How to Keep a Pocketbook Organized 100% of the Time

6 ways to ensure you’ll always know exactly where to find all your purse essentials

While the following tips will give you the tools to have an organized pocketbook, there’s no magic to keeping it organized: a pocketbook needs maintenance. That doesn’t mean you need to set aside 10 minutes at the end of the day. We’re busy with the kids then and likely don’t have time for that. Rather, pocketbook time can come when you’re waiting at a red light…or when you’re on that carpool line or in the doctor’s waiting room. Going into your pocketbook to organize during those few moments, at least once a week, can lead to many more minutes saved when it’s time to locate something!

Find the right bag

Never buy a pocketbook that’s just one big bag with no additional pockets, such as a tote. I personally like to choose a bag that has one exterior pocket, for my phone and keys, and at least one interior pocket.

BCP Pocketbook Picks:

The Massimo dutti Crossbody Bag.  Small enough for evening, but roomy enough for essentials.

The Kate Spade Cobble Hill (or any Kate Spade purse with that extra “secret” zipper compartment we love.

Versace Shoulder Bag. Designer bags but not always be practical. But with an outside slip and three inside pockets (and great space), this one checks off everything.

Using the small pocket wisely. That’s where I like to keep lip gloss and a comb. It’s best for small items you’ll use on a daily basis, including other cosmetics (Check out this post for long-lasting lip gloss recommendations).

Add an envelope or small file with only 2-3 pockets…nothing bulky. That’s where you’ll keep all your receipts. But not grocery receipts! Keep those in your grocery bags and throw them away when you unpack (you’ll know when you need to make an exception). If you’re buying items you know you’re going to be returning the same week (i.e. when you purchase something in multiple sizes to try on a child at home), keep that receipt in your wallet. When you shop, don’t throw that receipt into your pocketbook. It goes into your envelope/file. Get rid of receipts you won’t need anymore every few weeks. An item like this one will accomplish this job well.

Get a serious wallet

 It doesn’t need to be the most expensive, but it does need to have all the functions you’ll need, such as enough slots to hold your cards, a zippered pouch for change, a spot for cash and imminent receipts, and for your checkbook if you use checks. I also keep a pen in my wallet.

BCP Wallet Picks:

The Coach Skinny ID Wristlet. When you want a wallet and just a wallet with no room for clutter.

The Kate Spade Lacey Wallet. A well-designed spot for everything.

Gucci Bamboo Tassel Leather Ziparound Wallet. The one that’ll live in your pocketbook forever.

Get a bonus pouch if you need one. Depending on your stage in life, there might be other things you might need to have on hand at all times. When my kids were younger, that might have included items such as band-aids or extra tissues. When they were a little older, I always needed lens solutions because everyone wore contacts and during most car trips, a contact lens would inevitably fall out or dry up. Every family has different needs. Depending on what you need to keep with you, and the size of your purse, a small cosmetics pouch or a multi-compartment one such as this can do the job.

Lastly, put everything back where it belongs! Never throw anything randomly into your purse. Make it a habit to always put it away in its appropriate spot or you’ll be spending way more time looking for it (and way more time reorganizing)!

Check out more great organizing tips on BetweenCarpools.com!