More than anything, I have been reading articles and blog posts talking about how we can barter or trade our way into saving money when money is tight. My new favorite is the Swap Party

Do you and a few of your friends need some new clothing? If you’re all close enough in size, why not get together and swap out your old for some of theirs? You end up with a couple new outfits and clear out your closet of those things that you don’t wear anymore.

Swap is literally they new way to shop!

Would you like to host a swap party? Here are some ideas that can help you get your shindig started:

• The point is to save money but every party needs something to snack on and drink. It is important that you remember to set up a refreshments table. If money is really tight, ask your friends if they’d like to make the party a potluck. Everyone donates an item and everyone gets to eat.
• Keep your party moderate. Don’t invite 50 women to show up and swap clothing, unless you’re prepared for it. For maximum enjoyment, keep your party between 10 and 15 people. If you can handle a 50 person party, maybe you should start a party business.
• Set limits. Make sure you let your guests know what is acceptable for trade before they bring it. A skirt that has reached the end of its life really should find a garbage can, not your swap pile.
• Just because it is free does not mean you should take it. If you have tried it on and you don’t like it, don’t keep it. Give someone else a chance to consider that item. Free does not mean it should stay with you. Remind your guests of this, too.
• Once the party is over, donate the remaining bits of clothing to an organization. Someone, somewhere, can use it too. Since part of the fun was cleaning out your closet, there is no point in putting it back in there if no one else could use it.

Of course, if clothing is not your cup of tea, you can always swap other items. A jewelry swap can be a fun way to clear out an old jewelry box and make room for a couple new pieces. The only limits for a swap party are what you set for it.

Photo Credit: Adam (adamjinj)

Honorable Mention: I read both of these blogs regularly and they were a big part of that inspiration which lead me to write about swapping and bartering in the first place!

The Mogul Mom and The Mom Biz Coach