Three Ways To Make Switching Handbags Easier
Have you ever switched handbags to only discover that you have forgotten an important item in your other bag?
If you carry the same handbag every day, do you do so for fear of not having everything you need? Women carry everything in their handbag and there is often not the time to switch things out. Today’s try this at home tip is to consider creating a system to transition from handbag to handbag. Choose The Correct Bag That Fits Your Life I am a lover of beautiful handbags and have easily fallen into the trap of purchasing a must have bag that simply did not fit into my life. Consider the style of handbag that you need by exploring what you need to carry with you. Do you need multiple compartments on the inside or outside of the bag? Shoulder, tote or crossbody bag? Choosing the best bag for your lifestyle makes everything easier. Sadly, I’ve attempted to live with handbags that didn’t work for my organizational style and it simply made everything difficult. Accept that just because a handbag is beautiful, doesn’t mean it is for you. Carry Everything in Smaller Bags Regardless of the size of your bag, consider having smaller bags for makeup, receipts, money and medication. This helps with overall organization and makes it easier to pull out what you need from one handbag to another. With this type of organization, you will not have to worry if you have left something in one bag. Create Duplicate/Shadow Bags If you regularly switch between two different handbags, you may want to consider establishing two bags with the items you need. These items could be hand lotion, nail files, sunglasses, ink pens, and business cards. Utilizing the duplicate bag systems allows you to only need to switch one or two items from purse to purse as you know the other items are already in the bag you are transitioning to. I should note that it can be helpful to have a wallet that is also a wristlet. When needed, it can be easy to simply take the wristlet wherever you are going. How I Use This Tip At Home I use a variation of all of these tips. As I work two different jobs, I utilize a larger tote bag to go to and from work. This bag is large enough to hold files that I switch out depending upon where I am working and also holds my wallet and the bag containing makeup and keys. After work, I switch back to a smaller handbag by moving only my wallet and the additional bag. I’ve established duplicates of items such as pens, business cards, nail files in each of the bags I utilize.Do you have a system for switching between handbags?
These are some smart strategies! I am so not a ‘bag’ kind of girl, however, so I only own one, which definitely makes life easy. My mom carries a really big bag and is always losing stuff inside it, the small pouches would definitely help her!
She would certainly benefit from smaller bags. It’s so annoying when everything falls to the bottom of the bag. Maybe gift her one and see if she will use it.
Smart tips! I’ve found it’s hard to downsize when you’re used to a big bag and having EVERYTHING in it, but recently I’ve pared down and it’s made things a lot more simple!
We really don’t need to carry all that we think we do. It’s so much lighter (in so many ways) when you simply carry the basics.
The duplicate bag system is genius (and thank you for sharing that!). I like the idea of smaller bags within the actual handbag since it is easier to transfer those when you want to spruce up your outfit with a new purse. Also I have what some may consider a “handbag obsession” so I often switch up my pocketbooks 🙂
I’m right there with you in regards to a handbag obsession. After I started using smaller bags, I found it so much easier to change purses and that I did it more often. Would love to know if you try it.
I need to do the smaller bag things because you know, my bag is like tote size and finding stuff is…interesting
Ok Nina, I laughed when I read this because I’ve been there. I had a purse a few years ago that I wanted to love but it had all of these compartments and I could never find what I was looking for – so I kept pulling things out. Needless to say, I sold that purse. Try the smaller bags and let me know how it goes.
I have a small bag which holds all my important things, so whenever I switch bags, all I have to do is take that bag and my cosmetics bag and put them in the other purse.
It makes everything so much easier.
Great idea to put things in smaller bags then just move them to your new purse. I know I would switch purses more often if it were easier.
Penny, I truly switch from my tote bag to two other purses all of the time. I don’t think there has been a time when I missed something in another bag. Give it a try.
My work bag is way too big and loaded with way too much junk. As I neared the end of my working days before I left on maternity leave, I switched to a small handbag with the minimal “supplies” and realized that carrying a huge tote bag to work (and probably doing a number on my shoulder) is definitely more of a comfort thing than a need.
The bigger the bag, the more stuff we carry (and typically not stuff we truly need). I think we are always afraid we are going to need something.
Now that I have a baby, I’ve become really organized in how I keep my bag contents together. One bag for her and one for me so that I can easily change bags. Good tips!
It’s amazing how having a little one forces you to become more organized. I’m glad this is working for you.
Some great tips that I will be putting to use! I struggle to switch between bags so these ideas will help. I really like the idea of having duplicates of items in your different bags.
I typically vary between two purses and having duplicates has truly helped me. Hope this system works for you.
Great tips! I always end up having so much junk to toss when I switch purses (receipts, wrappers), it’s a mess! Smaller bags within always help big time!
Thanks Rachel, there are times when I wonder where did all of the paper come from? It’s just about taking the time to clean everything out.
I love the tip about having smaller bags to move around – or having multiple! Just this past weekend I realized I had left A’s epipen in my other purse and immediately panicked! I had to get a refill while out because I was so paranoid. Now I have one in each of the two purses I use most!
Meagan, I so know that feeling of panic when you don’t have important medication. Having duplicates will certainly ease that for you. I know people who also simply keep their medication in a smaller bag and then they simply move it. It’s about finding what works for you.
I’m a huge fan of using smaller bags. It ensures that things don’t fall into the black holes that are my purses. Love these tips you have been sharing…they make life so much easier!
Thank You Anne! If I can help only one or two people with a suggestion or an idea – then I’ve been successful.
I’m not a big handbag lover, mainly because I have to carry such a big purse! Part of being high-maintenance, I guess. 😉 I have little bags for makeup and medication, and it helps a lot!
I’ve slowly learned to downsize what I think I need! I love having everything in smaller bags because all I really need to do is pull the bag out.
I have so many bags inside bags inside bags…..haha! I always carry a big purse, and have a lot in the zippers, etc. but my main necessities are all in those other little bags!
I’ve been there with a bag inside of a bag, inside of another bag!! I really do think the smaller bags make everything easier.
I switch between a diaper bag and a purse several times a week. I utilize the smaller bag trick. It makes my life so much easier!
Smaller bags really do make life easier and especially with a baby.
Having everything in smaller bags is a lifesaver for me when I switch bags. I also have chapstick in every bag, because that’s one thing that I know I’ll miss if I don’t have it along. 🙂
Knowing what you absolutely need and preparing with duplicates is the best way to go!
Having things in mini-bags inside your purse is truly an organizing necessity. It also makes switching between purses less anxiety-inducing.
FYI: there’s a typo on the image for your post.
http://Runwright.net
And you get the gold star for the day! Thanks for letting me know – I made adjustments.
These are great tips! I keep the essentials in a zip up so it’s easy to switch!
Becky
http://www.bybmgblog.com
Great suggestions! Definitely choose the right bag – too often do I go after a crazy coloured or interesting bag that only goes with that one top when I wear it with that one cardigan! Thanks for sharing with the Wednesday Showcase!