A wardrobe clear-out needn’t be daunting—nor should it lack purpose. Embrace the opportunity to declutter your closet with intention, refining your personal style while giving back to those in need. From selecting timeless pieces to let go of, to ensuring your donations make a real difference, we’ve consulted fashion personality Colin Mathura-Jeffree on how to effectively detox your wardrobe in time to make the most of the Uber x Red Cross Clothing drive. Whether you’re refreshing your collection or embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, this is your chance to purge with purpose and to support those in need.
“Decluttering can be a fabulous process – it’s about making space for the new and letting go of pieces that no longer serve us,” says Mathura-Jeffree. “We all have items we know it’s time to part with, and by donating them, we give those clothes a chance to bring joy to someone else.”
“By donating our quality clothes to the Red Cross, it’s not just good for your wardrobe space, and the planet, but we’re supporting vulnerable communities across New Zealand via the community programs New Zealand Red Cross runs.”
The Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive makes it easier than ever to donate quality clothes to support the Red Cross. Between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, 19 October, 2024 Kiwis in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch can book a free Uber Package to collect their clothing donations, and take it straight to a Red Cross location.
Building on last year’s drive which saw 56,000 kilograms of clothing donated in six hours, New Zealand Red Cross is asking for high quality clothing donations to stock Red Cross Shops and support its humanitarian programmes around Aotearoa.
Below, Mathura-Jeffree shares his top tips on the dos and don’ts of donating. Plus, we break down how to take advantage of Uber Package to ensure your excess clothing items find their way to Red Cross.
Deciding factors: How to declutter your wardrobe and prepare them for donation
1. Make time to try things on
Lock in a date night with your wardrobe. Making time to sort through your clothes is one of the biggest barriers stopping us from donating. Invite a friend to join. Not only can you make a date out of it, but they can help you declutter your wardrobe.
“Give yourself the luxury of trying on each piece before deciding its fate. Sometimes slipping it on again is the perfect way to see if it still fits your style or if you’ve moved into a new era.”
2. Be honest with yourself
When it comes to decluttering your wardrobe, adopt a pragmatic approach. If you haven’t worn an item in the last 12 months but it’s still in great condition, consider passing it on to a charity store. Red Cross is on the lookout for high-quality, saleable clothing and accessories. “We all have those pieces lingering in the back of our wardrobes – the ones we’re holding onto ‘just in case.’ But be honest with yourself – are you really going to wear that highschool ball dress again? And would your daughter really want it one day? The answer is probably not. It’s time to give those pieces a chance to shine somewhere else.”
3. Quality over quantity
“When deciding what to donate, ask yourself ‘Would I be thrilled to stumble across this in a Red Cross store?’ If the answer is yes, it definitely belongs in the donation pile! High-quality, well-loved items make the biggest impact on charity resources – think of it like your wardrobe’s greatest hits.”
4. Make space for the new
“Channel your inner Marie Kondo and before sending off your donation box, take a moment to thank your clothes for their service and the memories they hold. Even the pieces that were a fashion fail played a part in discovering your style today. Then open the Uber app and book an Uber Package pick up to whisk them away on 19 October.”
Next step: How to get your pre-loved items to Red Cross
The Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive is making it easier than ever to donate quality pre-loved clothing, by offering free delivery to Red Cross drop off zones on Saturday 19th October. Just follow these simple steps to do so:
Gather your pre-loved items into a sturdy bag or box, no heavier than 20kg, so it comfortably sits in the boot of a midsize car.
Prepare for Uber Package Pick-up:
- Open the Uber app between 10:00 to 16:00 on 19 October 2024, scroll until you see the Red Cross Clothing Drive image, and tap.
- You should see ‘Red Cross Clothing Drive’ automatically set as the drop off spot. Confirm, and keep an eye out for your package pick up. Alternatively, you can navigate to the “Package” option.
- Click “Send a package”, enter “Red Cross Shop” as the destination, and select the first option shown.
Remember, you need to be located in Christchurch, Auckland or Wellington to redeem the free delivery, and it is only redeemable once. Eligible customers will see a $0 amount payable when they book an Uber Package with the drop off location set to one of the Red Cross Clothing Drive Drop off locations.
You’ll have real-time tracking of the delivery person’s arrival in the Uber app, so you can easily meet them at your doorstep, or curbside to hand over your donation. You can also follow the trip status live once the delivery person picks it up.
By donating quality, pre-loved and clean clothing, you are helping contribute valuable funds to Red Cross humanitarian programs. These programs can make a real difference in someone’s life when they’re facing emergencies, crisis or isolation.
