Anna Agoncillo
If your wardrobe is bursting or your shelves are stacked with items you no longer need, it may be time to let them go. Be it making some extra cash, helping others, or reducing waste, there are many responsible ways to declutter in the Lion City.
This guide covers where to sell, donate, or recycle your gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, and household goods.
SELL YOUR PRELOVED ITEMS
Reselling them might be your best option if you have branded clothing, trendy accessories, or household items in good condition. Not only do you declutter, but you might even earn back some of your original investment.
a. ONLINE MARKETPLACES
Digital platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, and Poshmark allow you to connect directly with buyers. These are perfect for items with niche appeal, trendy fashion pieces, or gadgets.
Simply snap a few photos, write a description, and set your price. You’ll get to negotiate directly with interested buyers and arrange for delivery or pickup at your convenience.
b. REFASH
This local fashion resale brand is a favorite among Singaporeans. REFASH buys trendy women’s clothing and sells them at affordable prices across its brick-and-mortar stores.
Drop your items off at outlets such as Bugis Junction, Wisteria Mall, or Tiong Bahru Plaza. You’ll receive cash or credits to spend in-store. REFASH is a great place to find lightly worn apparel that’s still in season or style.
c. NEW2U THRIFT SHOP
Tucked within the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations building, New2U is a charitable thrift store with a heart. It accepts clothes, books, accessories, and household items. Proceeds go toward funding women’s and children’s programs.
Shoppers (including my friends) love it for its hidden gems and affordable prices, and donors appreciate that their items support meaningful causes.
d. CASH CONVERTERS
This well-known resale chain buys just about everything: electronics, musical instruments, kitchen gadgets, tools, and fashion items. You can bring your preloved goods to one of their many locations and receive immediate cash offers. Their outlets include: Joo Seng Road (E-Commerce Centre), Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, New Bridge Road at Chinatown Point, Jurong Gateway Road, Tampines Avenue 1, Toa Payoh Lorong 4 (i.e., the one I usually explore).
Each location features a huge selection of used goods, and it’s a go-to spot for savvy bargain hunters.
DONATE TO THOSE IN NEED
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Prefer to pass your items on as a blessing to someone else? Donation is a fulfilling way to do so.
a. THE SALVATION ARMY
With a long-standing presence in Singapore, The Salvation Army accepts clothing, furniture, household goods, toys, and more. These donations are sold at Family Stores, with proceeds supporting community care programs, including services for the elderly, children, and vulnerable individuals.
Drop-off points include: Tanglin Family Hub, The Haven, Praisehaven, Hope Centre, and IMM.
b. MINDS SHOP
Operated by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, these thrift stores offer more than resale. They provide vocational training and employment for persons with intellectual disabilities. Donated items are sorted, priced, and sold by MINDS trainees, giving them essential skills and opportunities.
You can drop your donations at Margaret Drive, 800 Margaret Drive or Woodlands, 30 Woodlands Ring Road.
c. H&M GARMENT COLLECTING PROGRAM
This global initiative encourages customers to recycle their unwanted clothes from any brand and in any condition. Simply bring them to any H&M outlet in Singapore. Locations include: ION Orchard, JEM, NEX, Kallang Wave Mall, and VivoCity.
You’ll receive a discount voucher as a thank-you, and the clothing is either reworn, repurposed, or recycled into insulation materials or new textiles. I can attest to this as I’ve tried it myself.
d. GREENSQUARE
Focused on textile recycling, Greensquare collects items directly from homes and also operates drop-off points. They accept clothes, household linens, bags, and shoes in any dry condition. Items are sorted and sold to secondhand importers in developing countries, promoting a circular economy.
Key drop-off spots include: Alexandra Technopark, Fusionopolis One and Two, NUS Utown Residence, The Green Collective at Funan, and Viva Business Mall.
e. ITSRAININGRAINCOATS
Focused on uplifting Singapore’s migrant workers, this nonprofit operates the inspIRRe store, where workers can shop for free. Donations should be in excellent condition and include:
- Men’s apparel and footwear
- Luggage, duffel bags, and backpacks
- Sports gear, water bottles, and accessories
- Small appliances like rice cookers or power banks
It’s located at 470 Upper Paya Lebar Road.
g. SG MUMMIES UNITED
What began as a humble Facebook group during the 2020 circuit breaker has grown into a bustling blessings community. The group connects struggling mothers with those who can offer help. Common donation items include: diapers, baby formula, baby gear and toys, secondhand children’s clothing, and books.
Requests are posted daily, and you can respond directly to offer what you have. Join their Facebook group to participate.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
What are you waiting for? Let your preloved items find a second life!
