by Jenna Pope

Created on: May 21, 2010

Have you ever met a woman who carried so much in her handbag that she could almost live out of it?  Her only problem, though, was that finding something in her purse was like going on a treasure hunt.

Big purses are in vogue, and so are small ones.  But, no matter what size purse you carry, with the right organization strategy, you can always keep your purse in order.

Here are some helpful tips:

1.  In a small make-up bag, put all of the make-up you normally carry with you.  Slip the make-up bag into your purse.  Now you never have to rifle around in the bottom of your handbag for that missing lipstick.

2.  If you carry a day timer, use a purse that is big enough to slip it into.  This doesn’t look particularly great, but if you hold it together with a large rubber band, all your slips of paper, appointment notices, etc. will stay in the book.

3.  Buy a key leash.  You are probably wondering what that is.  A key leash is a piece of leather, chain, or some other flexible material that hooks on your purse’s handle.  At the other end of the key leash is clasp for clipping onto your keys.  If you have forgotten to grab your keys, just pull on the leash and – voila! – there they are.  The key leash is a good safety measure for finding your keys in a hurry.  Attach a screech alarm to your key ring also.  If you feel threatened while you are walking alone or in a parking lot, depress the top of the screech alarm.  It will make a loud screeching noise that will probably deter the person in question.  Run to your car, get in immediately and lock the door. 

As an aside:  Another thing that you can do if you feel threatened while walking alone is take off your shoes and run.  This would apply to the woman who is wearing heels.

4.  Most purse’s have several pockets.  In the larger pocket (preferably with a zipper), put eyeglass wipes, sticks of chewing gum, breath spray, an extra pair of hosiery, safety pins, a small sewing kit, any another small items you normally carry.

5.  Other items to put in the other inside pockets of your purse are cell phone, cologne, nail glue, tissues, directions and small address book.

The most important aspect of organizing your purse is to put all small items in pockets and compartments within your purse, hold your day timer together with a rubber band or snap, and keep make-up in a separate bag within your purse.  By tucking everything away, the only thing loose in your purse will be your wallet, your make-up bag, and your day timer. 

Just having a more organized handbag will help you to feel more “together.”

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