5 Tips to Make the Most Money from Consigning Clothes and Household Items

I love consigning - it's so refreshing to clean out the closets, get rid of some of that stuff that's been weighing you down and get a little money back in return.  Here I share the basics as well as my 5 top tips on making the most from your consigned items.  

What is consigning?

Consigning is bringing your used or new items to a shop that will sell them for you and give you a cut of what it sells for.  Yes, you could have a yard sale and keep all the money yourself but consigning is great because you don't need a yard full of stuff and a free Saturday to make a little extra money - and you also don't have to worry about meeting potentially creepy strangers from Craigslist or Facebook Yard Sale groups.  With consigning, you can sell as little or as much as you want with no work involved - perfect for all those busy folks out there.  

There are lots of different types of consignment shops - some only do clothes or kid items, others do antiques and decor items, and some do a combination.  There are even really specific shops out there for things like bridal and formal wear, so no matter what you're looking to get rid of there's most likely a consignment shop for that.  

The format for all these types of shops usually goes something like this:  Items are generally consigned for 90 days.  If the item sells you get a percentage of what it sells for, usually 40-60%, and some stores offer you a higher percentage if you take the amount in store credit rather than cash.  Some consignment shops cut checks to you once a month, others keep tally using a computer system and you can even check in online to see how your items are doing.  If the item doesn't sell within it's allotted time you often get the choice to donate it to charity or come and pick it up.  We always do the charity option, that way we get the chance to make a little money back but if something doesn't sell it goes on to help someone else - it's just win-win.  

My 5 top tips on making the most from your consigned items:  

1. Keep with the seasons.
   Most consignment shops will only take what's in-season - if they don't, make sure to bring in only what's current or will be soon. Bringing in a snowsuit in May will get you no where - it likely won't sell in the allotted time and you will lose the sale and therefore the extra cash you were hoping to make.
   

2. Make sure your items look their best.
   This means making sure your clothes are clean, have no stains or heavy wear-and-tear, loose threads are cut off, and it's wrinkle-free. If you're consigning decor items, make sure they have no damage and are dust-free.
   Consignment shops won't take anything that doesn't look clean and ready to sell.
   

3. Know your market (consignment shop + audience).
   Some consignment shops are more "high-end" than others so it's important to know what kinds of items and brands they take and what they're looking for (there will be places that only take premium clothing brands like GAP, J-Crew, etc). Some shops will even post a list online of what they are looking for or no longer taking at this time.
   Once you get to know your local consignment shops, you'll soon learn where your items do best and you can decide where to bring what and when.
   

4. Always be ready to consign.
   Always have a designated space (a plastic tote, box, or even a paper bag) to put items you'd like to consign. How many times have you passed over that sweater in your closet? (a million) Put it in the box. A well-meaning relative sent you an outfit for your little one that's already two sizes too small? Put it in the box. You don't have to do a big purge to consign (though that's always a good thing), you can consign as you go.
   

5. Shop where you consign.
   If your consignment shop offers you a higher percentage back if you take your cut as store credit, definitely consider doing that - your money will go further for you.
   One of my favorite consignment shops is one of those "higher-end" boutique places where they sell a mix of consigned and new items. I love consigning and shopping there because they give me a higher percentage back as store credit and I can put it towards gently used premium-brand clothing or new clothes and gifts.

Where to start?

Ask around, Google around.  See what's near you, then give those consignment shops a call or send them an e-mail to get more information.  Make sure to find out what their policies are and if you need an appointment to drop off items.  

Happy consigning!  

A glimpse at our glamorous "To Be Consigned" system.
I have three consignment shops I use regularly: one for premium brand clothing, one that will take any brand of clothing, and one for decor items. I write the initials of the consignment shop on each bag/box and leave them tucked away but still easily accessible. Then whenever I have an item I want to consign I drop it into the box for the correct consignment shop. The next time I know I'll be going by a particular place, I make sure to bring those items with me and drop them off - it couldn't be easier!

Pinch me, I must be dreaming.

