So the New Year is here, and although it’s a bit blustery now, spring temperatures will be here before you know it! Are your kids’ closets ready for the transition? Easter dresses, swimming trunks and flip flops are right around the corner. Get what you need without breaking the bank! The Kids Exchange - Raleigh–the Greater Raleigh area’s number one consignment event–will be in full swing, Jan. 19-26, at both the Jim Graham Building and Exposition Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Select from spring and summer merchandise at bargain prices. Here are our top 10 reasons to go:

1. “Clean closets and full pockets.” Consignment is a great way for families to make some cash by selling items they no longer need. 3,000 sellers, 700 volunteers and 30,000 shoppers can’t be wrong.

2. Sellers not only get a nice return on their investment, they also get the added bonus of de-cluttering their homes, closets, playrooms and garages.

3. New online building directory (via QR code), helping shoppers search for items and exact locations. If you don’t have a smartphone or QR reader, simply print the color-coded map.

4. Diapers are expensive. But as little ones tend to grow out of sizes quickly, you can often find a variety of heiny huggers from Swaddlers to Pull-Ups.

5. Books, educational toys, puzzles and games to keep your kids busy until the warmth of the sun calls them back outdoors.

Kids Exchange in Raleigh NC6. And speaking of the outdoors, check out the selection of bicycles, sandboxes, basketball hoops, playhouses and other outdoor toys for hours of enjoyment in your own backyard.

7. Swim suits in Jan.! Where else are you going to find a selection of everything from swim diapers to one and two-piece pool attire for your toddler or teen? Then head over to the sporting goods area and check out the pool noodles, floaties and other inflatables.

8. Seeking furniture or storage options for your nursery? They’ve got you covered.

9. Barcoded price tags for fast checkout.

10. Helping your community: at the end of each sale, sellers have the option of picking up unsold items or donating to a worthy cause. Kids Exchange sales around the nation have given millions of dollars to families both locally and around the world.

Kids Exchange - Raleigh is open to the public. Consignor item drop off is Jan. 19-21, volunteers shop Jan. 21, consignors shop Jan. 22 and the public sale runs Jan. 23-25 with 50 percent off most items on Sun.

Photos courtesy of the Kids Exchange