BY COLLEEN KERN
As the seasons begin to shift here in Arizona — you know, from blazing to still warm but maybe breezy — many of us feel the itch to refresh our wardrobe. Fall in the desert doesn’t exactly call for chunky sweaters or boots, but it’s still the perfect time to peek into our closets and ask:
Does this item bring me joy — or is it just taking up space?
Fall closet cleanouts have long been a part of our seasonal rhythm. But for those of us trying to live a little lighter on the planet, the question isn’t just what to get rid of — it’s what to do with it once it’s out. Thankfully, a growing number of brands are making it easier than ever to pass along those gently worn pieces through trade-in and buyback programs that keep clothes in circulation and out of landfills.
Let’s walk through how to clear your closet sustainably, easily, and maybe even profitably — all while making room for what truly fits your body, your lifestyle, and the life you’re building on this planet.
THE PROBLEM WITH THE PILE
The average American throws away over 80 pounds of clothing each year. That’s not just fabric going into the trash — it’s energy, water, labor, and money being thrown away, as well. But here’s the hopeful part: what you no longer wear could still have a life — and some real value — if you send it to the right place.
TRADE-IN & BUYBACK PROGRAMS WORTH TRYING
These brand-led programs accept gently worn items, offer store credit or resale opportunities, and ensure clothing is either resold, repaired, or responsibly recycled. Most offer mail-in options — a lifesaver in both cities and rural areas where drop-off opportunities are few and far between.
PATAGONIA WORN WEAR
Patagonia leads the charge in keeping items in circulation. Through Worn Wear, you can trade in used gear and clothing (in functional, good condition) for store credit. A quick trade-in quiz lets you know your estimated credit. Items are repaired and resold, or recycled if they’re beyond repair. www.patagonia.com/trade-in
LEVI’S SECONDHAND
Bring back your Levi’s denim. Levi’s accepts jeans and jackets in good condition and gives you credit to use in-store or online. You can drop your items off at Levi’s retail stores directly with an appointment, and the brand’s SecondHand shop resells them at a discount. https://secondhand.levi.com
MADEWELL FOREVER
Have a surplus of denim? Through a partnership with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green, Madewell accepts any brand of old jeans in-store and gives you $20 per pair to use on your next Madewell denim purchase. Donated jeans get upcycled into housing insulation. Madewell also partners with ThredUp for its Madewell Forever program, which allows customers to consign their gently used clothing, bags and accessories for credit toward future Madewell purchases. Learn more at https://madewellforever.thredup.com.
REI RE/SUPPLY
If you’re an REI Co-op member, you can trade in your gear and clothing to RE/ Supply. You’ll want to ensure your items match the trade-in catalog and are in good working condition to receive the highest member credit. Items are then refurbished and resold. It’s a win-win for outdoor gear lovers. www.rei.com/used/trade-it-in
THE NORTH FACE RENEWED
Outdoor lovers, take note. Trade in your gently used The North Face gear in-store or by mail and receive credit toward your next purchase. Items are refurbished for their Renewed line, and any that can’t be renewed are recycled or donated to keep them out of landfills. www.thenorthfacerenewed.com
FOR DAYS TAKE BACK BAG
This program is all-inclusive: stuff your bag with any brand of clothing in any condition. For $20, you get a prepaid Take Back Bag, and once received, For Days gives you store credit to shop their zero-waste line. The bag is 24″ x 24″ and holds up to 15 lbs! Clothes beyond resale are turned into insulation or rags — not landfill. www.fordays.com/pages/take-back-bag
THREDUP CLEAN OUT KITS
Think of this as the consignment “easy button.” Order a Clean Out Kit, fill it with women’s or kids’ clothing in good condition, and send it back. ThredUP handles the rest, from inspection to photographing, listing, and shipping your items. You earn cash or credit as they sell. On average, 82% of clothing received ends up back in American closets. It’s simpler than Poshmark because the entire selling process is handled for you. www.thredup.com/cleanout
Can’t Use a Program? You Still Have Options.
Not everything qualifies for a trade-in, and not everyone wants store credit. Good news: There are still plenty of sustainable ways to rehome your clothes.
- Poshmark or The RealReal: List and resell online and pocket the profit.
- Local consignment: Try Buffalo Exchange (three locations across the Valley and Tucson, plus 37 additional locations across the U.S.), Poor Little Rich Girl (Phoenix), or My Sister’s Closet (multiple locations).
- Donation: Only donate clothes in good, wearable condition to keep clothes out of the landfill. Aim for local shelters and nonprofits that serve your community directly.
- Community clothing swaps: Host one with friends or check Facebook groups and Buy Nothing pages in your neighborhood.
And if something’s truly beyond saving? Cut up those tees for cleaning rags, pet bedding, or craft projects — because even your dusting game can be more sustainable.
CLEAR SPACE, KEEP JOY
When your closet isn’t crammed with guilt or “maybe someday” jeans, it gets easier to get dressed. You see what you actually love. You feel lighter. You shop with intention.
This fall, don’t just make space for sweaters — make space for joy. Let go of what no longer sparks excitement and trust that your favorites will find new adventures in someone else’s closet. With the right programs and mindset, your fall cleanout can be good for your home, your heart, and the planet.
