In my seasonal Organizing Challenges this topic often comes up, but I realized I’d never done a post about the particulars on how to organize a purse, so here you go!

It was so fun to work on this post, because I just got a new purse and wallet from Thirty One. I love the pop of color and I have found that this purse holds everything I like to carry, very nice and neat. (Oh and I should mention that I’m giving away a purse today too…so be sure to enter to win below!)

5 Essential Steps to an Organized Purse

Step One: Size

Like the story of the Three Bears, your bag needs to be “just right.” The size of your bag will depend on your needs and what you like to carry with you. Make sure that your bag can hold your important items in a productive, stylish, and efficient way! My new purse is perfect because it’s a middle sort of size and is also reversible, how fun is that?

Step Two: Separate

It is key to have separate bags or holders within your purse to hold everything. In my purse, I have a wallet and a makeup bag. I make a point to keep my wallet clutter-free by removing receipts on at least a weekly basis. In my make up bag, I keep enough of my makeup with me so I can quickly “put my face on” in the car. (Not while I’m driving, just while I’m waiting or letting the car warm up, I like the natural light best, especially for plucking my eyebrows!)

Step Three: Slots

Look for a purse or a bag that has good – “slots.” Use the slots to hold the things that you need to grab without having to dig. I LOVE that my new purse has this great slot for my phone. It makes it so easy to grab my phone when I hear it ring or when I want to take a picture.

Step Four: Staples

One of the main reasons to carry a purse is to make sure that you have your staples with you! My staple section of my purse holds the following: extra cards (frequent shopper etc.), medicine, hand lotion, purse hanger, mints, business cards, and a pen. I might occasionally have some tissues in there too, but that’s it!

Step Five: Sections

Try to set up your purse with organized sections. You can call them purse “organizing” zones. I use the middle section to hold my wallet and makeup bag. I use the front slot/section for my phone and I use the back section for my staples. Having each item in their own section allows me to quickly retrieve whatever item I need to with ease.

My #1 KISS Tip – is to clean your purse often, whenever you are out and about and have an extra minute go through it and toss anything that no longer belongs, same with your wallet. If you do this regularly your purse will stay organized and sassy!