#nationaloldstuffday

[rabbitcruiser]

National Old Stuff Day

National Old Stuff Day, on March 2, is the day when people across the country clean out their closets and garages, rediscover old treasures, and declutter their lives. Just in time for spring cleaning, National Old Stuff Day is a great opportunity to devote a day to tend to your closet, garage, attic, and other cluttered spaces that don’t get a lot of attention. But you don’t have to stop at things — maybe you want to change an old habit or try a new activity. Get creative with new ways to organize, appreciate, or get rid of ‘old stuff’ in your life!

History of National Old Stuff Day

Second-hand shopping was popular in Elizabethan England, where desirable upper-class clothing could be purchased at one of hundreds of London’s resale shops. Fashion changed quickly, and those with means purchased tailor-made garments or hired servants to make clothes for them. Most Britons, however, couldn’t afford the luxury of new clothing. Because clothing was meant to last, purchasing an outfit was a big investment. Second-hand shops served the majority of Londoners, who could buy up the clothes cast off by the upper classes. Clothing was sometimes sold multiple times, with garments getting cheaper as they became more patched and ratty. Nevertheless, having ready-made clothing available for a few pennies was a vast improvement over having to sew everything yourself.

Beginning in the early 20th century, Christian nonprofits and charity organizations essentially invented a new business sector by linking charity to capitalism and commerce. Seeing the need for second-hand clothing and household items among the urban poor, progressive reformers used this as an opportunity to link used goods to charity and use sales to raise money for various causes.

Thrift stores quickly wised up to consumer tastes, using department-store-like displays to reduce the stigma around used goods and encourage middle-class shoppers to patronize the stores. Slowly, thrift stores became a fixture of American culture. As Americans gained increased access to mass-produced, disposable goods, thrift stores offered a way to assuage consumers’ guilt by justifying their purchases as charitable and frugal. Thanks to the environmental movement, increased awareness of mass consumption, and the elevated popularity of thrift store shopping in pop culture, thrifting has become a fashionable hobby. The stigma around used goods has largely dissolved as ‘vintage’ replaced ‘secondhand’ and shoppers increasingly seek to reduce their consumption of new goods. Today, there are over 25,000 second-hand stores in the United States.

National Old Stuff Day timeline

1820

Secondhand Shopping Begins in America

Charity fairs, often hosted by churches or ladies’ charity groups, begin to rebrand secondhand shopping as a charitable act.

1902

Goodwill Industries Founded

Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, starts Goodwill by collecting used goods and training his employees to repair them for sale.

1919

‘Thrift Shop’ Coined

The first recorded use of the term ‘thrift shop’ occurs in 1919 — just a decade later, the Great Depression would lead Goodwill to open over 200 stores nationwide.

1995

eBay and Craigslist Revolutionize Secondhand Shopping

Both popular online marketplaces launch, revolutionizing online shopping for secondhand items.

National Old Stuff Day FAQs

What items should I donate to thrift stores?

Just because you’re ready to donate an item doesn’t mean a thrift store necessarily wants it. Don’t donate items that are too damaged, dirty, or out of date. Some useful donations are high-quality cookware, dishes, children’s books, and clothing in good condition without stains or rips.

Is thrifting sanitary?

Most thrift stores take care to sort through items and remove any that are damaged or stained. Many also don’t accept items like mattresses or baby toys that could breed germs or bugs. However, you should still wash thrift store clothing before wearing it and use your judgment when buying things like upholstered furniture that might be difficult to clean.

How do I find the best thrift stores near me?

Check internet message boards for your community, ask your friends, and search websites like Yelp to find the most popular thrift stores in your area. You can also seek out swap meets and seasonal vintage markets.

National Old Stuff Day Activities

Clean out your space: Even the most minimalist among us can benefit from taking a good look at our space. Start with the small things: Do all your pens work? Give them a try and throw out the ones that don't.

Donate intentionally: When you're ready to donate your old stuff, do it with purpose. Donating to specific causes — for example, Dress for Success collects suits for job interviews — can help reduce waste and ensure clothing actually reaches those who need it.

