
Normally I try to be pretty practical about spending money, but passing by the purse section at TJMaxx tests my resolve every time. There are always at least two or three purses that catch my eye, and the prices are pretty reasonable too (compared to, say, retail prices at department stores.)
Sometimes I’m able to exercise self-control and step away from the bags, but other times I am simply too weak! But I always make a point to use every bag I have so they’re not just collecting dust in my closet.
Watch the video at the end of this post to see this purse organization tip in action!

But there’s an issue with using a number of different pursesโit takes time and effort to move all of your stuff from one bag to another! Especially if it’s been a while since you last cleaned out your purse, or if you tend to carry around a lot of stuff with you.
Luckily, I have a brilliantly simple solution for the purse-switching problem that has made the process easier, and I’ll tell you all about it in this post!

How To Choose The Perfect Purse Organizer
The absolute quickest way to move all your stuff over to another purse is to use a purse organizer. (Or any kind of organizer/caddy, really โ the first “purse organizer” I bought was a craft caddy I got for $10 at Michael’s!) There is no shortage of purse organizers online, available in a wide variety of sizes, designs, and materials.
Here are a few things you should consider when selecting an organizer for your purse:

1. Size
The first thing you’ll want to do is measure the dimensions of your purses. If you’re looking for a purse organizer that will fit in all of your bags, you’ll need one that’s small enough to fit in your smallest bag. I found this small leopard print organizer on Amazon. If you have very small purses and very large purses, it might make more sense to get a couple of organizers in different sizes so you don’t have to carry a tiny organizer in a huge tote bag.

2. Design
Purse organizers come in a lot of different designs. Some have tons of pockets, while others are less compartmentalized. When choosing an organizer, it helps to take stock of all of the stuff you usually carry around in your purse (minus the junk that’s floating around in there).

Then, as you’re browsing through purse organizers, try to imagine putting all that stuff into each organizer’s pockets or compartments. This should help you narrow down which organizers might work and which ones won’t.

3. Material
Another feature you may want to consider when choosing a purse organizer is what material it’s made of. Many organizers (like this large pink one) are made of a thick felt blend, which can be nice if you want a sturdy organizer that will add structure to your bag. On the other hand, organizers made with synthetic materials have the advantage of being easier to clean.

Once you’ve found the perfect organizer, all you have to do is pack it full of your purse essentials! Then, when you’re ready to switch to another handbag, you’ll be able to pull the organizer out, drop it in a different bag, and be ready to go in about 5 seconds. And not only that, but everything will stay tidy and easy to find, no matter what kind of purse you’re carrying!
Other Helpful Organizers For Purses
Depending on the current state of your purse, it might be better to start by consolidating some of your stuff before putting it all into a purse organizer. Here are a few other types of organizers you might find helpful:
Pill Organizer – I used to carry around a handful of different pill bottles (ibuprofen, medications, vitamins, etc.) that took up a ton of space in my bag. I finally wised up and found this pill organizer online, and I can’t believe I ever lived without it! It has six compartments to keep pills organized, plus it has a locking airtight lid to keep air, dirt, and water out. Even buying just this one little organizer made my purse feel SO much tidier!
Electronics Organizer – My daughter Britta carries this small zippered pouch for electronics in her bag, which she uses to store her portable battery, phone charging cord, headphones, and other electronic accessories. A small pouch like this will eliminate that mess of tangled cords and headphones that lives in the bottom of your purse!
Makeup Organizer – This small zippered makeup pouch is perfectly sized to hold everything you need for those little touchups throughout the day. The main compartment has room for compacts and mini bottles, and a smaller separate compartment has slots for makeup brushes or tubes of mascara and lip gloss. Very handy!
Lipstick Case – And if all you really carry around for makeup touchups is a tube of lipstick, I personally use and love this little case with a built-in mirror! It makes re-applying on the go a snap! :-)

Well, there you have it! I hope these tips have shown you how quick and easy it can be to move your stuff between purses, and how you can keep other purse items organized too!
What are YOUR purse essentials?



























