With last weekend bringing in temperatures worthy of light-colored linens, Reader, I’m freakin’ calling it. We’re in springtime territory! Official start is March 19, but many of us already entered the season by doing what the American Cleaning Institute says about 80% of the country cracks into ’round this month: spring cleaning. Yes, according to the survey conducted by Wakefield Research, folks prefer the spiritually fulfilling practice where dust, dirt, and grime get ousted to the more soul-crushing chore of taxes. Can’t imagine why…
In addition to wiping away last year’s filth, this seasonal sweep ought to include sorting through all the objects, items, and miscellanea taking up space around the home. Wait, wait, I hear you say. I did the big closet clean, the bookshelf shuffle, and the junk drawer juke. Now what do I actually do with all this freakin’ crap? Reader, I’ve got you. Rather than make that dreaded drive to the secondhand shop, where half the unbought items probably get tossed into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch directly, why not drop your duds into the community more directly? After all, one person’s spring-cleaning castoff is another person’s totally rad find that they’re messaging the group chat about. Here’s a selection of locally run and free swap events specializing in myriad object genres.
The ATX Book Swap
Thursday 19, 6:30pm, Hopsquad Brewing Co.
A monthly literary affair where community members may exchange books, check out local nonprofits, do a free activity, and snag sweet reading merch.
Future Folklore 005: Craft
Saturday 21, noon, Futurekind Studio
From the living archive project Future Folklore and Futurekind founder Marta Elena Cortez-Neavel comes a discussion on the role of craft in our modern society. Bolstering that talk will be a book and craft swap, so bring the paper and the paperbacks you wanna pass on.
Seed Exchange
Sunday 22, 11:30am, Slow North
What’s more spring than sharing seeds, seedlings, plant clippings, and your best gardening know-how?
Art for Change (& Supply Swap)
Saturday 28, 5pm, Wheatsville Food Co-op
ATX Art Nights throws about a billion creative workshops every month, which leaves ’em with a lotta extra supplies. Bring your own abundance to this monthly all-ages craft night, whether that’s your overflow marker collection or a monetary donation for Foundation Communities.
Plus Size Clothing Swap
Sunday 29, 1pm, OutWellness
Run by Best of Austin winner I Slay, this swap’s the perfect place for any gently used plus-sized clothes that’re ready for new ownership.
Earth Month Zero-Waste Fest
April 4, 2pm, Twin Oaks Branch Library
Just ahead of Earth Day, Austin Public Library offers a chance for all the city to donate, swap, or transform the items you already own to keep ’em outta the landfill.
This article appears in March 20 • 2026.