Welcome Spring: How to Sustainably Transition Your Wardrobe for Warmer Days
- Croft McLean
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
By Croft McLean
Spring has officially arrived! After months of bundling up in heavy coats and layering, it’s time to trade the scarves for sunglasses and the boots for sneakers. But before you shove your winter gear into the deepest corners of your closet (or worse—toss it out entirely), let’s talk about a better way to transition your wardrobe: the sustainable way!
The transition between seasons is the perfect time to refresh your closet with intention–donating what you don’t wear, properly storing what you want to keep, and maybe even testing your creative side with some upcycling.
Step 1: Sort Smarter, Not Harder
We all have those winter pieces that never even saw the light of day this year. So, before you pack everything away, take a moment to go through your wardrobe and ask yourself:
Do I still love this? If the answer is "meh," consider passing it on.
Is it in good condition? If yes, donate it! If not, see if it can be repaired or repurposed.
Did I even wear this at all? If it stayed untouched all winter, it might be time to let it go.
Being intentional about what you keep and what you donate means less clutter for you and more warm clothing for those who need it.
Step 2: Where to Donate Your Winter Clothes
Instead of letting old coats and sweaters collect dust or throwing them away, consider donating them to a place ensured to put them into the hands of people who actually need them.
National & International Donation Centers:
One Warm Coat – A nonprofit that collects and distributes coats to people in need across the U.S. Find a drop-off location near you or even host a coat drive!
The Salvation Army – Accepts winter coats, scarves, gloves, and boots to help communities in need. You can find donation centers nationwide.
Goodwill – A great option for donating winter clothes, with locations all over the country. Donated items help fund job training and employment services.
Dress for Success – Perfect if you have professional winter wear like coats and blazers that can help empower women in the workforce.
Local Donation Centers & Community-Based Giving:
Homeless Shelters & Crisis Centers – Many shelters accept gently used coats, gloves, and scarves to distribute to those facing colder temperatures. Call your local shelter to see what they currently need.
Thrift Stores & Secondhand Shops – Stores like local consignment shops, church thrift stores, and nonprofit resale shops often accept winter clothes and resell them to benefit community programs.
Coat Drives & Community Organizations – Many schools, libraries, and community centers organize seasonal coat drives. Check social media, local bulletin boards, or websites for upcoming donation events in your area.
Before donating, check with each organization to confirm their guidelines and what they’re currently accepting. Your old coat could make a real difference in someone’s life!
Step 3: Storing Your Winter Gear the Right Way
If you want your sweaters and coats to last for years, try these eco-friendly storage hacks:
Wash before storing – Dirt and sweat can cause fabrics to break down over time. Plus, clean clothes mean no weird smells next season.
Use breathable storage bins – Skip plastic bins that trap moisture and opt for cotton garment bags or fabric bins instead.
Keep pests away naturally – No need for chemical mothballs! Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep bugs out and your clothes smelling fresh.
Taking a little extra care now means your winter wardrobe will be fresh and ready to go when cold weather rolls back around.
Step 4: Get Creative—Repurpose & Upcycle!
Not everything needs to be stored or donated—sometimes, you can give old clothes a whole new life! Got a sweater that shrunk in the wash or a coat that’s too worn to donate? Here are some fun and creative ways to repurpose them:
Turn an old sweater into mittens or a scarf: A cozy DIY project that gives new life to old fabrics.
Make a pet bed: Your dog or cat would love a warm bed made from old blankets or coats.
Cut up old flannels for reusable cleaning rags: No more paper towels? Win for you and the planet.
Check out upcycling tutorials – Need inspiration? These DIY videos are great!
Transitioning your wardrobe for spring isn’t just about clearing space. It’s about being intentional with what we keep, donate, and repurpose. So, before you start stuffing winter clothes into a box or tossing things you don’t need anymore, take a few extra minutes to sort them the right way.
By making mindful choices, we can keep clothes out of landfills, help those in need, and make our own spaces feel fresh and organized.
So, here’s to warmer weather, fresh starts, and a more sustainable spring!
Comments