Multi-coloured swap shop

Posted by Anita Brook at 12:06 on 18 May 2010

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As the saying goes, one man's (or woman's, in this case) trash is another man's treasure. So, to test the theory, this week I'm swapping things, clothes, houses and men? No, I think that's swinging not swapping - not quite my thing!

Looking for a low cost wardrobe update, combined with a clear out? Then visit Swishing. The website provides an online portal for clothes swapping events around the country, often combined with a bit of a party thrown in for good measure.  The rules are simple, you bring along at least one item of clothing, everyone has half an hour to view the clothes on display and then, once the swish is open, you take what you want (no hair pulling or scratching allowed!). Visit the website for details of swish events in your area.

If you want to host a swapping party yourself, you can upload its whereabouts on the swishing site, or, if you'd rather a smaller scale affair for friends and family, clear out your living room and get a group of your nearest and dearest girlies together (preferably with an even mix of sizes), open a bottle of wine, and refresh your wardrobe. You never know, that item of clothing belonging to your best friend that you've secretly coveted for ages, might just turn up in the mix.

Swapping doesn't have to stop at the clothes on your back. Bored of your home, fancy a change? How about swapping houses? Not forever, just for a holiday, at the UK holiday swap shop. Simply upload the details of where you live and have a look if anywhere takes your fancy. A basic listing's free, so you really can go on holiday for nothing. It is a risk having strangers in your house, but they're putting themselves in the same position as you, so its likely things will be treated with respect.

A far cry from Noel Edmunds and his lovely jumpers (oh dear, I'm showing my age) this kind of swapping is a really good way to recycle those clothes you've hardly ever worn - you know the ones at the back of the wardrobe - and get something for nothing. I'm just waiting for someone with a castle in Scotland to pick my humble abode as a suitable holiday destination!

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