I actually have a purse with some individual compartments which has been very nice. Iโve used the fancy makeup bags -lโve bought from thrift stores to keep big purses like my work bag organized. It made it much easier to be able find items in my purse.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do not care to carry a purse. I can generally do with my small Dooney wallet. (Yard sale- 25 cents!) however, I did tell my husband that if I were to carry a purse, it would have to be big enough to carry my files. Well, after so many years, compliance. He and my daughter picked out not the largest, but close, shoulder bag. I got a purse organizer. Great idea! Except sides were too soft to stand up. I found a just right size plastic bin at Dollar Tree and dropped the organizer in it. Perfect. No saggy sides, sliding around, or turning over. Do I actually keep my files in it? No, just a small rectangular plastic envelope for receipts. I seriously could, purse is about 18โ deep. And yes, I have a bright light that comes on so I can see down there.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I realized that my neck and shoulder pain while out was caused by the weight and size of my purse I decided to thoughtfully study why I carried so much and pair it down. I now have a few larger purses I use for church because I use a bible app on a tablet, so it needs to fit. The rest I can move from my everyday crossbody purses (hello free handed shopping!) in one grab since all I really need is my wallet, inhaler, some tissues and a lip balm. I already have masks tucked into my purses. Taking stock of what’s in a purse that never or rarely gets used can be freeing. And, I used to be the pack mule until my husband realized how much weight Iwas carrying on trips when he handed me my purse. After that everyone put their thing in one backpack and shared toting it around, or if they didn’t want to do that they just had to carry their own stuff.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I need your laundry detergent “recipe”!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s my powdered laundry detergent post: https://jillee.co/2tCLEul
I have a lot of posts about laundry, and you can find all of them here: https://jillee.co/2yMyKzI
Next time, try the search bar in the upper right corner of the page :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If I’m searching for one on Amazon, etc., do I just type in purse organizer? I just love this idea so much. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, or click on the link in the post! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh, lol, thanks, pretty lady!!!
I found a great medium size purse organizer on Amazon about 2 months ago and it’s totally made my ‘stuff’ that I keep in my purse portable! I got mine for a cheaper price but had to wait 3-4 weeks to get it. The ones you show like the leopard print are perfect! Great investment in to being organized on the go!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Or, you know, it’s Jillee’s face and she can wear whatever makeup she wants.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.While a pill organizer may be easier than several pill bottles, it is illegal in many states to carry medication around when it is not in the original container with pharmacy printed label containing your full name and all of the necessary information to prove it is for your personal use. I’m not kidding! I used to carry a pill organizer, but now deal with the extra bottles and paperwork necessary to prove that all of my medications are legal and prescribed to me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It is not reasonable to expect law enforcement to know all medications by sight. And it’s the law to keep them in the original pharmacy container.
I think it probably depends on what state you live in. Iโve always traveled with my meds not I need their original containers. I would probably only bring them in the original container if I were.traveling by airplane. I ve never had problems with this before. Then again we drive most of the time when we travel.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for the heads up. It is so inconvenient to carry bottles, but much more to deal with the law and possible arrest.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As the only female in my family, I became the official pack mule because I carried a purse or bag. I’ve now learned to carry a larger purse with a variety of smaller zippered cloth bags for makeup, medicines, extra keys, notepads and pens, and other family members’ money. All are made of sturdy cotton that can be spot-cleaned and all are different in appearance so I can grab the right one quickly. I don’t allow ANYONE access to my purse without permission, but, when allowed, my son can find the appropriate bag for his needs when accessing my purse. This works for me. These bags can be purchased at a number of stores and some have linings in them for stuff that might stain. I even have an insulated bag for my makeup. Just a thought.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I, too am the mule when on holiday with my husband. I really dislike large purses.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee! I’ve been looking for one of these? I’m focusing on the small one you show. (I like one of the pink prints!) I really like the snaps on the outside, just in case your purse isn’t so thick! When the organizer is in your bag, how are the handles dealt with? Are they easily tucked in, and do they catch as you’re removing things? I suppose they’re made of a lighter weight material to be quite flexible. Thanks again for all your info for us!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The handles tuck away, and stay out of my way unless I’m using them to remove the organizer itself. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You have made my life so much easier ! And interesting, and FUN with all your great tips. SO glad I found you. Keep up the amazing work…you’re a gem, Jillee :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you JoAnn!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas. This was one of the posts that attracted me to your blog. I should seriously think about doing this. I do have a regular purse. But, for work I just use a tote bag. When Iโm working I carry makeup! touch-ups, a little pouch with my time card, nail clippers because I m always breaking my nails, small pill container, bandaids for emergencies, and stain wipes. My work bag is dark colored so it can be hard to find stuff. I also have to carry those girly items, so when I m finally done with this chapter it will make my work bag not such a mess. Boh purses I always have Kleenex packets for allergies, compact and eye drops ., This was very timely for me. Iโll be taking family vacation time the next month and hopefully it will help.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I absolutely love the pill organizer myself too Jillee, however, there’s one small hiccup with it. If you are carrying “prescription” medication law enforcement officials say that they must be kept in the prescription bottle AND/OR you must at the very least have the prescription bottle with you (i.e. in your vehicle glove box or console). I live in Texas and (most) law enforcement officials here are “by the book”. I thought this info might be of some use for you and your subscribers. I love getting your emails! Thank you for all of your wonderful and brilliant ideas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your Loyal Subscriber,
Dion Hinnant
Texas
I have actually seen on Cops the person get arrested for having prescriptions that weren’t in the original bottle. I get an extra tear off copy of what goes on the bottle on the paperwork from my pharmacy. I imagine that would work okay, as well since I carry a copy for each med in my wallet. I do worry about using a pill organizer now, but to me missing my meds is worse than thinking about why I would get pulled over and searched. The people on the show usually got pulled over for something, acted under the influence or sketchy and gave them a reason to search them and the car.
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