Change an old habit: Do you have an unhealthy habit you'd like to change or a new habit you want to take up? Maybe it's a dietary change, a new hobby, or a new way of thinking. Use today to set an intention and commit yourself to altering one habit over the next year.

5 Interesting Facts About Thrift Stores

Thrifting is popular: Around one in five Americans regularly shop at thrift stores, and many pride themselves on buying used and finding secondhand treasures.

Most secondhand clothes never get sold: Your donated clothing may not always see a second life — in fact, over 80% of second-hand clothing eventually ends up in landfills or incinerators.

Thrift stores as consumer educators: Although many people now shop at thrift stores to reduce their consumption and avoid sending items to landfills, thrift stores also had an early role in shaping American consumer behavior and essentially training the American shopper.

Resale brings in billions: The thrift store industry makes a lot of money — in 2014, Goodwill Industries alone made more than $5 billion in sales.

Beanie Babies and the rise of eBay: eBay executives have cited the Beanie Baby craze as a major factor in the early growth of the company.

Why We Love National Old Stuff Day

It saves you money: Buying used helps you spend less and acquire interesting items you may not find elsewhere. You can get great deals on clothing and housewares at your local thrift stores.

It helps conserve resources: Giving an old item a second (or third) life is a great way to avoid producing new things and using up precious resources. When you buy a thrift store item, you reduce, reuse, and recycle all at the same time!

It's fun! Finding the perfect stuff at a thrift store can be extremely rewarding. Bring a friend and see what treasures you can discover at your local resale shops.

Source

[squeakpippa]

Here’s our contribution for National Old Stuff Day. 😁. Grumpy older sister will be turning 16 this December. Notice the background. For some reason she isn’t thrilled about her newest admirer. #nationaloldstuffday #nationaloldstuffday2023 #oldstuffday #oldstuffday2023 #oldstuff #olddog #olddogsrule #olddogs #frostybostie #bostonterrier #bostonterriers #ellie #elliemae #grumpydog #mooresvilleindiana #shegrewupinanindianatown #dogsofindy #indydog #indydogs #dogsofindiana #dogsofindy #dogsofindianapolis #indydogmom #dogmom #dogmomlife #dogmoments #olddogsarethebestdogs #olddogsrock #seniordog #seniordogs #seniordogsrock (at Mooresville, Indiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpS67P3OTvE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[iffoundreturntosea]

March 2, Day 61/62

Day 61 2015

#dew #grass #winter #afternoon #liveeveryday #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Was a hard day to keep going today but here I am.

Day 62 2016

Working hard on the website today.

#work #keepatit #notebook #keyboard #pen #green #shadesofgreen #march #picoftheday #project365 #day62

Day 61 2017

I'm lichen this month already!

#lichen #trees #outdoors #getoutside #upclose #macro #march #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Look how tiny the lichen was!

Day 61 2018

Me

#eye #eyelashes #lashes #eyeball #look #see #meaning #closeup #macro #story #theeyesofmarch #march #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Day 61 2019

My most precious old stuff riding some old stuff my Grandma painted 🙂

#patches #teddybear #special #33andcounting #rockinghorse #handpainted #grandmaslove #oldstuff #nationaloldstuffday #march #march2 #2019 #nationalday #nationaldaycalendar #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Day 62 2020

One of mom's junk jars.

#jar #junk #trashpickup #trash #weedwackerwire #blacklight #glow #march #march2 #2020 #picoftheday #project365 #day62

Who knew that weedwacker wire was so pretty?!

Day 61 2021

Spring is coming and apparently I have no say in the matter 😤 Creeping Speedwell (I think)

#teenytiny #flower #wildflower #blue #green #creepyingspeedwell #nature #outdoors #macro #lessstressmorefun #whateverthehelliwant #march #march2 #2021 #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Day 61 2022

Finally caught a bit of a sunset!

