Learn how to keep your purse organized once and for all. These practical purse organization tips make it simple to find everything you need, every time.
Welcome to Day 8 of the 30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess Challenge. Today we’re decluttering and reorganizing so your bag becomes a functional, calm command center on the go. If this is your first time with the challenge, start at the beginning to get caught up.
A purse is like any room: it needs a purpose, a system, and practical organization. When items have a place, you save time and stress. Below I share the simple system I use for my everyday purse — a medium-sized leather bag I’ve loved for years.
This post notes that some items may be linked to shops or recommendations for convenience.
One quality, versatile purse will usually cover most occasions and last longer than several cheaper bags. When I got a new purse recently, I used the opportunity to build a simpler, more functional system. Here’s how I organized it and what I removed.
This is the purse I carry and plan to replace when it wears out.
How to Keep Your Purse Organized
1. Empty Everything Out
Remove all contents and shake or vacuum the interior to get rid of crumbs and debris. Lay items out where you can see them so you can assess what stays and what goes.
2. Toss the Trash and Remove Extras
Discard old receipts, shopping lists, kid artwork, and anything that accumulated but no longer serves you. If certain rarely used items feel necessary, consider moving them to a car kit or home drawer instead of keeping them in your daily bag.
3. Group Similar Items
Organization hinges on grouping like things: hair ties with first-aid items, lip glosses together, and small tools or measuring devices in one spot. When items are grouped, you stop rifling through your bag looking for a single item.
Keep gift cards in your wallet. I also carry a small tape measure for shopping trips — handy for furniture and decor decisions.
4. Use Small Containers and Pouches
Use your wallet for cards, cash, IDs, and important receipts. Small pouches or zip bags work well for makeup, lip products, or small first-aid items. I keep essential oils in a small apothecary-style bag, with hair ties and bandages in a front pocket, and a clear pouch for lip glosses so I can find them instantly.
5. Keep Gift Cards and Change in the Wallet
Store gift cards, loyalty cards, and loose change in your wallet so they’re easy to access at checkout. This keeps the main compartment clutter-free.
6. Use Your Bag’s Pockets Intentionally
Place frequently used items like hand sanitizer, gum, pens, and a phone in exterior or inner pockets. Reserve one pocket for quick-reach items so you’re not digging through the main compartment.
That’s it — a straightforward system that keeps your bag tidy and functional. Simple systems are easier to maintain and less stressful to use day to day.
Some Things I Don’t Keep in My Purse
Part of good purse organization is removing items you rarely use:
- Stain remover pens — I rarely use them on the go and treat clothes when I’m home. If you want on-the-road supplies, keep a small emergency kit in your car instead.
- My planner — I’m usually home with my planner on a desk. For longer trips I tuck it into a computer bag instead of carrying it daily.
- A separate receipt organizer — I keep receipts in my wallet and file them at home when needed; no separate receipt pouch is necessary.
- A separate cash or budget wallet — I manage budgeting digitally and keep cash systems consolidated within my main wallet to avoid extra bulk.
No two lives are identical, so tailor these tips to your needs. The goal is a bag that’s light, intentional, and easy to maintain.
The Messy Work: Dump your purse out and start sorting. You’ll be surprised how freeing a clean, organized bag feels.
Share your organized purse — tag your social posts with #lessofahotmess so others can be inspired by your system.
Follow along on the 30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess Challenge as we declutter, reorganize, and create homes and routines that feel calmer and more intentional.
In the mess with you, Laura
More posts you may enjoy:
- How to Organize a Messy Garage
- How to Organize Christmas Decorations
- Organized Arts & Crafts Storage Ideas
- My Favorite Organizing Products
- How to Organize a Linen Closet