​How to Keep Your Purse Organized

If only women could get away with moving through life like men do, with all of our necessities folded up in a wallet the size of a toaster strudel, our lives would be so much simpler. But we know that'll never happen, so if your quest for a pen at the bottom of your purse means pulling out all manner of bottles, tins, and tubes, some snacks, your water bottle, three pairs of sunglasses, your calendar, your notebook, and that broken heel you keep meaning to glue back on, it's probably time to re-think your purse strategy.

Let's explore some ways to keep our totes tidy, shall we?

1. Downsize to travel sizes. If you feel naked without your personal care items on hand at all times, stock up on travel sizes. Lotion, mouthwash, dental floss, sunscreen, hairspray, contact solution - you name it, you can find it in a wee, purse-friendly size.
2. Containerize and compartmentalize. If the contents of your purse are scattered about willy nilly, rein it all in with containers. Get a zipper pouch for your makeup and another for your tweezers, nail clippers, and other personal care tools. Keep a few tablets of ibuprofen and other essential medications in a small tin, and keep pens, notepads, and similar items together in a dedicated compartment. Decide what you're going to use each pocket in your purse for, and always put things back where they belong.
3. Wrangle change and receipts. If you tend to drop change and receipts in your purse or stuff them into your wallet so that they come tumbling out when you're digging around for a five-spot, you need a better system. Dedicate one of your compartments or pouches to important receipts (toss the ones you don't need in the trashcan on your way out of the store,) and get a coin purse for the loose change.
4. Create a car kit and a desk kit. Some of what's in your purse may just as well be kept in your car or in your desk at work instead, freeing up some purse space. Find a handy little box and fill it with lotion, sunscreen, bandaids, a few pens, nail clippers, wet wipes, and anything else you may need while you're out and about.
5. Give your kid a backpack. If you're a mother, you probably have enough crumbs in your purse to feed an army of ants, not to mention the odd Lego, Barbie shoe, and green Army man stashed among the packs of gum, baggies of pretzels, and boxes of crayons you rely on for those moments when you need to keep the kiddo occupied. Find a little backpack, and task your child with packing it with "necessities" for your outing, including a snack, a little water bottle, and a notebook and writing utensils.
6. Download some apps. You won't be able to find an app to keep your hands moisturized or your lips cherry red, but you can get rid of some of the stuff in your purse if you go electronic. Download a calendar app that you can access from all of your mobile devices. A to-do list app like Remember the Milk will preclude the need for always having a notebook on hand, and an app like Stocard lets you store all of your rewards cards on your phone.
7. Downsize to a smaller purse. Once you've followed all of these tips, your purse should be a lot roomier. Is it possible that you might be able to get away with a smaller bag? Try it! The smaller the purse, the less likely you'll be to fill it with stuff.