Shopping for Your Personal Wardrobe at the Goodwill Clearance Center
Shopping at the Goodwill Clearance Center (aka The Goodwill Outlet or The Bins) has become one of my favorite ways to shop for myself, my family, and my Poshmark closet. At only $1.39 per pound, it’s one of the cheapest options for shopping quality items on a budget.
While the price is right, a lot of what you’ll find at the bins is just wrong. If you’ve ever read a review about the Goodwill Bins online, they’re probably right. They’re dirty, unorganized, filled with a lot of junk, and in the company of some very aggressive shoppers.
Those shoppers can usually be identified as resellers. They take those cheap finds and flip them for a profit. Simple as that. It can sometimes be that intimidating energy that keeps new shoppers away from the outlet.
Although the bins aren’t for everyone, I do think there’s a strategic way to shop for yourself in this environment. I do it all the time. Below are my three tips to shopping for your personal wardrobe at the Goodwill Clearance Center.
Take your measurements
Unlike any other regular Goodwill retail location, the bins don’t have fitting rooms, this means you either estimate whether it’ll fit you or not or take a chance on the item. There is a more strategic way to shop for yourself though. Knowing your measurements can help you make smarter decisions without having to try things on.
I won’t go into the nitty-gritty of measurements because 1, I’m not an expert, and 2, there are many ways to do it. Here’s a great article I found online showing you one way. You can also take simple measurements on some of your favorite fitting pieces. Then, use those measurements to compare to your Goodwill finds. Oh, take a measuring tape with you!
Be selective
Have you ever purchased something just because you felt you were getting an amazing deal? Whether you were in the Target clearance section, a sale day at Nordstrom rack, or dollar day at Goodwill? Me too! We’ve all been there, but it’s time to get selective. Items at the bins can quickly add up, so it’s important to only purchase the items you really love.
You should also be taking the time to look over each piece carefully. Purchasing items with rips, stains, and other flaws can be a big bummer and can even discourage you from future trips. I would highly recommend shopping with a friend if possible. They’re so helpful when it comes to reviewing your cart with you!
Have an open mind
I’ve talked about this in a previous blog, and that’s because it’s so important to the outlet-style shopping process. Shopping in these types of settings can be overwhelming, and with nothing being categorized by color, size, or style, you can quickly be discouraged. By having an open mind and a vision of unique items, you’re more likely to walk away with some great pieces.
An easy way to do this is to think about how you would style the item for a specific occasion. Whether it’s work, date night, etc. Think about how you could combine that piece with other items in your closet or in your cart. By having a vision for each piece, you’re more likely to feel confident in your purchasing decision.
I hope these tips were helpful. Remember, if any of your purchased items don’t fit, you can always re-donate them, give them away to family and friends, or sell them for profit on Poshmark. You can join me on the app by signing up and using code EXCLUSIVELYEGO for a special promo!
xo