Downsizing your home requires substantial decluttering, but consignment shops can be an excellent way to offload possessions and earn some money at the same time. Whether you’re moving into a smaller space, simplifying your lifestyle, or selling a family home, the sheer amount of stuff you need to sort through can feel overwhelming. From furniture and decor to clothes and personal items, it’s easy to accumulate things over the years that no longer fit your needs or new living situation.
Fortunately, consigning clothing and household items is a great way (and eco-friendly, too!) to pare down. If you don’t have the time or energy to manage a catalogue of items to sell on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Poshmark, consignment shops offer a convenient and practical solution. Consignment shops not only help you offload this part of your home-selling to-do list, but you also enjoy the benefit of making some money while decluttering and getting rid of things you don’t need. Plus, you can feel good about where your items are going—if they don’t sell, many consignment shops donate unsold items to local charities.
Why Consignment Shops Are Perfect for Downsizing
Consignment shops operate as a middleman between sellers and buyers. Unlike garage sales or online marketplaces where you’re responsible for every aspect of the sale, consignment stores do the heavy lifting. Here’s how it works: you drop off your clean, gently used items, then the consignment shop accepts items they are interested in selling, and they display them for sale. When your items sell, the store takes a percentage of the sale price, and you receive the rest, or often you can use your earnings as store credit. It’s as simple as that.
This approach has several key benefits:
Convenience: You save time and energy by not having to manage listings, meet with buyers, or deal with negotiations.
Space: As you prepare to move or downsize, getting items out of your home frees up space and reduces the clutter.
Sustainability: You contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by giving your items a second life, rather than throwing them away.
Support for Local Charities: Many consignment stores have arrangements where unsold items are donated to charitable organizations, ensuring your belongings go to someone in need.
If you’re a home-seller in the Peel or Halton regions of Ontario, there are several excellent consignment shops that can help you simplify your downsizing process. Let’s explore some local options.
Consignment Shops to Visit in the GTA West
A Renaissance Woman (Burlington)
If you’re looking for a great consignment shop in Burlington, A Renaissance Woman is an excellent choice. This upscale boutique, located at 4-100 Plains Road West, specializes in high-quality women’s fashion, accessories, shoes, and jewelry. The store accepts designer and quality brand-name garments and offers a year-round cruise wear section, as well as formal and special occasion attire.
Feathered Nest Furnishings (Halton Hills/Glen Williams)
Feathered Nest Furnishings is located at 586 A Main St. in the quaint village of Glen Williams in Halton Hills. Inside the old stone Beaumont Mills building you’ll find an eclectic mix of new and consignment home decor and furniture. There is no website for this store but you can find them on Instagram @featherednestglenwilliams.
My Girlfriend’s Closet (Oakville)
Located in trendy Bronte Village at 4-100 Bronte Rd., My Girlfriend’s Closet is a fun, charming, and chic boutique that consigns and sells gently used designer and name brand fashion. This shop prides itself om top notch customer service.
ReStyle Beauty Boutique (Brampton)
For those in Brampton, the ReStyle Beauty Boutique, located at 59 Main Street North, specializes in consignment fashion, offering a wide selection of gently used and new apparel, jewelry, and accessories. This family-owned boutique has been a staple in the community since 2016. Whether you’re consigning or shopping, ReStyle is a great spot for women’s fashion and accessories.
Seconds Count (Orangeville)
Another great spot is Seconds Count, a thrift and consignment store located at 27 Broadway in downtown Orangeville. All proceeds from sales at Seconds Count go toward supporting the local hospital, Headwaters Health Care Center, making it a meaningful place to donate or consign your household items while giving back to the community.
Style Encore (Mississauga)
Style Encore is part of a national chain but operates locally with a strong community focus. Located in Mississauga at 40 Bristol Rd., E , Style Encore is the perfect place for downsizers who have a closet full of women’s clothing and accessories that need a new home. Specializing in gently used, current-style women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories, this consignment store has a simple drop-off process, making it convenient for busy home-sellers. There are also locations in Burlington and Oakville.
The Millionaire’s Daughter (Oakville)
A well-known consignment shop in Oakville is The Millionaire’s Daughter, located at 427 Speers Road. This store has an impressive 10,000 square feet of showroom space and is a favourite destination for people consigning furniture and home decor. They specialize in mid-to-high-end consigned pieces, making it a great spot for anyone downsizing or moving.
The Way We Were (Halton Hills/Georgetown)
Located in historic Georgetown at 98 Main St. S, The Way We Were is a charming and elegant two story boutique offering volumes of high quality, name-brand clothing, footwear, purses, jewelry and accessories. When you have items in excellent condition that just don’t serve a purpose for you (or fit!) anymore, give this shop a call and set up an appointment to start selling.
How to Get Started with Consignment
If you’re ready to start decluttering and consigning, here are a few tips to maximize your success when working with consignment shops:
- Check Store Guidelines: Every consignment shop has specific criteria for what they accept, including seasonality and condition. Ensure that your items meet these standards.
- Prepare Your Items: Clean and fold your clothes, wipe down furniture, and make sure all household items are in good working order.
- Research Commission Rates: Most consignment stores will take a percentage of the sale price. Understand the terms before dropping off your items.
- Be Patient: Consignment sales may take time, especially for higher-value items. Give your items a chance to sell before seeking alternative options.
Next Step: Start Consigning and Simplify Your Move!
Consigning is a smart, sustainable, and profitable way to lighten your load when downsizing or moving. It helps take the stress out of managing your extra belongings while ensuring they find a second life. In the Peel, Halton, and Orangville areas, there are plenty of consignment options, from clothing and accessories to furniture and pet supplies.
If you’re in the process of downsizing or selling your home, I’ve created guides to help you navigate the process smoothly. Please complete the form below to request a copy of my Ultimate Guide to Downsizing, and my Home Sellers Guide for even more tips and resources!
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