Okay, so I'm really afraid to go into detail because I don't want to jinx anything but I have some VERY exciting news about this little Instagram photo!  

...all will be revealed in November :)  

Finding my niche...

My Etsy shop and this blog are still very much a work in progress - I have all kinds of ideas on products I want to make, things I want to write about.  I often wonder if this blog is trying to be too many things at once... 

Just about all of the most popular blogs out there (including some of my personal favorites) share so much about the author's daily life, their families, their homes, the whole nine yards.  Their reader gets to know them personally, gets invested in what's going on, and it keeps them engaged.  But that's just not me - I don't feel comfortable posting detailed photos of our home and life publicly.  I try to walk that line, but I know staying on my side of this fence will alienate much of my audience. 

I know if I want a shot at a successful following on the blog and Etsy storefront I need to find my niche and stick with it, but I'm not there yet.  I'm still testing the waters on what kinds of things I truly enjoy making and writing about, and until I find my focus you all get to enjoy a little bit of everything ;)  

Thanks again for reading and please feel free to leave some feedback - I'd love to hear your thoughts!  

Simple Whitewash Tutorial

Okay, we're taking it back to the very basics here this week - a simple, easy whitewash tutorial.  I actually used the whitewash boards pictured here to make the backdrop for all my Etsy photos (and in the next week or two I'm planning on whitewashing more boards to use for a gallery wall in our kitchen - stay tuned for that project!).  

Materials: 

• whatever you're planning to whitewash - unfinished furniture, wooden board to use for a sign, etc.
• white paint (can be just about any kind of non-glossy paint)
• plastic cup with water
• brush (bristled brush if you want a dry, streaky affect; sponge brush for a more uniform look)

Leftover ceiling paint works great to make your whitewash mixture.  

How to: 

Dilute your paint with water - about one part paint to two parts water then simply brush the paint/water mixture on, letting it dry between coats.  
It will be pretty translucent at first, but keep building layers until you get the look you're going for.  I did quite a few coats to get it nice and white, but still translucent enough that the wood grain shone through.  

That's it!  Like I said, we're taking it back to the basics this week.  

A closeup of the whitewash boards as my Etsy backdrop - I love the subtle texture it has!  

A bit of inspiration..

My Great-Aunt (who is now 97!), gave me this handmade card when I graduated high school.  Though she hadn't made it herself, even then I thought the stamped Emerson quote was just beautiful.  

Just about 10 years later I still had the card, and this summer I finally framed it with her signature safe on the back.  It sits on my desk now, reminding me that success comes in many forms.  

Success

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent
people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal
of false friends; to appreciate
beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
a garden patch or redeemed social
condition; to know even one life
has breathed easier because you
have lived.  This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Turn a Starbucks Bottle into a Milk Bottle Vase

Ever notice that the silhouette of those Starbucks bottles are very much like an old-fashioned milk bottle?  I'm sure the real reason is smart marketing, but an ever better reason is for you to turn that bottle into a milk bottle vase!  

Materials:  

• Starbucks glass bottle, with lid (which means you have to drink one of those delicious coffee drinks.. darn)
• white or cream acrylic paint
• cardboard

How to:  

First drink a Starbucks (most difficult part of the job right here).  Then remove the labels and wash the bottle thoroughly, inside and out.  You should be able to get the glue residue and expiration mark off the bottle with a scrubby sponge and dish soap.  Rinse the cap and save.  

After the bottle has completely dried, squirt a decent amount of acrylic paint into it and replace the cap.  Swirl and shake the bottle until the paint has completely coated the inside of the bottle, adding more paint if necessary.  

Remove the cap and pour the excess paint back into your paint bottle.  

Next set bottle upside down on the cardboard for about 30 seconds then pick straight up, set back down in a different spot, and repeat several more times until you seem to have most of the excess paint out and a nice even coat on the inside of the bottle.  

Put bottle back upright to dry so the paint doesn't drip and pull away from the bottom and also so that air can get inside.  At this point I brought it inside the garage to dry - didn't want any curious grasshoppers falling in!  

