Keeping my purse organized has been a moving target for me since I started carrying one as a teenager. Receipts, chapstick, keys, wallet, pens...all of it mix up together in a big pile like a tornado ripped through my purse. I consider myself a fairly organized person (I make my bed each morning after I get up, sort mail straight away) but for years my purse was a haphazard mish-mosh. In addition to it looking like a mess, it feels equally frustrating not be able to find what you want or need quickly which in turn wastes time.
So what have I discovered that's helped?
Here are a few ideas of ways to help keep your bag clutter free that have worked for me:
1. Say no to receipts.
Receipts are mostly a huge waste of resources and usually get thrown into a wallet or bag and tossed later on. Unless it's something you may be returning, or a gift receipt, just so no. It's also better for the environment. Win-win!
2. Be choosy
I used to just throw whatever chapsticks, lip glosses, really anything I thought I'd want for the day in my bag. That creates a mess quick. Instead, be choosy and intentional about what you toss in. I choose my favorite chapstick, lip gloss, blush, and mini fragrance and put them in a pouch so when I change bags it's simple to move it from one bag to the other, and also eliminates having four lip glosses rolling around in a mess.
3. Pare down
Paring down was another huge help in getting myself organized. Instead of carrying four pens, a bunch or makeup products and other multiples I chose one of each. One lip product, one pen, one little pad of paper, one chapstick....ONE. It makes a world of difference to just have one, yes your options are limited but it helps keep your bag organized and clean.
4. It's what's inside that matters
A friend gifted me a little pouch with a ton of pockets that fits inside bags to hold all the small miscellaneous stuff and it is brilliant. It has lots of pockets and zippered compartments so I can put everything in it and when I want to switch bags, just transfer the pouch and voila!
5. Quarterly deep clean
Each season I pull out all of my bags, lay them on my bed and dump out any remaining contents and sort and toss. It's amazing what I find in some of them: tea bags, old business cards, $20 (cha-ching!). It's another way to keep organized and take stock of what you have and also check out your bags for flaws, repairs you needs to make, cleaning or deciding your time together has passed and donate them.
There's so many ways to get organized. I'd love to hear your ideas and tips!
What I've discovered, like most things in life, less is more.
Xx
