Who doesn’t love a purse? It’s the ultimate fashion accessory and a luxurious item to boot. But handbags can quickly become cluttered and disorganized, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. The key is to find effective ways to organize your purse so that everything has a place and is easy to find. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
First thing to do is to empty out your purse and take stock of what you have. Do you really need everything that’s in there? Chances are, you’re carrying around a lot of stuff that you don’t use on a regular basis. Be ruthless and get rid of anything you don’t need. Once you’ve decluttered your purse, it’s time to start organizing it.
There are many different ways to organize a purse, but the most important thing is to find a system that works for you. If you like to keep your things organized by category, you can use small pouches or zippered compartments to keep similar items together. For example, you could have a pouch for your makeup, one for your electronics, and one for your receipts. If you prefer to keep everything in one place, you can use a purse organizer insert. These inserts typically have multiple compartments and pockets, so you can keep everything organized and easy to find.
Declutter Your Purse
The first step to organizing your purse is to declutter it. This means taking everything out and getting rid of anything you don’t need. Here are some tips for decluttering your purse:
Start by emptying your purse completely. Take everything out and put it on a table or counter. This will give you a chance to see everything that’s in your purse and decide what you need and what you don’t.
Sort through your items and decide what to keep. As you’re going through your items, decide what you need to keep and what you can get rid of. Be ruthless! If you haven’t used something in the past month, or if you don’t think you’ll use it in the future, get rid of it.
Donate or discard anything you don’t need. Once you’ve decided what to keep, it’s time to get rid of the rest. You can donate gently used items to a local charity, or you can simply throw them away.
Here is a table of some common items that you may find in your purse, along with suggestions for what to do with them:
| Item | What to do with it |
|---|---|
| Wallet | Keep it in your purse at all times. |
| Keys | Keep them on a key ring and attach them to your purse. |
| Cell phone | Keep it in your purse at all times. |
| Sunglasses | Keep them in a case in your purse. |
| Lip balm | Keep it in your purse at all times. |
| Hand sanitizer | Keep it in your purse at all times. |
| Receipts | Keep them for a week or two, then shred them. |
| Old gum wrappers | Throw them away. |
| Candy wrappers | Throw them away. |
| Expired coupons | Throw them away. |
Categorize Your Essentials
The first step to organizing your purse is to categorize your essentials. This will help you find items quickly and easily without having to rummage through the entire bag.
Some common categories include:
Wallet: This should hold your credit cards, debit cards, cash, and other financial items.
Phone and charger: Keep your phone and charger in a dedicated compartment or pocket to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
Keys: Attach your keys to a keyring or clip to keep them organized and easy to find.
Makeup: If you need to carry makeup, store it in a small zippered pouch or compact to prevent spills.
Hygiene essentials: Keep a small container with lip balm, hand sanitizer, and other essential hygiene products close at hand.
Other essentials: Any other items you need to carry regularly, such as a pen, sunglasses, or a small notepad, can be categorized and placed in their own compartments.
Once you’ve categorized your essentials, you can start organizing them in your purse. Use compartments, pockets, or pouches to keep each category separate and easy to find. For example, you could keep your wallet in the main compartment, your phone in a zippered pocket, and your keys on a keyring attached to a loop.
| Category | Suggested Storage |
|---|---|
| Wallet | Main compartment or dedicated wallet pocket |
| Phone and charger | Zippered pocket or dedicated phone sleeve |
| Keys | Keyring attached to a loop or carabiner |
| Makeup | Zippered pouch or compact |
| Hygiene essentials | Small container with clip-on top |
Utilize Dividers and Organizers
Internal Dividers
Many purses come with built-in dividers, but if yours doesn’t, you can easily add some yourself. Internal dividers can be made from a variety of materials, such as fabric, cardboard, or plastic. They can be sewn, glued, or even just clipped into place. Dividers help to create compartments within your purse, which can be used to organize items by type, size, or frequency of use.
External Organizers
External organizers are a great way to add extra storage space to your purse. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be attached to the outside of your purse using straps, buckles, or zippers. External organizers can be used to store a variety of items, such as keys, sunglasses, pens, and cosmetics.
