Fall is the best season to start fresh with fashion. This is the time of year with the most new ideas and largest collections of the year. No wonder the September fashion magazines are so huge.

But, it's hard to rationalize new purchases when your closet is jam packed with items you never wear, leaving no room for newer fashions.

You need space in your closet. Here's how you can get it.

MAKE A LIST

As the seasons change and trends materialize, complete an inventory assessment of your wardrobe. That way, you can determine what you have, what will work with new trends and what you can put away for later.

Everyone likes to organize their clothing differently. I recommend hanging or folding all clothing items together in categories: skirts together, pants and jeans, blouses, jackets et cetera. Splitting up coordinates provides more options. Then sub-categorize by color (all black jackets together, then navy, then khaki).

TREAT 'EM RIGHT

Treat each item as though it is special and expensive, even if it isn't.

Fold sweaters and cardigans.

Hang camisoles on padded hangers. They are inexpensive and can be found at Tuesday Morning and Wal-Mart, but make all the difference in protecting the life of your garment.

Use wooden hangers (available at Lowe's) or velvet, plastic -- anything besides the wire ones from dry cleaners -- and have sachets in drawers.

WHAT TO WEAR?

When it is time to figure out an outfit, determine if you want to wear pants or a skirt. Once selected, move to the tops, then jackets, then shoes. Of course, this order changes as you acquire new items you can't wait to show off. Or, if the idea of wearing heels one day is unbearable, you might start with flats and move from there.

SHOULD IT STAY OR SHOULD IT GO?

Before selecting what to keep and what to get rid of, study current trends. Read magazines, articles and even shop to see what is new for the season. Then make mental notes and head to your wardrobe.

I almost always find something I have had for years and haven't worn in awhile that will fit a trend. Once identified, move those items toward the front of the closet so that they are easily seen and reached. This year I have moved my romantic blouses and long cardigans to the front. I have also pulled out many scarves and wide belts for easy access.

If you find that there is a garment you never wear, even if it is brand new, or it doesn't fit correctly and can't be altered, it is time to purge.

SECOND LIFE

Most women have a personal relationship with their clothing. Garments can represent special events or times in their lives.

So when you decide you no longer need something, it needs to find a good home. It may sound silly, but if you calculate the time, money and effort put into your wardrobe, it shouldn't just be wasted later. So donate it.

Unwanted clothing in good condition is a godsend to many people. Not only do I donate clothing, but I also love a good day of thrift store shopping.

Tiny tears or missing buttons are fine and can be repaired easily. But garments that are nubby, over stretched and beyond repair should go to the cleaning rag bin.

When you have things you want to donate, choose locally owned thrift and consignment shops. This is where your clothes will be treated as valuable items and are more certain to be given a second (or third) life. There is nothing more depressing than seeing a favorite garment treated like garbage while out shopping.

Choose places such as Thrift House or St. Vincent de Paul, both on Walnut Street (although, if you have a really nice dress or adornment, it will most likely go to the costume rental area). 6th Street Savvy is where many working women shop. Noah Sales Again on Butternut Street is another great choice.

Take good quality vintage items to Fabulous Finds on Grape Street, where they are certain to find a good home.

IN THE ARCHIVES

During a complete wardrobe overhaul a few years ago, I purged more than half of my collection. While it seemed perfect for a few months, I made a few irrational decisions and miss some of those donated items very much.

Many things come back into style -- such as my black leather low boots, or "booties," with a pump heel. Or my collection of skull T-shirts.

To take advantage of these recycled trends, I have started "archiving" certain items. Archiving takes items out of your immediate clothing area, making room for current items and new purchases.

If you are archiving more than 30 items, it's time to donate. Your archive bins should take up far less room than your in-use clothing. The only exception to this rule is if you are saving precious clothing items for a family member, such as your prom dress, wedding dress, bell bottoms, first Pucci scarf and so on.

STORAGE

Always clean your clothing before storing away.

Avoid cardboard boxes and plastic bags. Housekeeping.about.com recommends storing clothing in a secure, unused suitcase or trunk -- even over plastic bins -- and to keep garments away from heat and sun.

Storing these items in an extra closet or under the bed is better than an attic or garage. Folding is better for the clothing, if possible.

SWAP MEET

A big trend right now is a clothing or accessories trade in your own home.

After you complete your cleanout, invite friends to do the same. Invite them over for drinks, treats and a clothing swap.

Place a value or tag system on an item (maybe one to five stars) to ensure fair trades and no hurt feelings. In the end, people get new clothes for free.