Most of Girlawhirl's closet space is devoted to clothing and accessories – and she's just a consignment shop away from turning clutter into cash. Her savvy Super Pal gave her a strategy that works:

Think about a few things before you start: is a town organization holding a clothing swap? Check your local paper, the school, library or local Y – this is a great way to get rid of items that you really can't see others paying for. Will you be organizing a swap with your friends? If you do, save some of your best items for that. And always set aside some interview appropriate pieces to send to your local chapter of Dress for Success.

The key to successful consignment selling is making sure that the right stuff is in the best place for it – so that means sorting. Designer duds go to the fanciest consignment shop in town – give them a call because they may only take specific designers and you may be required to make an appointment to have your loot reviewed. Expect rejections – it's part of the process at this level.

A high traffic store is the best place for items that were rejected by the designer shop and probably 90% of the rest of what you culled from the closet cleanout. There are Second Time Around franchises throughout the northeast, or establish a relationship with a local shop that's been around for a while. There's usually a payment schedule, with checks written at pre-determined times throughout the year, and once they know you, you can probably drop things off anytime. They may call you to pick up a few rejects, but there shouldn't be a ton of them. Check for seasonal cut-offs as well. You can't expect to drop off a load of sweaters in June. They'll probably want you to hold off until the end of August.

There are bound to be a few stained T-shirts, workout clothes that have seen better days and other items that you wouldn't even give away. Cut them into large squares and you won't need to buy rolls of paper towels for weeks!