Let dry about 48 hours.. it can take a surprisingly long time to dry due to the small opening of the bottle.  

Once completely dry, place on a sunny windowsill and admire.  (Note:  this vase is for decor purposes only.  If you put water in it for cut flowers the acrylic paint may start to lift off the glass after a while.. just something to keep in mind.  You may want to consider using fake flowers.)  

You could even dress these up a bit with some gingham or burlap ribbon.  They are so easy to make and could be used for all sorts of things such as small centerpieces or accents for a bridal or baby shower.  

Our Top Baby Registry Must-Haves (many will surprise you!)

Getting ready for a new baby means.. a lot of stuff.  Like, a boatload.  Some stuff you’ll hardly ever use, and others you just couldn’t live without. 
Read on for some of our favorite baby registry must-haves - some will surprise you! 
| This post contains affiliate links |

1. Coconut Oil - This will become your go-to every time baby has dry skin or a rash. It helps treat cradle cap, dry skin, various diaper rashes, and heat rash. It's is a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial so it heals, moisturizes, and helps keep the issue from coming back.
   (FYI - coconut oil can be expensive.. the place where we've found the best deal has been in-store at Trader Joe's.)
   

2. Aden+Anais Swaddle Blankets – nearly all babies love to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect. They’re made of very breathable muslin which helps ensure baby doesn't overheat and are also over-sized so you always have plenty of material to work with.
   When baby no longer wants to be swaddled, they make perfect lightweight stroller blankets.
   

3. Sophie the Giraffe - I thought this was the most ridiculous thing at first (nearly $20 for a little rubber giraffe? Really?!), but our daughter absolutely loves it! It was one of the first toys she could hold and play with thanks to it's long neck and legs, and all of it's different parts and textures give her a lot of options for teething.
   Now that she's crawling she loves holding on to Sophie and squeaking her against the floor as she goes along. It's become one of our daughter's favorite toys, though our dog did take some convincing that it wasn't for her.
   

4. Convertible Pack 'N Play (with bassinet + changing table) - In the first few weeks when you're sore and beyond exhausted, you're going to want some place close to put your baby down or change her. These convertible pack 'n plays are ideal, but don't get too carried away with them! When we were first comparing all our options we were tempted to get the most expensive one will all the bells and whistles, but instead settled for a mid-range model and I'm so glad we did. Our little baby outgrew the bassinet within weeks so if we had spent extra money on one with an extra-fancy bassinet it would have been for naught. As a whole though these pack 'n plays grow with baby, so this is a purchase you'll be using for a long time.
   

5. Insulated Lunch Box or Small Cooler - Bottle feeding or breast feeding, at some point you will need to take milk or formula with you. Whether you choose a novelty lunch box that will take your little one into daycare and preschool or an ordinary small cooler, having someplace to keep milk and first foods cold on the go is essential.
   

6. Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit - This is another one of those things I thought was a total gimmick at first but after weeks of our little one walking up no less than 15 times a night (oh how I wish I was exaggerating) and refusing to nap during the day, I gave it a try and it certainly was magical!
   The Sleepsuit helps transition your little one when they no longer want to be swaddled, but are still being awoken by their Moro reflex. It allows them to sleep on their back in a stretched out position but the puffy padded suit helps "muffle" their startles, keeping them feeling cozy and safe and allowing them to fall back asleep on their own. The suit comes in two sizes (3-6 months and 6-9 months) and should no longer be used when baby is able to start to roll over in the suit.
   For us this suit was a sanity saver and got our little one's sleep back on track. It also was instrumental in helping us establish naps and start our daughter on a schedule when she was a few months old.
   

7. Stain Removers - Babies are messy, and you don't realize just how much so until you have one.
   So far Seventh Generation Natural Stain Remover Spray has been able to take down every laundry stain we've thrown at it - even set-in stains that have already been through the wash once already are no match for this spray.
   For the instances when baby poops, pees, or spits up on things that can't go through the washing machine (like the carpet or the couch) Bi-O-Kleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator does a great job at lifting the stains and smells out.
   

