How to run a school uniform swap

School uniforms are expensive and kids outgrow them long before they wear out. A uniform swap or second-hand rack helps every family, and it's easy to run.

Why it works

Most uniform items come back in good condition: blazers, jumpers, skirts and dresses especially. Passing them on saves families money and keeps good clothing out of landfill.

Running a swap at your school

1. Get the OK. Check with the principal or board, and find a home for it, like the library, the hall or a corner of the uniform shop.
2. Collect. Put a box at the office and ask families to drop off clean, named-off items. Term ends and prize-givings are good times.
3. Sort by size. Label racks or tubs by size and item. Mend or recycle anything too worn.
4. Set the price. Free, a gold coin or a small set price all work. Any money can go to the PTA.
5. Tell everyone. Use the newsletter, the school app and the PTA Facebook page, and say when it's open.

Take it online with SizeUp

Not every family can make it to a swap. Your school has its own page on SizeUp where families can list uniforms for parents to find any time, and $2 of every paid listing goes back to the school. Find your school's page and share its link in your newsletter.