#sunset #texas #sky #tree #silhouette #twinkle #lights #march #march2 #2022 #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Nothing better than a sunset even just a little bit of it!

Day 61 2023

No snackies here, Winston.

#work #officeviews #outdoors #art #create #march #march2 #2023 #picoftheday #project365 #day61

Day 62 2024

Today was a particularly rough day pain wise so I’m really proud of myself for creating something so beautiful!

#glow #dailytheme #flower #light #color #petals #beautiful #march #march2 #2024 #picoftheday #project365 #day62

I got home from work and cried for an hour because the pain is so very awful. I called my mom because sometimes, even when you're almost 40 you just need your mommy. I calmed down and was able to create something wonderful!

[jamieroxxartist]

lol a BRILLIANT Video! I like the Stair Lift to Heaven! Brilliant!

#Pulp - #HelpTheAged #NationalOldStuffDay!

[sfc-paulchambers]

• @natdaycal #ReadAcrossAmericaDay as a motivational and awareness day calls all children and youth in every community across the United States to celebrate reading. Only we think it should include everyone; perhaps you can find time to even read to a child. #AshWednesday #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay #NationalOldStuffDay #BananaCreamPieDay Get on board! - Be sure to follow and Tag @NatDayCal with your favorite way to celebrate the over 1,500 #NationalDays. https://www.instagram.com/p/CamugC5OpKd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tomwordwulfsterner]

@wordwulf #bubonic #instagood #tweetgram #photooftheday #instamood #writer #philosophy #music #books #memes #photography #artwork #nationaloldstuffday #funny #justforgrins (at Worldwide) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL8ThTtl-4-/?igshid=jbfnkoffi84y

[natalieportmanteaus]

Happy #nationaloldstuffday ! What’s your #oldstuffday name? I’m Acid-Washed Gene Simmons. @genesimmons @kissbandmusic https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7jcMWA_9F/?igshid=3oa0yzu3yerv

[nationaldaycalendar]

While it is easy to get caught up in lifestyle ruts, is the ideal reminder to try something new once in a blue moon. You might discover how much you enjoy new things. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-old-day-stuff-march-2/

[corpsourcecater]

Always observed on March 2nd, #NationalOldStuffDay⠀ ⠀ It's a day to break out of the old routines and try something⠀ new. ⠀ ⠀ Whatever it is, strive to make the day new, not the same old day!⠀ Try #CorporateSourceCatering #phillyburbs for a #change ;)! https://www.instagram.com/p/B9P0Ad2jSmI/?igshid=1u7au76cchs7

[3dlogomaker]

In Finnish, #March month is called maaliskuu, which is believed to originate from maallinen kuu, during March, earth finally becomes visible under the snow. To know more, check out: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/March #EmployeesAppreciationDay #NationalFruitCompoteDay #DressInBlueDay #NationalOldStuffDay #NationalSpeechDebateEducationDay #IWantYouToBeHappy #NationalAnthemDay #NationalGrammarDay #HugAGIDay #MultiplePersonalityDay #NationalDressDay #NationalDentistDay #NationalFrozenFoodDay #NationalCerealDay #NationalBeHeardDay #NationalInternationalWomen’sDay #NationalGetOverItDay #March2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/B9MtJCbAGQl/?igshid=zbw20b11i9od

[rabbitcruiser]

Old Stuff Day

Old Stuff Day is all about…well, old stuff. Bits and bobs that have been gathering dust for ages in your home, trinkets, and toys up in the attic, antiques and old electronics – you’re bound to have some old stuff knocking about. And today is all about appreciating it. Because what’s better than uncovering something really awesome from days gone by?

It’s so easy to let things gather dust. If we don’t use them every day, some things can get pushed to the side and stay there. And that’s not just the things in your home – technology advances so quickly, new toys come out all the time, new books are constantly being published. In the age of new information, it isn’t easy to stay mindful of what built the foundations for what we have now. Today is all about remembering the things we sometimes leave behind.

