OT: SYC and swapping - can they work together?

Kristin L

I read Angie's post about SYC and think that now would be a great time to do that. There is one small, little catch, though. I participate in an online clothing swap and I was wondering if SYC and swapping can work together? On the site I use, the only thing you pay for is to ship your things to the other person, so in on light it looks like I'm still buying (or getting) clothes, but I'm also getting rid of things I won't wear. What do y'all think? Can SYC and swapping clothes work together or should I take a break from swapping while SYC-ing?

13 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Meredith1953

rosee

Veteran

Yes, yes and yes! The great thing about SYC is that each participant creates their own rules that basically honor the understood guidelines. Some don't include necessities (such as underwear and pantyhose) in SYC. Others allow for swapping or ebay sale proceeds to fund new purchases (the idea is that you are not spending "other budget" money on your clothes). It's really up to you.

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

Rosee answered you exactly as I would - for SYC to work (YLF style) you really have to set your own boundaries. There is no right and wrong. The main objective most SYC participants have is to slow down acquiring while not appreciating and assessing what you have. So, in my mind, swapping is a perfect addition to SYC.

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks Rosee and Christieanne! Since my swaps typically aren't very large, hopefully I can figure out how to incorporate them while doing the SYC.

13 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Oh yes indeed, they can! Actually I think swapping is a great way to free yourself of the items in your closet that aren't working very well, or that you don't want to "shop" any longer, and pass them on to someone that they work for. At the Seattle clothing swap recently, I was thrilled to see friends that looked great in the castoffs that hadn't been working for me. And it's a great way to pick up a new item and try it out risk free without spending money on it! I also think clothing loans can be a good strategy- borrowing a dress from a friend, or passing along a single item to many recipients (I've seen a blogger do this with a "traveling scarf" that was passed from person to person.)

13 years ago