Insert Pouches
Insert pouches are a versatile way to organize your purse. They can be used to store a variety of items, such as toiletries, electronics, or makeup. Insert pouches come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and the size of your purse. They are also easy to remove and carry on their own, so you can easily access your items without having to dig through your purse.
Tips for Choosing and Using Dividers and Organizers
1. Choose dividers and organizers that are the right size and shape for your purse.
2. Use dividers and organizers to create compartments for different types of items.
3. Place dividers and organizers in a way that makes it easy to find and access your items.
4. Use external organizers to add extra storage space to your purse.
5. Use insert pouches to organize smaller items and keep them contained.
Streamline Your Wallet
Decluttering your wallet is a crucial step in purse organization. Here are some tips to help you streamline:
1. Discard Unnecessary Items:
Remove anything you don’t regularly use, such as old receipts, unused credit cards, and expired gift cards.
2. Categorize Your Belongings:
Divide your cards, cash, and other essentials into sections to make them easier to find. Use dedicated card slots, money clips, and coin pockets.
3. Digitize Your Cards:
Consider replacing physical loyalty cards and gift cards with digital versions stored on your smartphone. This saves space and prevents damage.
4. Use a Cardholder or Mini-Wallet:
If your wallet is overflowing with cards, consider using a slim cardholder or mini-wallet to hold them separately. This reduces bulk and makes your purse easier to carry.
| Item | Suggested Storage |
|---|---|
| Credit Cards | Card slots or cardholder |
| Cash | Money clip or zip pocket |
| Coins | Coin pocket or separate pouch |
| Driver’s License | Dedicated slot or ID window |
| Insurance Cards | Zip pocket or side pocket |
Use a Keychain and Wristlet
A keychain with a detachable wristlet is a versatile accessory that can keep your essentials organized and within reach. Here’s how to use one:
1. Attach keys and essential items
Attach your keys, car key fob, and any other essential items to the keychain using key rings or carabiners.
2. Secure to your purse or belt loop
Use the keychain hook to secure the keys to the exterior D-ring or belt loop of your purse for easy access.
3. Use the wristlet strap
Detach the wristlet from the keychain and loop it around your wrist for hands-free use. This is especially convenient when running errands or carrying other bags.
4. Prevent purse theft
By attaching the keychain to your purse, it creates a physical connection that can deter potential thieves from easily snatching your bag.
5. Accessories for customization
Keychains and wristlets come in various styles and designs. You can choose from beaded, leather, or metallic materials to match your personal taste. Some wristlets even include additional compartments for small items like coins or lip balm, providing further organization options.
Table: Keychain and Wristlet Accessories
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Beaded | Adds a touch of elegance and personalization |
| Leather | Durable and stylish, complementing most purses |
| Metallic | Adds a modern and sophisticated touch |
| Compartments | Provides additional storage for small items |
Keep Track of Receipts
Receipts are often a necessary evil, but they can quickly clutter up your purse. To keep track of them without losing them, try one of these methods:
1. Use a Receipt Holder
A receipt holder is a small, accordion-style folder that can hold dozens of receipts. It’s easy to carry in your purse, and it keeps receipts organized and wrinkle-free.
2. Use a Ziploc Bag
A Ziploc bag is a simple and inexpensive way to keep receipts organized. Just put the receipts in the bag and seal it. The clear plastic makes it easy to see what’s inside, and the bag keeps the receipts dry and protected.
3. Use a Digital Receipt App
There are several apps available that allow you to scan and store receipts digitally. This is a great way to declutter your purse and keep track of your receipts all in one place. Some popular apps include Receipt Hog, Shoeboxed, and Expensify.
4. Use a Binder and Hole Punch
If you want to keep receipts organized for tax purposes, you can use a binder and hole punch. Punch holes in the receipts and then file them in the binder. You can organize the receipts by date, category, or any other system that works for you.
5. Use a Hanging File Organizer
A hanging file organizer can be used to store receipts vertically. This is a good option if you have a lot of receipts and need to be able to access them quickly.
