The first weeks of spring are finally upon us, and it’s a popular time for change. With the sun finally forcing its way through the winter clouds and new life popping up in flower beds all over campus, it just feels right to refresh and renew after being holed up indoors all winter term.
This also means it’s time to dust off the old items in your wardrobe and make space for the newest spring and summer trends in the spirit of spring cleaning. But as you pull out items like the old sequined sweater you haven’t worn since last year, the question arises: What do you do with it? Sell or donate?

To sell:
If you’re finding yourself tight on money this term, taking your things to these places may be the best option to leave with your stack of stuff a little lighter and your wallet a little fuller.

Buffalo Exchange: 131 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401

This is one of the more popular consignment stores in Eugene for college students. Buffalo Exchange is known for having a supply of clothes and accessories that are trendy and sometimes off-the-wall in an attempt to offer an eye-catching look. To maintain its style, the store tends to be more selective with what they accept from people trying to sell their clothes.

“We are always looking for current styles and vintage pieces. We also buy Halloween and Christmas sweaters year-round,” said Janelle Dervin, store manager.

The store takes gently used clothes, shoes and accessories. It has a relatively proportional offering of women’s and men’s clothes. They offer payment in cash, for 30 percent of the value, or in-store credit, for 50 percent.

Plato’s Closet:  26 E 17th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401

Since it opened earlier this year, Plato’s Closet has become another popular consignment store in the area for students. This could be due to its low prices, its large selection or its strategic placement: right across the street from the hangover breakfast favorite, Brail’s Restaurant. Plato’s is a great stop for affordable street clothes, including designer items for cheap. While it’s more likely to accept your clothes than Buffalo, the payout for the consigner may not be as large as at other stores.
“We buy all seasons all the time, but we’re especially looking for spring and summer things right now,” said Brittany Pierce, who’s worked at Plato’s since it opened in May 2015. “Anything like soft shorts, rompers, softer palazzo pants and we’re always looking for the higher brand athletic wear as well.”
Consigners get cash for whatever they decide to take. A majority of the store’s collection caters to women’s clothing and accessories, but they do have a small selection of men’s clothing, so they’ll be buying both going into the warmer seasons.
 

To donate:

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of dragging your things around to see if they’ll sell, these places can offer an easy drop-off solution, and an opportunity for some tax write-offs.
 

Goodwill: 1717 18th Ave., Eugene, OR 97402

Perhaps the most well-known donation drop, Goodwill is a good option if you have items you just don’t know what to do with. If you weren’t able to sell your items, heading here would be your next best bet.

Goodwill takes gently used clothes, accessories and just about anything else you seem to not have enough space for in your cramped college apartment. This is great if you’re just looking to get rid of everything hassle-free. But the downside compared to consigning is that there’s no financial payout.
Either way, this is an option with many locations around campus for donating just about anything and everything to make some more room for the new keg you’re looking to put in the corner of your living room for spring celebrations.
 

St. Vincent de Paul: 100 E 11th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401

This charity is similar to Goodwill in that it accepts just about anything for any season or need. It is a non-denominational, non-profit store, and its main purpose is to take the donations and use them to help support people in the area.
“Any revenue goes to social services,” said Paul Neville, an employee at St. Vincent de Paul. “We really need clothing and coats are great, household appliances, furniture, you name it. We take almost everything.”
While there is no cash payout for donating here, if you’re an avid thrifter this could be the choice for you, as they offer a coupon for 15 percent off your next purchase there when you donate. So you could take this opportunity to get rid of that dusty old lamp that doesn’t really fit your style, and swap it with one that vibes much better with the rest of your apartment.
No matter what route you decide on to get rid of those old clothes or items, it will undoubtedly feel better coming home to your newly spacious room or closet. Whether you leave with a little extra grocery money in your pocket or a receipt for some tax write-offs, you’ll be able to breathe easier knowing you’ve set your spring cleaning in motion and started the term off fresh.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Polos of all colors and sizes at Goodwill. (Cole Elsasser/Daily Emerald)