This a re-post from an item originally published in January. Several people (like, a lot of people) emailed me at the time asking that I post this assignment a couple times a year as they found it useful. So, here goes…
Today’s assignment is super quick but makes a huge difference as you go through your week.
Take just 5 minutes right now and go through your purse or bag.
- throw away trash and old receipts, etc. that have accumulated
- make a pile of things that need to go elsewhere and put them in their places
- make sure that every single item you carry around with you is something you really need. Ask yourself, have I needed this in the last year? If not, put it elsewhere.
See? Don’t you feel better? Lighter, more organized? Yes, you do.
Penelope Tip: get a brightly colored wallet. I know we’ve heard this before, but it really does help. Mine’s red and I can always find it in the dark center pocket of my purse.
I think the secret to this is really keeping your purse filled with just what you need, which really isn’t a lot. But, if you find you just can’t be minimal, consider using a Purseket, which can keep your purse’s contents more organized.
- Purseket Tool for Organizing your Purse
Now, for some fun. If you love purses and bags, and need some help keeping the ones you’re not using in check, Jeri over at Jeri’s Organizing & De-cluttering News has written a great post. She includes several products that will help keep your bags organized in your home.
- Closet Rod Hanging Handbag Organizer
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There is nothing better than a clean purse. And an organized wallet. Oh, and a balanced checkbook! To make sure mine stays that way, I’m in the process of sewing myself a super cute wallet. Extra incentive to keep it neat and tidy (and balanced)!!!
Can we add washing your makeup bag? Every now and then I notice hints of my loose powder on the interior of my little make up bag and when that isn’t properly cleaned, I end up with “bronzed or blushed” finger tips every time I reach for my gloss.
Thank for the reminder! It’s about time I take out the Christmas stamps I had on hand.
Great reminder. I’m on it. I find myself switching bags so often that it’s helpful to keep a couple of small makeup bags or pencil cases with my go- to items, in addition to my wallet. That way, it’s super quick and simple to switch it all over from bag to bag time after time – without the worry of forgetting something important. Plus, it’s another great excuse to indulge in the cute makeup bags out there.
What timing! I just thought last night I really need to take a few minutes and clean out my purse, then your post brought me into thinking , to action! Thanks for the push, all clean now!
I do it every time I fill up with gas!
@Laurel: great idea. I think the tying of this task to another is the key.
I clean my purse out every Wednesday morning when I arrive at my office. I also take five minutes following that to wipe down my desk area. It’s a nice mid-week pick-me-up!
my wallet is hot pink + black zebra print….easy to find. Great tips!
I did it! I even took pictures and got inspired to do a blog on this soon. Will credit your idea with pleasure.
This task is so necessary and makes such a difference! The paper and trash that builds up drives me crazy.
There is a lady on Ebay called tonya_rocks_jewelry who actually makes custom Purse organisers (you get to choose the pocket sizes, colours and even custom monograms) for like 10$. It´s really great because some people need weird sized pockets.
I clean my bag out every week. I am ashamed it needs it so often, but I love how calm and organized I feel after it is all straightened up.
This couldn’t have been posted at a more perfect time! I was just thinking yesterday, I really need to get my purse organized once and for all!! I tend to carry everything in it, all the time, ‘just in case’. It’s seems to get heavier and heavier. Thanks Meredith!
I like the style you took with this article. It’s not often that you simply discover something so to the point and enlightening.