Let go of the excess: clear your wardrobe and give clothes where they are needed
The change of season is a chance to make space, in your wardrobe and your heart. Here is how to choose what to keep, give away or recycle, and make a useful donation.
In the early thirteenth century in Assisi, a wealthy young man took off his clothes before his father and the bishop, and returned them. It was Francis. We will not ask that much of you. But a seasonal clear-out is a chance to ask: how much do we really need?
The three-box method
Take three boxes or bags and label them KEEP, GIVE and RECYCLE. Work through your wardrobe one shelf at a time and ask these questions.
• Have I worn it in the past year? If not, perhaps you will not wear it next year either.
• Does it fit me now? Not “when I lose weight” or “when I was thirty”: now.
• Does it make me feel good? If wearing it makes you uncomfortable, let it go.
• Is it in good condition? Clean, intact pieces go in GIVE; damaged, stained or torn ones in RECYCLE.
A trick: turn all your hangers backwards. After wearing something, put its hanger back the right way round. Six months later, the backwards ones show what you have not worn.
Where to give clothes
• Your parish Caritas. Many parish centres collect clean, usable clothes for families in need. Ask what is needed first: children's or men's clothing, or winter items, may be especially useful.
• Humana collection bins. Check the logo, operator contacts and accepted items. Clothes may enter reuse and resale streams that support the organisation's projects. This is different from giving directly to a family.
• RIUSE and Caritas Ambrosiana bins. Colour alone is not enough: read the operator's name. Clothing is recovered and sold through a collection chain, with proceeds supporting social projects. For direct donations to someone in need, contact a parish centre.
• Charity shops. Fondazione Arché collects clothing for its Vintage Solidale Charity Shop at via Ressi 23 in Milan; proceeds support its projects. Check the official page and contact the shop before going, to confirm accepted items and times. Elsewhere, ask local Caritas for an up-to-date collection point.
Before using any bin, check that it belongs to an identifiable organisation, with its name and contacts displayed.
The golden rules of giving
• Clean and folded. Give only what you would give a friend. Dirty or broken clothing creates extra work for volunteers.
• Pair shoes and fasten them together with an elastic band.
• Avoid used underwear: very few centres accept it.
• For damaged clothes, check your municipality's waste-service rules. Not all bins accept unusable textiles. Follow specific local guidance for dirty, mouldy or contaminated items.
Getting dressed again
A less crowded wardrobe makes it easier to see and combine what you wear. For the clothes you let go, choose the route: an agreed direct donation, a charity shop or a reuse and recovery collection. The destination depends on the service, not the bin’s colour.
