GETTING ORGANIZED in 2011

Create Zones - Where you store your items in your purse is called the "zone". What do you need to grab quickly or by feel; what do you take along "just in case"? Every purse is different, but if you always put your wallet in the center zippered compartment and your cell phone in a side pocket you can find them easily when you change purses. Maybe your purse has three pockets, identify the "wallet pocket" with a safety pin or key tag. Again, you want to be able to find things quickly by feel.

 

What's the Use - Always place items you need quickly in easy-to-access places, generally near the purse opening or outer pockets. Let the larger or "just in case" items filter to the bottom (brushes, gloves, flashlight). If your purse has an outer pocket, this may for "daily" items like mail, shopping lists, coupons, reading. Caution - be sure to secure cell phones, ID or money with zippered or snap enclosures.  

Car Keys - There are two good ways to find keys fast. Either put them on a large easy-to-feel key ring, or include a carabineer/snap hook with your keys allowing them to be fastened to a ring inside the purse. The large key ring can cause some issues with smaller purses, but detachable keys may solve that problem. A snap hook requires something to hook to, but you may be able to attach a round key ring to an inside zipper pull.

Wallets - Wallets are like mini-purses; some can even be used as purses. Categorize and contain your wallet contents for best use of space. I use clear wallet inserts for organizing my insurance, health, and coffee cards. I use my zippered coin section for my emergency stash of Band-Aids and Tylenol. I get lazy with coins; they filter to the bottom of my purse and get dumped into a jar at home.   

 

Credit and Loyalty Cards - I put my primary credit cards and drivers license in a separate secure card container. That way I can quickly change purses by grabbing my keys, some cash, and taking only the cards I need. The rest of my cards stay at home in a different wallet. [Yes, I have forgotten my Costco card once in a while but I figured that saved me at least $100!] A key ring is a great way to organize those annoying mini store loyalty cards. You can always give the clerk your phone number, but I don't want everyone in line calling me. 

 

 

Other bags - Gym bags, backpacks, briefcases and carry-on bags are all "purses" in a sense. Identify the purpose (categories) of your bag. Separate your items into containers according to category and place in compartment zones based on your need of access. Most important of all, be consistent in how you organize and you will always be able to quickly find what you need.