How to Prep Your Kids’ Clothes for Resale: A Simple Guide for Families
by: Neethu Nair | updated: May 2025
If you’re looking to declutter your child’s wardrobe and earn extra cash, consigning your gently worn kids’ clothes and shoes is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re in Bloomfield Township or located anywhere around Metro Detroit, preparing your items properly can make all the difference in getting your clothes accepted and sold quickly. At Dandelion Kids Resale Boutique, we’re here to help you get the best results from your consignment experience with these easy tips.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Consignment shops, including ours, want to offer shoppers high-quality, clean, and current styles that feel new. Well-prepared items not only increase your chances of acceptance but also appeal more to buyers who are hunting for great deals on stylish kids’ clothing.
Step 1: Choose the Right Items
Start by selecting clothes that are in excellent condition and on-trend. Popular brands and items in pristine shape are more likely to sell. Avoid stained pieces, torn pieces, pieces with a distinct smell, or heavily worn pieces, and check for missing buttons, broken zippers, or any other defects.
Step 2: Clean and Refresh
Freshly laundered clothing is a must. Wash or dry-clean your items according to care instructions, and ensure they are completely dry before submitting them. For items like sweaters or delicate fabrics, a gentle hand wash or steam can freshen them up without damage.
Bonus tip: Magic erasers are a great way to make sure shoes stay clean.
Step 3: Repair and Replace
Small repairs can make a big difference. Sew loose buttons back on and replace missing snaps or hooks. Consignment buyers appreciate attention to detail, and shops will pass on items with obvious defects.
Step 4: Present Neatly
Fold clothes neatly and pack them in a bin or shopping bag (no garbage bags). Presentation helps your items stand out during the review process and on the sales floor. Avoid overstuffed bags or wrinkled piles — a tidy package shows that you care about quality.
Step 5: Ensure labels are intact
This is a big one! Make sure size and brand labels are clearly visible on each piece. We hate having to pass on clothes that are otherwise in perfect condition, but the tags help us and buyers feel confident in what we’re getting. Also, we organize based on size, and every brand has its own sizing quirks, so it’s really hard to guess
Bonus tip: avoid adding your child’s name to the clothing in a way that can’t be easily removed (permanent marker, stamps, or stitching). Instead, consider using a stick-on label which is laundry safe yet easy to remove! We have had great success with the ones from Name Bubbles.
Step 6: Follow Your Consignment Shop’s Guidelines
Each store has its own requirements. At Dandelion Kids, we review up to 50 items per appointment, focusing on brands and styles we know sell well. Before you consign, review our consignment agreement and scheduling process to ensure a smooth experience.
Bonus Tips: What Sells Best at Dandelion Kids and Beyond
Brands like Tea Collection, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson, Crewcuts, Ralph Lauren, Janie and Jack, Splendid, Vineyard Vines, Lola and the Boys, Athleta Girl, and many others are favorites with buyers. Sustainable and high-quality pieces in sizes newborn to teen 16 move fast. Check with your local or online consignment shops for their preferred brands.
Start Consigning Today
Prepping your kids’ clothes properly is the first step in consigning and helps you maximize your resale value. At Dandelion Kids Resale Boutique, we welcome consignors from all around Michigan and are excited to help families join the sustainable fashion movement.
Ready to get started? Become a Consignor!
By following these simple steps, you’re not only clearing space in your child’s closet but also giving clothes a new life — all while supporting sustainable fashion for families.