6. Use a Receipt Tracker Spreadsheet
A receipt tracker spreadsheet can be used to track your receipts digitally. You can create a spreadsheet in a program like Excel or Google Sheets. Include columns for the date, amount, merchant, and category. This is a good way to keep track of your spending and identify areas where you can save money.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt Holder | Organized, wrinkle-free | Can be bulky |
| Ziploc Bag | Simple, inexpensive | Not as organized as other methods |
| Digital Receipt App | Decluttering, easy to access | Requires a smartphone |
| Binder and Hole Punch | Good for tax purposes | Can be bulky |
| Hanging File Organizer | Vertical storage, easy access | Requires a filing cabinet |
| Receipt Tracker Spreadsheet | Digital tracking, spending analysis | Requires a computer or spreadsheet program |
Regularly Clean Your Purse
A clean purse is a happy purse. Not only will it look better, but it will also be more organized and easier to find what you’re looking for. Here are a few tips for keeping your purse clean:
- Empty your purse regularly. This will help you to get rid of any trash or debris that may have accumulated.
- Wipe down the inside and outside of your purse with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt or grime.
- If your purse is made of leather, you can use a leather cleaner to help keep it looking its best.
- If your purse is made of fabric, you can wash it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
- Be sure to air dry your purse completely before using it again.
- Store your purse in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Avoid storing your purse in direct sunlight, as this can damage the material.
| Cleaning Method | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe down with damp cloth | Weekly |
| Use leather cleaner | Monthly or as needed |
| Wash in washing machine | As needed |
Avoid Overpacking
The key to keeping your purse organized is to avoid overpacking it. When you have too much stuff in your purse, it becomes difficult to find what you need and keep it from getting messy. Here are a few tips to help you avoid overpacking:
Downsize Your Wallet
If you have a large wallet, consider switching to a smaller one. This will help you reduce the amount of stuff you carry around in your purse.
Use a Toiletry Bag
If you carry a lot of toiletries in your purse, put them in a separate toiletry bag. This will help keep your purse organized and prevent your belongings from getting messy. It’s also a good idea to choose a toiletries bag with multiple compartments to keep your items organized.
Declutter Regularly
Make it a habit to declutter your purse regularly. This means taking everything out and getting rid of anything you don’t need. You can also use this time to clean your purse and make sure it’s in good condition.
Keep It Together
If you have a lot of small items that you need to keep track of, consider using a small pouch or organizer to keep them together. This will help you keep your purse organized and prevent your belongings from getting lost.
Store Your Purse Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping your purse in good condition. Follow these tips to keep your purse protected and organized:
1. Use Dust Bags
Dust bags help protect your purse from dust and debris. Keep your purse in a dust bag when not in use.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Avoid storing your purse in extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can damage the material.
3. Stuff Your Purse Lightly
Overstuffing your purse can stretch and damage the material. Stuff it lightly with tissue paper or bubble wrap to maintain its shape.
4. Clean Your Purse Regularly
Clean your purse regularly with a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris.
5. Repair Damage Promptly
If your purse is damaged, repair it promptly to prevent further damage. Consider taking it to a professional for repairs.
6. Protect from Water
Avoid exposing your purse to water, as it can damage the material and cause stains.
7. Use Inserts
Purse inserts help organize your belongings and maintain the shape of your purse.
8. Store Upright
If possible, store your purse upright to prevent it from sagging or losing its shape.
9. Consider Your Storage Space
Choose a storage solution that accommodates the size and shape of your purse. Consider the following options:
| Storage Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Closet Shelf | Accessible, convenient | May not be large enough for all purses |
| Shoebox | Inexpensive, easy to label | Can be bulky |
| Hanging Organizer | Saves space, keeps purses visible | May not be suitable for heavy purses |
| Clear Storage Box | Protects from dust, allows visibility | Can be expensive |
Maintain a Rotating Purse System
A rotating purse system is a great way to keep your purses organized and in good condition. By rotating your purses, you’ll avoid overusing any one purse and ensure that all of your purses are getting equal wear and tear. Here’s how to set up a rotating purse system:
1. Determine how many purses you want to rotate.
Start by thinking about how many purses you typically use on a regular basis. If you only have a few purses, you may not need to rotate them as often. However, if you have a large collection of purses, you’ll want to rotate them more frequently to avoid them getting damaged or dusty.
