January Resolutions: Declutter and Earn Store Credit

We’re all guilty of buying gear we don’t use or don’t use enough–and almost everyone has a closet that hasn’t been cleaned out in ages. With the new year here, now is the perfect time to declutter and turn unused gear into store credit or cash.

Durango Outdoor Exchange makes it easy to bring in your gear and let us sell it for you. Here’s your guide to decluttering your outdoor gear the smart way.

Test: Did You Use It Last Year?

Start going through your gear and ask a simple question: Did I use it in the past year? If the answer is “no,” it’s a prime candidate for consignment.

This works for many popular gear items at Durango Outdoor Exchange:

• Down jackets

• Hiking boots

• Winter gear your kids have outgrown

• Skis, boots, and poles

• Backpacks and daypacks

Be Honest With Yourself

We “might” want to take up backcountry skiing or feel we got a really good deal on that jacket–but chances are, if you haven’t used it in a year, you likely won’t. January is a fresh start–and this is your chance to clean your closet or gear shed, earn some store credit, and give someone else a chance to enjoy your gear.

Determine What Is Still Valuable

Not everything has good resale value, and some gear is too old to consign. And keep in mind that the Exchange doesn’t take all gear year-round–much of it is seasonal, so after identifying things to consign, some items may need to be held on to until the season changes.

Items that are popular this time of year:

• Down and synthetic insulated jackets

• Hard shells, soft shells, and ski pants

• Other cold-weather clothes, from pants to sweaters and base layers

• Cross-country skis, boots, and poles

• Downhill skis, boots, and poles–with exceptions for old gear

• Telemark and backcountry skis, boots, and poles

• Ski-focused backpacks and avalanche gear

• Snowshoes

• Kids’ gear and apparel

Do a Quick Assessment of Your Gear

Before bringing items in, check the basics:

• Is it clean enough that you would want to buy it?

• Are there major tears, broken zippers, missing buckles, lost components, etc.?

• Is there heavy wear on shoe soles, ski bases, or jacket cuffs?

• Are there major stains or noticeable smells?

A light wash can go a long way in helping make sure your items are accepted and sold quickly.

Not Sure Exactly Where to Start?

If you’re not sure where it’s best to start, try kids gear. If you have kids, this is  natural since they will normally outgrow snow pants, jackets, and ski boots. So bring them in–families are always looking for affordable options.

Bring them in — families are actively looking for affordable options.

Bring Your Gear to Durango Outdoor Exchange

When you’re ready,bring your gear down to the store. We’re at 3677 Main Ave. in Durango. Consignment hours and days change–check out our updates on social media or give us a call at (970) 259-0171.

Inside the store, the consignment desk is past the main checkout area, on the left and toward the back. One of our gear pros will take your gear, look it over, and assess what can be sold. You’ll get a receipt for your gear and an email usually within a day that lists what you’ve consigned and what the price is. You canlog into the consignor page to find your balance once things sell. Items that don’t sell after 90 days may be picked up; unsold gear is typically donated.

Declutter Outdoor Gear Now

Whether you are making room in a closet or cleaning out an entire gear shed, Durango Outdoor Exchange is here to help. Stop by this month, get organized, and make 2026 the year you declutter and get cash for your stuff.