An Organized Purse

Snapshot of the inside of my purse

Here’s the deal. Purses are pretty and gross all at the same time.

Go find your “life in a bag” (as I like to call it) and open it up. What do you see?

If I were to ask you to find something specific in less than 5 seconds, would it be possible?

For many, the answer is “no”.

For me, the answer is “yes”.

I’m not patting myself on the back. Oh wait, yes I am… because it’s rare. My life is certainly not in order at all times (actually, the answer is NEVER) but my purse just has to be. I will go crazy if it isn’t. I’m a multi-tasker, so I need to know where my chapstick, lip gloss, money, phone charger, a pen and gum is at a moment’s notice (and without looking).

Before you get all “I just don’t have time for this” or “I’m not an organized person” on me, hang tight and keep reading.

Perfection isn’t real. I get so irritated seeing perfect homes, perfectly organized offices, perfect lives, etc. I know there’s more than what’s being posted, ya know? That being said, we are here to offer realistic solutions you can try for little to no money, little to no time and ideas for all sorts of brains.

Okay, then. Now that we’re on the same page. Let’s get back to talking purses.

If you answered “no” to the 5 second challenge, let’s make your answer a “yes”.

Answer to an organized purse: Categories and compartments.

In my purse, you’ll find a bunch of little bags that all look different. I’d get all matchy matchy but then I can’t see or find anything. The key is to use bags that are either different colors, shapes or patterns so you can tell them apart.

Categorize your little bags.

• Electronics, chargers and cords
• Lip stuff and gum
• First aid-ish stuff (Advil, band-aids, feminine products)
• Snacks (yes, I’m serious. Moms: Put the kids’ emergency snacks in here)
• Pens
• Kids’ toys
• Glasses and Sunglasses in cases

Use the inside pockets for the things you need most often and quickly (phone, antibacterial hand wash, key cards).

If you don’t want to use little bags (which can be found in the travel size toiletry section at Target for less than $2), you can opt for the COOLEST purse organizers. Plus, it’s really easy to switch purses, you just take out the organizer and put it in your handbag of the day.

Lady Elegance Purse Organizer – $7.99
(click for details)

Bag in Bag Organizer Insert – $3.49
(click for details)

Premium Purse Insert Organizer – $14.99
Various Colors Available
(click for more)

Purse to Go Original Purse Organizer – $25.95
(click for details)

Because we talked about the inside, I thought I’d pass along some information about the outside.

Bottom line: It’s soooo gross.

Think of all the places you set your purse:

• Public bathrooms
• Airport
• Outdoor
• Car floor
• Grass
• Restaurant floors

and, really, anywhere else you go. That purse has so many germs on the bottom, it’s redic.

In fact, I was at Subway last week and while I was paying, I set my purse up on the counter just off to the side so I could access the contents of my “life in a bag”. As soon as I walked away, the staff disinfected the counter where we were. I would have been offended if I hadn’t read the New York Daily Times article about about purses having more germs than a toilet seat. Come again? I may have gagged a bit. Now I just think they’re freaking smart.

Guess who doesn’t put their purse on their counter at home anymore?

This girl.

You want to wash your hands right now, don’t you? I do. And my desk.

The end.