Clothing swaps are a lot of fun and a great way to spruce up your wardrobe without spending a dime! I don’t know about you but free shopping sounds pretty awesome. Most communities have large clothing swaps from time to time but setting up your own is a lot of fun! You can host a small clothing swap with a few friends and family members or turn it into a large event. I’ve put together some tips to help you organize a clothing swap that will run smooth!
How to Organize a Clothing Swap
Have Variety – As you know we all come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to have a variety of sizes. You should also try to have a variety of clothing for both genders. You might also want to encourage your friends to bring maternity clothing, blankets, belts, costume jewelry and other accessories they are no longer using. The more variety you have at your clothing swap the more successful it will be.
Host a Swap Twice a Year – Hosting your swap at the end of winter and end of summer is a great way to get items for the next season. People tend to clean out their closets come end of summer and winter, which in turn means more items at your swap.
Invite All Your Friends & Family – The more people who attend your swap the more successful it is going to be. Turn your clothing swap into more than just a way to get new clothes. Make it a party! Ask each person attending the swap to bring an appetizer or drink and make it into a clothing swap/pot luck. Your friends and family will have a blast getting some new clothing and spending some time chit-chatting.
Set Some Ground Rules – In order for your clothing swap to work smoothly, you will need to set some ground rules. Ask all of the attendees to ensure their clothing is freshly washed, folded or put on hangers and let everyone know if they are expected to bring a certain amount of items to swap. Setting up these rules in advance will make the entire day run smooth and make it fun for everyone.
Get Organized – Spend a couple of days organizing the location you will be having the clothing swap. If you will be having the swap in your home make sure to have a clean area to hang or set out all the clothing. If possible set up locations based on gender, size and type of clothing.
Set Up a Changing Room – More than likely people are going to need to try on some of the clothing. Have two areas set up in advance where your guests can try on clothing. Having these areas set up in advance will make for less stress and chaos.
Donate the Extras – You will probably have some items that did not get picked up during the swap. Your guests can take their clothing back home or you can set up one large donation to a local thrift store. Knowing what you will be doing with the left over items will give you the chance to talk this over with the guests and give them some choices.
Have you hosted a clothing swap? If so what tips would you add?
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