8. Jogging Stroller - It doesn't matter if you're or runner or have never worked out a day in your life - get the jogging stroller over the regular stroller with the little wheels.
   After going for walks with friends that have regular strollers, it made me all the more thankful for our jogger! Our BOB stroller navigated the walking path and sidewalks with ease but for our small-wheeled stroller friends, relatively small cracks and uneven parts of the sidewalk became like hitting a brick wall with stroller, baby, and mom coming to an abrupt halt.
   And don't let price and compatibility deter you - my sister-in-law found our nearly $400 BOB stroller on Craigslist for only $40, so don't be afraid to buy used! Also most joggers have car seat adapters available so you can still use your travel system like you would with a regular stroller.
   

9. The Baby Book by Dr. Sears - Ever wish babies came with directions? This is probably as close as you'll come. This easy-to-read book covers all the basics and more and is a great reference for just about everything that will come your way.
   While you're pregnant I also highly recommend reading The Pregnancy Book and The Birth Book (also of the Sears Parenting series). I read several pregnancy/labor books while expecting and these were the most thorough books hands-down. And while they were a little too "touchy-feely" for my taste at times, I felt as though they really helped me prepare for and understand my pregnancy and labor.
   

10. Mattress Protection (for your mattress) - It's a given to get mattress covers for the baby's mattress, but until someone suggested one for our mattress too it never crossed my mind.
    In your last trimester get a good-quality, non-crinkly mattress cover for your own bed. That way in case your water breaks in bed, you're protected. Then even after baby is born, leave it on because at some point baby will poop, pee, or throw-up in your bed. It will happen more than once, trust me. And do you really want to ruin that $400 mattress? Didn't think so.
    

11. Fan - White noise can help lull a baby to sleep and good air circulation can help reduce the risk of SIDS, so having a fan near wear your baby sleeps is a great idea. Some people swear by sound machines to help their baby to sleep, but personally the thought of whale sounds going for hours on end gives me a headache.
    Whatever you decide to do, have a little white background noise and make sure baby's room is well-ventilated.
    

12. Infant Carrier – there are lots of great ones out there. I suggest going to a local Babies ‘R Us or baby boutique and try some on to see what features you like and don’t like. Some people really like a structured carrier (like an Ergo or Boba), and others prefer the ones made of stretchy material (like a Moby wrap). Personally, I prefer the structured carrier.. it’s definitely a lot easier to take on and off when you’re out and about. Just make sure not to get one that's considered a "crotch-dangler" - they're bad for baby's hips!
    Whatever you choose, baby-wearing is not only great for bonding but it’s a HUGE sanity saver. It allows you to be able to still get things done around the house when your little one won’t let you put them down.

That's our list of our top baby must-haves, but of course there are a million other things you'll need - diapers, wipes, bottles, breast pumps, diaper pail, saline drops, co-sleeper or bassinet, crib, high chair, car seat... The list goes on and on but we hope we gave you some ideas for things that you might not have thought of.  
It can be a hard and exhausting job, but motherhood is the most rewarding thing you'll ever do.  Good luck, Mama - you'll do great!  

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Related Posts:

• Important Tips for Creating Your Baby Registry

• Pain-Free Childbirth: My Hypnobirthing Experience

• “Things I Wish I Knew Before my C-Section”

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Baby's First Foods: The Basics {Free Printable Chart}

Starting solids is a huge step, especially for first-time parents like us.  So many questions, so many rules, so much to keep track of in the beginning!  Here we thought we'd share some of the basics, our go-to resources, and a handy chart to keep track of your baby's first foods.  | This post contains affiliate links |

Disclaimer:  The info I am sharing is based on my own experiences; I am not a medical professional.  Always double check with your pediatrician before starting solids and get their professional opinion on the best way to introduce new foods to your little one.  Please also note this post was originally published in 2014 and some "best practices" may have changed.  Always check with your child's pediatrician for their recommendations and advice.  

