Last week, Oprah opened up her clothes closet (funny she didn't mention at which house) and purged 150 items. The items will be auctioned off with proceeds going to her Leadership Academy in Africa.

Adam Glassman was the lucky person that got to 'assist' Oprah with what to keep or sell. I found it amusing when he said she was the most difficult client he's ever worked with because so many outfits and accessories had a story "this famous person gave me this" and "i interviewed this famous person in that". The other challenge the whole world knows about is her weight fluctuation, so she had clothes in several sizes.

After the show, I couldn't get the 150 items out of my head and wondered how many clothes I owned? Minus undergarments, shoes and some workout clothes, taking out 150 pieces would leave me with a closet full of empty hangers.  My husband would be the first person to testify that I'm not happy with my wardrobe, but it's a work in progress.

With the infamous 'spring cleaning vibe' around the corner, thought I'd give you a couple of things to think about if you get the urge to purge:

What's your style? When I said my closet was in transition, this is one area that I'm developing. I believe it was Rita Wilson (Tom Hank's wife) that said it took her a long time to figure out what she liked, what looked good on her, and what made her feel good when she wore it. What a powerful statement.

Quality vs. quantity. Some of the most stylish women I've ever met have the smallest wardrobes. They have the basics, buy one or two trendy things a year, and then sell/donate at the end of the year.

Are you wearing something because it's trendy, not because it looks good on you?

Clothes closet purging isn't just for women. Men are painfully attached to their clothes, if it fits, they keep it. If you don't have a significant other to help you decide what to keep, ask a stylish friend or co-worker (male or female) if they'd be willing to spend a couple hours sorting. Oh and don't forget the shoes, it's o.k. to own more than one pair of black or brown shoes.

But it was a gift. Apparently the gift giver didn't take much thought into your gift if it's not your style, size, or color. If Oprah can donate gifts she received on national T.V. (and on eBay), I think getting rid of a hideous sweater from your aunt is going to be just fine.

Just because you wore a trend 20 years ago, doesn't mean you'll look good in it now. Some trends are meant to be saved for the under 25 crowd.

How many items do you own? If you took out 150 pieces of clothing, would it make a dent?

Toss or donate? Notice Oprah didn't mention she had to toss anything? Do you have things that should go straight to the rag pile or might be salvageble for donation?

Fix it already. If you don't have anything to purge, than fix those items you have rolled up in a ball in the corner. Sew on the buttons, repair a snag or take it to a seamstress. They will fix it in a fraction of the time you've had it accumulating dust in the corner.

Thanks Oprah for encouring us to weed through our little ol closets.

National Get Organized Month has got the media motivated this year. I've been featured in two newspapers this month about how to get organized. Last week the St. Paul Pioneer Press asked random questions about hockey sticks and kids clothes and and this week the Minneapolis Star Tribune featured how and where to get rid of things in the greater Twin Cities area.

The full two page article A place for EVERYTHING features Rita Stollman-Levin, a Homes That Work client, in her beautiful Victorian home. Due to confidentiality, I don't always get the opportunity to share the intimate details of an organizing project. Rita's quote 'Do I really need 30 copies of a magazine I edited 20 years ago' actually motivated the reporter to spend some time in her own home this past weekend throwing out old articles and papers she'd been stashing in the basement for years.

More than a shameless plug for my business, I really wanted to point out some of the great resources that were included:

• Willow Creek Baby  will turn your sentimental clothing (baby blankets, jerseys, t-shirts) into a memory blanket
• Clothes Mentor  consignment store which pays up front (featured in a previous blog)
• Bridging accepts furniture and house ware donations
• Hope Chest  upscale consignment for furniture and home accessories
• Twin Cities Meet-up Clothing Swap has details if you want to be in a group that gathers to swap clothes 

So is there a place for EVERYTHING? Why not? Finding a "good" place is half the fun of organizing.

Details of the article at http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/82070822.html?page=1&c=y

A reporter from the Pioneer Press contacted me last week to see if I was interested in being the organizing expert for questions on the website Minnesota Moms Website www.minnmoms.com Considering the interview was on my way out the door on the way to a meeting, the introductory article went well. The questions asked apply to households with or without children.

• I'm sick of the hockey equipment strewn in the front hallway and piled up to dry on the radiator. Any tips for corralling the sticks, pads and helmets?
• Any tips on storing board games? They're spilling off the living room shelves.
• If you could give only one organzing tip, what would it be?
• OK, I've made the grand New Year's resolution to declutter the house. Where do I start?

Answers are at   http://www.twincities.com/ci_14142913?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

If you are already a member of the Minnesota Moms website www.minnmoms.com you will see additional organizing Q & A on Thursday, January 14th under the Get Organized in 2010 forum. These are some of the questions:

• How do I get my kids to take responsibility for their clothes in their bedrooms?
• How do I manage a house that is used for home schooling?
• What closet systems do you recommend that are easy to install?
• Any tips for developing habits for printing and storing photos?

Couple weeks ago, a client said "charities keep better correspondence then my friends and family". According to my caller ID, I'd have to agree with him. Charities are really looking for those end of the year dollar donations, but don't forget you can also make a difference by donating that bag you've got sitting in your closet for one last tax-deduction in 2009.

Here are a couple of local drive-up donation center, you don't even have to get out of your vehicle. For a location nearest you:

• ARC Value Village locations http://www.arcsvaluevillage.org/Donate/ 
• Salvation Army locations http://www.satruck.org/donate-goods
• Goodwill locations http://locator.goodwill.org/
• Bridging location http://www.bridging.org/contact.html

Clueless about how much your clothing or house wares are worth? Use the Salvation Army Valuation Guide:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/D477340FFA28755C8525743D0049D1EF?Opendocument

Organizing your closets or drawers may not be very motivating, but organizing them to get cash might make it worth your time.

Clothes Mentor stores are quickly popping up in Minnesota because they pay cash up front verses waiting until your item sells. It's only for women's clothing (sorry, no mens yet) sizes 0 to 26 as well as maternity. The franchise was started by the same owners of Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports and Plato's Closet. So far, stores have opened in St. Cloud, Roseville, Maple Grove, Minnetonka and the latest in Burnsville.

Like most consignment stores, they are looking for items that are easy to sell:

• Make sure items are clean, pressed or dry cleaned with no spots or stains.
• Lightly or gently used means minimal pilling, fading and no worn thin spots.
• Hems shouldn't be unraveling, buttons missing or zippers broken.
• Designer labels are generally big sellers, especially high end designers.
• Current trends preferred. Some stores accept vintage but you might have better results at a vintage consignment store.

Appointments aren't needed, they buy clothes every day including petites, purses, and accessories. Don't be offended if they pass on purchasing certain items based on condition, inventory levels or past experience. They know what sells best in their stores. You can always try a different consignment store that might gladly accept it.

More details at www.clothesmentor.com