Back-to-school: Save on uniforms by investing in second hand items

Upcycling guru Sue Turner says parents can cut back-to-school costs by thinking outside of the box when purchasing uniforms.

The Uniform Exchange’s Sue Turner says parents can cut back-to-school costs by investing in second hand uniforms. Picture: Tim Pascoe

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As the cost of living and raising children continues to rise, an upcycling guru from Pymble is reminding parents of alternative ways to stick within the back-to-school budget.

Instead of forking out hundreds to buy items new, The Uniform Exchange’s Sue Turner said investing in second hand school blazers, shirts, skirts and pants proved just as beneficial.

The Uniform Exchange founder Sue Turner started selling second hand items after the financial pressures of putting three kids through school. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“It’s great because it cuts costs for parents and is good for the environment,” the 66-year-old said.

Having raised and put three children through school, Ms Turner said understood the financial pressures parents faced when dressing their children for school each year.

“It’s a very expensive operation putting children through school,” she said.

“Children grow and their size probably changes three to four times.

“The price of uniforms has also gone up a little over time too — not substantially, but it has increased — and it now costs about $1000 to fit out a Year 7 child in a new uniform at a private school.”

Selling everything from second hand school bare essentials — including dresses, jumpers and hats — to more complex items like text books at half the price, Ms Turner said parents could save by accessing her website.

In turn, when families are ready to rehome the item, there is a platform for parents to advertise uniform pieces, too.

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“We do have a store but it only carries 10 school uniforms on the north shore,” she said.

“If you access the website, there are about 10,000 schools to choose from nationwide — so there is a little bit for everyone.”

While investing in several second hand items was the best way to cut costs and get kids through the week without hassle, Ms Turner advised parents to still have a new uniform on hand for special occasions.

“Soaking them for a few days and hanging them inside out and away from the sun — so they don’t get faded — keeps your uniforms in good condition,” she said.

“If you have a few of them you can rotate, the uniforms last longer and don’t become tired looking.

“Then when you’re ready to pass them on, you can bring them to us or advertise them on our site and end up making some money back.”