The History of Old Stuff Day

If you think about it, there’s always been old stuff – but exactly when Old Stuff Day started to be celebrated isn’t too clear. That said, there’s no doubt that this is an important day for those who are a fan of all things gone by.

We’ve long had an appreciation for the value that age can bring to items. Wine becomes better the older it gets, furniture becomes more of a must-have once it becomes an antique; it’s certain that old things aren’t without their uses, value or charm. Collectors nowadays will pay a pretty penny for stamps, toys, video games, board games, books, coins, and clothes of yesterday.

How to Celebrate Old Stuff Day

Vintage fashion is still in vogue, but you can really get into the spirit of things by visiting a junk shop or visiting you local car boot – another person’s old stuff could be your new stuff! Or maybe now is a good day to declutter? Stuff you aren’t so into any more could make a great gift for someone else, or you could always pass you old things on to your local charity shop.

If you’re in a crafty mood, you could upcycle your old clothes into new outfits with just a little tailoring, or turn unwanted trinkets into snazzy boho decorations. Today would be a good day to visit your older relatives and learn about your family history, and the kind of shenanigans your grandparents would get up to back in the golden days.

Most of all, remember that today’s new stuff will one day be new stuff – so if you’re a fan of nostalgia, don’t get overzealous with that charity bag!

Source

[nirvanaq]

#oldstuffday #nationaloldstuffday #aeroplanes #aerodynamics #warplane #spitfire #freedomfighter #museum #history #lostinarchives #oldphoto https://www.instagram.com/p/Buhs11MgW6x/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1q7jktch417h3

[violasbabygirl]

📄📃 #nationaloldstuffday I'm gonna start spring cleaning by throwing away a lot of old papers beginning Monday. 💃 #imready https://www.instagram.com/p/Bug-_xMAwh8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1aaltdtdjlsu1

[jamieroxxartist]

Today, Mar 2, 2024, is #NationalOldStuffDay!

(https://nationaltoday.com/national-old-stuff-day)

Custom #Commissioned #Painting I Painted a couple of years ago:

‘Black #Morgan Plus 4 Super Sports FIA racecar #45’ #PopArt #Transportation #Vintage #RaceCar 2020, acrylic and oil blend on canvas, 20"x16" by @ArtistJamieRoxx #JamieRoxx (www.JamieRoxx.us) This Sold Painting is Not Available.

[sfc-paulchambers]

• @natdaycal Today kicks off an opportunity to get rid of old stuff providing more room to replace it all with new stuff. Since we all do it, might as well celebrate it. Plus, the Lenten season begins. So if you're giving up desserts for fasting, I'll eat your banana cream pie. Have a great day! #AshWednesday #ReadAcrossAmericaDay #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay #NationalOldStuffDay #BananaCreamPieDay Did you know, tomorrow never comes? That is why we Celebrate Every Day. Tag @NatDayCal with your favorite way to celebrate the over 1,500 National Days. (at Middle Tennessee Area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CamuXL3O9jq/?utm_medium=tumblr

[kaitlinbaylie]

Happy Old Stuff Day! I'd been meaning to post this since last summer but three BIG projects got in the way. So, without further ado: "Portrait of Morris Ubben and His Sons." I was commissioned to paint this by a widow whose husband recently passed away. She chose her favorite photo of her husband and her sons for me to recreate in pen and ink. After the painting was complete, I had them printed on 5x7 in. canvases with stands (by her request). She gave the copies on canvas to her sons as gifts for Father's Day. The original is framed and kept at her house. #kaitlinbaylieillustrationsanddesigns #kaitlinbaylie #indiaink #indiainkart #portrait #portraitpainting #oldstuff #portraitpainter #commissionedart #commission #nationaloldstuffday #comissionsopen #gesso #watercolorpaper #hotpressed #paintings #paintersoninstagram #illustration #artporn #illustratorsoninstagram #camping #backyardcamping #childhoodmemories #tent #coleman #colemanlantern (at Georgetown, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bug8HyaARhH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11s99yjz2dv12