Closet space in apartments is always at a premium — so if you’re at the point where you can’t possibly squeeze in any new outfits, it’s time for a major closet cleanout. The good news? It’s super easy to clean out your apartment closet without ever leaving the apartment, thanks to a number of helpful apps. Here are three different apps you can download today to make room for that summer wardrobe, and they’ll help you make some cash while you’re at it!
1. Poshmark
Best For: Social Butterflies
If you’re a social media fiend, Poshmark is the app for you. In it, you can upload pictures of gently worn clothes and accessories to your virtual closet, which shoppers can browse. When someone purchases an item from your closet, you print out the pre-paid shipping label that Poshmark sends you, pack up the item and mail it off.
The key, though, to selling frequently on Poshmark is creating relationships with other “Poshers.” You can accumulate more followers (and hopefully more sales) by sharing picks from other Poshers’ closets and attending “Posh parties,” virtual hangouts where you can share and browse clothing around a theme. Poshers who purchase from you can leave feedback on their purchases, so a lot of users take time to make sure their items are shipped with a bit of “oomph,” like tying up the item with ribbons and including a thank-you note.
Poshmark can be a totally addictive time suck, but if you play the game smartly and cultivate a closet following, you’ll clean out your closet in no time — and perhaps make a few virtual shopping buddies in the process. Popular brands to sell on the app include trendy clothing from Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, J.Crew and Brandy Melville, but you’ll find a wide range of brands for sale, including some designer labels like Marc Jacobs. Poshmark takes 20 percent of each sale unless an item is less than $15 — then it takes a flat fee of $2.95.
2. ThreadUP
Best For: Cleaning Out Your Closet Fast
ThreadUP makes cleaning out your closet super easy. All you have to do is order a “Clean Out Kit,” pack the bag that’s sent to you with all your favorite gently-loved styles and mail it back to ThreadUP. It’ll take care of sifting through your castoffs, taking photos and posting them on the app. ThreadUP sets the price of your items, and when they sell, you can use the money you earn to shop for other stuff on the app or cash out via Paypal. Higher-end brands like Theory, J.Crew and Boden are popular on the app, as well as kids’ clothes. Typically, not all of the items you send in will be accepted for sale, so you can choose to have those items shipped back to you for a fee. You’ll earn anywhere from 10 to 80 percent of the sale price of your item, depending on the initial ThreadUP listing price (the higher the price, the more you’ll earn).
3. The RealReal
Best For: Your Designer Duds (Including Men’s!)
The RealReal is perfect for selling the closet splurges you just aren’t in love with anymore. Designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and watches, clothing and even home goods are bought and sold through The RealReal, and the site also has a robust designer men’s consignment section.
[tweetthis]Check out these three apps for trading in and cashing out your closet. #frugal #cleanout[/tweetthis]
Again, ease is the name of the game. You can either use a prepaid mailing label to ship your goods to The RealReal, which will take care of shifting, snapping, pricing and posting your items — or you can choose in-home pickup, where a rep comes to your apartment for a full-service consignment session (only available in select cities). Remember, though, that The RealReal only takes the best of the best; think Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. You can earn up to 70 percent on each sale, and items typically sell fast.
Now, chances are pretty high you’re not going to want to part with all your clothes, so you’ll also need to employ other ways to get your closet in tip-top shape. Check out this ForRent post with more tips on making the most of your rental’s closets.
Do you use another app or website for cleaning out your closet? Share with us in the comments below!