Used items can make a difference between having something and not having it or being financially secure versus being greatly in debt. When those used items are hand me downs that you get for free, your financial outlook gets even better.
Some of my favorite types of hand me downs are baby and children’s clothing. Because children grow so fast, the clothing is often in great condition and style. Plus, outfitting a kid by buying new can get expensive rather quickly. Times that by the number of kids you have, and things can quickly add up.
There are a couple of tips I can share that will help you to get the best hand me downs.
Reciprocate
The best way to receive is to first give. If you have clothes that your children have outgrown, why not pass them on to friends, family and even strangers? Keep the circle going. Plus, there is something a little uncomfortable about getting hand me downs from someone and then selling them for profit.
Get the Word Out
Let anyone you know that you are more than willing to take hand me downs for your kids. Most people are only too happy to know that all of the cute outfits they loved will be enjoyed by other kids as well. Tell everyone. You never know who has a friend looking to clean out her closets.
Don’t Be Too Picky
Over the years, I have been presented with some interesting children’s clothing, from the teeny-weeny bikini for an infant to outfits with so many stains and holes that they weren’t good enough for rags. These are the exceptions, though. Be willing to take anything that is clean off of someone’s hands and then go through it later.
Even items that you can’t immediately used might be able to be passed on to someone else or used in different ways. The bikini became a cute outfit for a teddy bear for a friend who collects them.
What was your most memorable hand me down?
Related Articles:
Free Kids Sports and Activities
What to Do When Your Kids Want More
Save on Back to School Clothes