Some women (and men!) are bag people. They have many different bags for different occasions. Some people are really into designer bags. Not me. I have a gray diaper backpack I use every day and a small crossbody purse I use when I am rarely out somewhere without my kids. Please note, the purse DOES fit my Kindle or I would have returned it immediately (#priorities). I like to start each year decluttering bags because, selfishly, it is an easy category for me and I think the beginning of a new year is a great time to clean out your purses.

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Step 1: Gather

Select all the items around your house that fit into this category. Don’t forget to check places like your car or office. You may want to ask questions and make decisions as you go otherwise gather everything all at once to really see the accumulation of the category as a whole.

Bags (totes/beach bags/diaper bags)

Backpacks

Purses/Clutches

Wallets

Fannypacks

*Please note – luggage will be its own week! You don’t need to declutter any traveling or makeup bags this week.

Step 2: Ask Questions

Look at each bag individually and consider the following questions;

Do I use it?

Do I like it?

Is it a good size?

How many purses/wallets/tote bags do I really need? (This answer will be different for everyone!)

Is it in good condition?

Step 3: Decide

Sort each bag into a category KEEP – SELL – DONATE – GIVE AWAY – TRASH/RECYCLE

For me, the “donate” category means I am going to give the item to a charity whereas the “give away” category means I am going to see if any of my friends or family want the item before I donate it.

Bonus Steps: Clean & Organize

If you have the time I think you might as well clean and organize your bags and purses while you have them out. Shake out any crumbs, wash or wipe down the inside and outside, as well as take out any trash. Don’t forget to look in all the pockets! You may find you want to organize the inside of your purse a little better.

Here are ideas for organizing your bags;

• Use a cute coat rack

• Put clutches in magazine files

• Purchase clear bins for bag storage

• Hang multiple bags on one hanger using shower curtain hooks

• Place individual hooks or knobs on a wall to hang bags on

• Set up shelf dividers

• Buy a hanging organizer

• Store purses within larger purses

• Display on a fancy wine rack

I hope you join me next week for our next category of the Declutter Challenge!