2. Choose the purses you want to rotate.
Once you know how many purses you want to rotate, it’s time to choose the purses you’ll be using. Select purses that you love and that you’ll enjoy using on a regular basis. You may also want to consider the seasons when choosing your purses. For example, you may want to rotate a different set of purses during the summer than you do during the winter.
3. Store your purses in a safe place.
When you’re not using your purses, store them in a safe place where they won’t get damaged or dusty. You can store your purses in a closet, on a shelf, or in a storage bag.
4. Rotate your purses regularly.
The key to a successful rotating purse system is to rotate your purses regularly. How often you rotate your purses will depend on how often you use them. However, a good rule of thumb is to rotate your purses every 2-3 months.
5. Inspect your purses regularly.
As you’re rotating your purses, take the time to inspect them for any damage. If you notice any rips, tears, or stains, be sure to repair them as soon as possible. This will help to keep your purses in good condition and ensure that they last for many years to come.
6. Clean your purses regularly.
In addition to inspecting your purses for damage, you should also clean them regularly. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on your purses. You can clean your purses with a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution.
7. Store your purses upright.
When you’re storing your purses, be sure to store them upright. This will help to prevent the straps from getting stretched or misshapen.
8. Stuff your purses with tissue paper.
If you’re storing your purses for an extended period of time, stuff them with tissue paper. This will help to keep the shape of your purses and prevent them from getting wrinkles.
9. Use a purse organizer.
A purse organizer is a great way to keep your purses organized and neat. Purse organizers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs.
10. Consider using a purse hanger.
A purse hanger is a great way to store your purses when you’re not using them. Purse hangers can be hung on a closet rod or on a wall hook. This will help to keep your purses off the floor and organized.
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Determine how many purses you want to rotate. | This will depend on how many purses you typically use on a regular basis. |
| 2. Choose the purses you want to rotate. | Select purses that you love and that you’ll enjoy using on a regular basis. |
| 3. Store your purses in a safe place. | Store your purses in a closet, on a shelf, or in a storage bag. |
| 4. Rotate your purses regularly. | Rotate your purses every 2-3 months. |
| 5. Inspect your purses regularly. | Check for any rips, tears, or stains and repair them as soon as possible. |
| 6. Clean your purses regularly. | Clean your purses with a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution. |
| 7. Store your purses upright. | This will help to prevent the straps from getting stretched or misshapen. |
| 8. Stuff your purses with tissue paper. | This will help to keep the shape of your purses and prevent them from getting wrinkles. |
| 9. Use a purse organizer. | Find a purse organizer that fits your needs. |
| 10. Consider using a purse hanger. | Hang your purse on a closet rod or on a wall hook. |
How to Organize Purses
If your purses are constantly overflowing with makeup, receipts, and other miscellaneous items, it’s time to get organized. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
Start by decluttering. Take everything out of your purse and sort through the items. Decide what you need to keep and what can be thrown away or donated.
Use organizers. There are a variety of purse organizers available that can help you keep your essentials organized and easy to find. These organizers typically have compartments for different items, such as makeup, pens, and keys.
Divide and conquer. If your purse is large, you may want to divide it into different sections. For example, you could have one section for work items, one section for personal items, and one section for miscellaneous items. This will help you stay organized and find what you need quickly.
Hang your purse when you’re not using it. This will help keep it off the floor and prevent it from getting cluttered. You can hang your purse on a hook in your closet or on a doorknob.
Take inventory regularly. As you use your purse, take inventory of the items inside. This will help you to identify any items that you no longer need or that need to be replaced.
People Also Ask
How do I choose the right purse organizer?
When choosing a purse organizer, consider the size and style of your purse. You’ll also want to consider the features that are important to you. For example, some purse organizers have compartments for different items, while others have built-in wallets or keychains.
How often should I clean my purse?
You should clean your purse at least once a month. To clean your purse, wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can also use a mild detergent or cleaner if your purse is particularly dirty.
How can I keep my purse from getting cluttered?
To keep your purse from getting cluttered, try to only keep the essentials in your purse. You should also regularly clean out your purse and remove any items that you no longer need.
