Creating a Wardrobe Using Freecycle

Let's face it, we've all been to that place where there is absolutely no money to spare for clothes. Perhaps at that same time however, you need an outfit for a job interview. Maybe your children need clothes for school. Whatever your situation, the Freecycle community is there for you.

When you can wait for clothes, you'll probably have the best luck getting what you need or want. It seems like the best clothes pop up on Freecycle when you least expect it. Before I realized that clothes were available on Freecycle, I saw an offer posted near the end of summer for some clothes in my size. The Freecycler was offering some overalls and sweaters in my size. As it was the end of summer and still quite hot, no one else was really thinking about picking those up. A few people thought about it I guess, but they flaked. So I drove 30 minutes to go get those and they lasted me through the winter. Money was tight as I had a low paying job at the time, so I was extremely thankful for the free clothes.

It may seem embarrassing to ask for clothes, but sometimes you need to. People don't always think about giving their clothes away on Freecycle. Many people donate their clothes instead. However, many of those same people would gladly give their clothes to someone in need. When I saw a wanted post for clothing for teenage girls, I finally went into my attic and took out boxes of clothing that I had stuffed away. I was glad to get rid of the clothes and the wanted post was just what I needed to motivate me to move the clothes. When I see wanted posts for office clothes, I'll go through my clothes and see what I have that I don't really wear anymore. Sometimes people don't offer clothes normally, but will give them up if a request is made.

After I received some great clothes from Freecycle, I decided it was time to give back to the Freecycle community. Now when I clean out my closet, I offer my clothes up on Freecycle. Sometimes someone will want them, other times I'll end up donating them. I think it's a good idea to offer them though, even if it only gets others thinking about offering their clothes as well. Then more clothes can be exchanged on the group. Of course, it can also depend on your specific group and area. Maybe in your area people offer clothes all the time already.

While I don't generally pick up free clothes anymore unless I'm grabbing a donation for an organization, it is nice to know that the option is there. If I ever don't have enough money for clothes, I know that at least I have Freecycle there for me. Since I enjoy giving my stuff away to actual people as well, it's also nice to help others when they are in need. Freecycle can be an excellent community that really helps out its members.