Most pediatricians recommend starting solids between 4-6 months of age (closer to 6 months is supposed to be best).  Baby must be able to hold their head independently and ideally the baby has also started to show an interest in food.  It's important to get the okay from your pediatrician first before starting solids.  

In the past baby's first food was always rice cereal, but that's not the case anymore.  Just about any pureed food that's considered "non-allergenic" and has been thinned down sufficiently can be given.  In general, it's best to work from a pre-determined list of typical "first foods" - these are foods that are least-likely to cause allergies or reactions in your little one.  Make sure the foods are well-pureed and thin them down with breast milk, formula, or water - the thinner the better in the beginning!  Once baby gets used to swallowing their thinned food, you can add less liquid and make the food increasingly thicker.  

Follow your baby's lead when feeding.  If they turn their head or push the spoon away, they're finished - don't pressure them.  And don't worry if baby seems to hate their dinner, it's been said that a baby needs to try a food at least 10 times before they're sure if they really hate it or love it.  If baby really hates those pureed pears wait a few days or a few weeks before trying it again, you may be surprised how much he loves it the next time!  

Always introduce new foods individually at least 3 or 4 days apart to make sure your baby doesn't have any kind of reaction.  Keep track of any symptoms or side affects no matter how insignificant, as it may be a coincidence or be related to the food.  If you notice your baby is extra fussy or gassy, for example, write that down and see if she has the same reaction next time she has that particular food.  If your baby breaks out in a rash, has a change in breathing, or any other kind of severe reaction call the pediatrician immediately!  

Fresh is best when it comes to baby food!  Making your own pureed baby food is quick and easy - all you need is a steaming basket, blender, and baby food storage containers.  Steam the fruit or veggies until soft then blend until smooth, using the cooking water to thin as needed, then store in baby food storage containers.  Breast milk storage bags can also be used to store baby food, and are especially handy if you've made a big batch and have run out of baby food containers.  

When buying commercial baby food, make sure to read the labels closely!  So many have ingredients that you wouldn't expect and might not want for your baby.  Even the organic ones may have ingredients that will catch you off guard - for example one that's described as "Pumpkin & Spinach" may also have another veggie or fruit such as apricot in it.  If your baby hasn't had apricot yet, you may decide to skip this one for now until she tries that food individually first.  

Our little one started solids around 5 1/2 months and was very picky in the beginning.  It seemed as though we could never find a food she liked or a texture that was smooth enough.  After a lot of trial and error (and record keeping, hence the chart), we finally got a sense of what she liked and she started to accept eating solids.  It may be hard in the beginning, but by taking notes and letting your baby set the pace of what they're ready for it will be a success.  

Baby's First Foods Chart

A simple chart to keep track of what food has been introduced (and tally how many times they have tried it), what they thought of it, and possible reactions. This chart will also be a great record to keep for the baby book.

{Download free PDF of Baby's First Foods chart here.}

Our post was just a quick overview of the basics, for more information we recommend some of our favorite resources:  

• Wholesomebabyfood.com - a great online resource for what to introduce when, what to avoid, recipes, and more.

• Sage Spoonfuls Cookbook - this cookbook lays out everything in an easy to read manner. I love having this in the kitchen as a quick-reference to see how long I need to steam food for, how long a particular pureed veggie will keep in the fridge, etc. (Sage Spoonfuls also has a baby food making kit, which includes the food processor, storage jars, cookbook, etc - and it's all made in the USA, which I love)

• Homemadebabyfoodrecipes.com - another great online resource for recipes and guidelines.

• Baby Food Ideas (Instagram) - This mom shares photos of the homemade baby food she makes for her kids - lots of creative combinations and ideas.

Disclaimer:  The info I am sharing is based on my own experiences; I am not a medical professional.  Always double check with your pediatrician before starting solids and get their professional opinion on the best way to introduce new foods to your little one.  Please also note this post was originally published in 2014 and some "best practices" may have changed.  Always check with your child's pediatrician for their recommendations and advice.