greatly increase the chances of your clothes selling.
[Pre-shipment checklist]
□ Remove dust and lint : Use a lint remover or sticky roller.
□ Make sure the item has been washed : Sending the item with signs of use or an odor may result in a negative rating.
□ Be careful of perfume, cigarette smoke, and pet odors : If the scent is too strong, people may be put off.
□ Smoothing out creases : Lightly iron or smooth out creases with your hands.
With just a little effort , you can convey a sense of cleanliness , which can have a positive impact on the purchase price.
Precautions to avoid problems during delivery
Clothes tend to lose their shape easily, and some materials can easily tear.
To prevent problems during delivery, it is important to take the following precautions:
[Key points for safe delivery]
- Waterproof with plastic bags : In case of rain or humidity, pack all your clothes in a clear plastic bag.
- Fragile stickers are not required : As these are clothing, they are not generally required, but it would be helpful to have a warning label such as "Keep top side down."
Fill any gaps : Secure the contents with newspaper or cushioning material to prevent them from moving, reducing the risk of the cardboard box tearing.
- Attach the shipping label securely : To prevent the address being unknown or the package being lost, attach it securely to a flat surface.
Before sending, give the box a gentle shake and if there's no movement inside, it's OK.
summary
The end of the year is the best time to declutter your clothes and do a thorough cleaning at the same time.
Divide your unused clothes into categories of "sell, throw away, or donate," and take advantage of the opportunity to sell brand-name items and winter items in good condition for a high price through mail-order purchase or Mercari.
For fast fashion and second-hand clothing, we also recommend reusing items through services such as Uniqlo's second-hand clothing collection and OLDFLIP's assorted recycling service .
Furthermore, if you have clothes that you cannot part with emotionally, you can choose to reuse them by having them dry cleaned or dyed black .
If you can separate things without hesitation, your storage and your mind will be clearer, and you will be able to welcome the new year in a good mood.