This past year was all about streamlining for me. Ending the craziness that was 2020, and going into 2021, I wanted to feel like I was surrounded only by things I truly use and love.

I’ve spent the past two months going through eight closet spaces in our house—from my closet to my kids’, to linen closets, toy closets and more—with the goal being to streamline and minimize.

So when I heard about Cuyana’s “Lean Closet” partnership with ThredUp, I had to try it. “Lean closet”—doesn’t the phrase alone make you want to start paring down?!

I’m going to chronicle my experience with the program and let you know how it works, and if it’s worth it.

As of publishing, there is a lag time on processing on Cuyana’s end, so in this post I’ll show you what I’m sending in, and when I get my credit back, I’ll update with another post then!

A Truly Curated Closet with ThredUp x Cuyana Lean Closet: How It Works

What is Cuyana x ThredUp’s Lean Closet?

Cuyana x ThredUp is an upcycling clothing program. That means the company is buying back your clothing to either re-sell, or reuse somehow. Resold clothing means it doesn’t end up in a landfill, and sometimes even finds life in someone else’s wardrobe.

What drew me to this particular trade-in program—since there are several available—was the partnership with Cuyana, a company whose items I have used and loved for years.

I bought their Leather Travel Case Set in a gorgeous, but now sadly discontinued, light green color six years ago and they are still in incredible shape! These are beautiful pieces that are made well, are durable, and are super spacious for travel. I’m able to fit my entire routine in both the large and small cases. (Tip: Get them monogrammed for an extra special touch!)

Cuyana is my go-to for holiday gifting too. Their items are incredibly well-made, timeless, and truly beautiful.

Why Cuyana and ThredUp are the Perfect Match

Cuyana’s motto is “fewer, better things”—a line that has inspired me to live more simply since I first read it years ago.

Think about it: If we could invest only in true staples that we’ll use time and time again, imagine not only how much waste that would save (so called “fast fashion” has rightfully been getting a bad name for all the waste it causes in landfills); but also imagine how much easier it would be to get dressed every day—knowing we only own what we truly love, and truly love to wear.

Here’s How it Works

1 – Go here and activate your label; if you haven’t purchased from Cuyana, just make an account and get started.

2 – Fill up a box with your no-thank-you’s—they’ll take your high quality pieces that are in good shape but you no longer love. Send it off with your shipping label!

3 – Your box is processed, and then you get an email from Cuyana about how much shopping credit you have. Use the credit on their site to get some high-quality items that you and your closet will love forever. (Or at least a long while.)

What I’m Sending In

• A BlankNYC fuzzy leopard crop coat — brand new

• Lululemon printed leggings — used, good condition

• Leith long-sleeve cotton dress — used, good condition

• Zella cotton jumper — brand new

• Rachel Zoe shift dress — used, good condition

• Long floral Amazon-brand dress — brand new

• Alternative Apparel long-sleeve tee — used, good condition

• Philosophy brand short-sleeve sweater — used, good condition

• Free People corset top — brand new

• Lululemon long-sleeve sweatshirt — used

• Buru short sleeve black crop — used

• Who What Wear puffy-sleeve shirt — used

• Buru collared shirt — brand new

• Leith glitter bodysuit — brand new

Note: As you’ll see, a decent amount of these items are new, never-worn pieces. One of my biggest weaknesses with shopping is a good sale, and I found myself buying things just because they were at a reduced price.

Looking at the tags hanging off these items as I put them in the box truly made me sick, and was yet another reminder for me to be more deliberate about my purchases.

The moments of reflection you gain when you take an honest look at what you consume are the biggest catalysts for change. I won’t be forgetting that lesson anytime soon! And honestly, it’s a huge reason why I’m now choosing to be more conscious about my upcoming purchases.

What You Need to Know Before Sending In Your Clothes

Cuyana and ThredUp have set some quality standards for the types of clothing items they’ll accept and give credit for. The bottom line? They accept only undamaged, unaltered clothing that’s in good shape.

How Does the Payout for Cuyana x ThredUp Lean Closet Work?

Since ThredUp has to be able to sell the clothes, you make a portion of what they move. Here is the payout breakdown:

What Happens Next?

I’m sending the box in this week, and then it’s a waiting game. Cuyana says they’re in the middle of some delays with the program, so it could take up to 15 weeks to get word back on my shopping credits.

Of course I’ll pop back in and let you know what I get! In the meantime, I hope this post inspired you to consider decluttering in a new way.