Organize your purse without pockets

I am definitely not an original in suggesting this, but I thought I’d pass on the tip just in case any of you were like me.

I usually have a medium-sized purse and organizing everything in there is a mess because it doesn’t have more than one zippered pocket.

..enter, the little makeup bags. (All from Etsy. Just search for “Makeup Bag”)

I don’t actually own these beauties, but they’re right about what I put in my purse.



Of course, I do have loose items that don’t need a bag like:

  • Pad of tissues (am considering a handkerchief instead)
  • Pen
  • White pad of paper/Post-Its
  • Keys
  • Sunglasses

Then I carry for electronics:

  • Cellphone (which I always put in a little holder by the side)
  • Palm T|X (PDA system)
  • Digital Camera
  • Apple Shuffle MP3 Player

I am hoping the Palm Pre will get rid of everything above, except for the Shuffle which I find quite handy to be separate from a phone.

And money of course. I sometimes like using a slim cigarette holder case for cards and some money instead of a full bulky wallet.

Anyway, on to organization!

I have one bag for each of following under these categories:

“Responsible Snacking”

  • Mints
  • Gum
  • Hard Candy
  • Floss
  • Starbucks cup holder*

*I have those corrugated cardboard cup holders because I had briefly entertained the thought of buying an actual cute, fun cup cosy from Etsy.

Then I realized I could just save the cup “cosy” from Starbucks in my purse instead.

Not as cute, but it saves me around $10 (shipping included), and I’m re-using! *turns greener around the edges*

Green Pockets – Gray & Yellow Cup Cosy – $8.50

Big Primping

  • Lip Balm
  • Lip Gloss
  • Slim mirror
  • Compact Translucent Powder for shine (pending purchase)

What the fuzz happened?

  • Extra contact lenses
  • Tampons)
  • Wet wipes
  • Hairbands

And I could have more little bags, but that’s all I need for now.

About the Author

Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver. I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year. Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about my story here, or visit my other blog: The Everyday Minimalist.