How to Organize a Large Tote Bag

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The level of lazy that I am capable of achieving is staggering. I try to NEVER do anything that I don't have to do.

So when I say that I carry a HUGE bag outside of the house almost every time I leave, you have to understand that it is about making life easier!

Should I Carry a Full Sized Planner?

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My sister visited and let me explore her planner!

She uses it in a much more simple way than I do, but I wanted to share it with you because the size, 8 1/2 by 11, is one that is great for some people.

The Purse Commandments

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I am a one planner lady. Having one place for all my information keeps my life orderly and sane. But bags are a completely different matter. 

I have tons of bags - purses, crossovers, totes. If it is functional, I have it.

I'm not one of those women who change my bag to go with my outfit. Instead, I change my bag to go with my errands.

That makes perfect sense, right?

Why a 30-Minute Workout Takes an Hour

People say you can get fit in just 30 minutes a day. I exercise for stroke prevention, weight loss, and my sanity. So, to be fair, a lot of days I plan to exercise for 45 minutes to an hour. But I strive for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.

(I don't like exercise. But if I skip my workout, I cry. I guess I need to call that an addiction?)

I've been really watching the time to make sure that I never miss the 30 minutes. Know what I noticed?

A 30 minute workout takes way more than 30 minutes!

No fair!

Planner Fit: The Importance of Handbag Size

I found a major score at my local Goodwill. A Baggillini Sydney Bag was only $4. Sure, it had an ink stain right across the front of the bag. But I am a planner guru. I could get out a little ink (with a stain stick and a toss in the washing machine).

See my planner in there? A Franklin Covey compact or a Filofax personal fits just right! And there are still plenty of pockets for cell phones, a small wallet, and keys.

The bag came out looking brand new. I've been using it ever since and, well, wow. This may be my favorite bag ever.

The size is almost as tall as my water bottle, but it's a fairly thin crossbody, nylon bag.

NOTE: The first picture is truer to the actual color of the bag, but I provided this second picture for a size comparison.

I realize these bags are usually more expensive (and I would definitely pay a lot more than $4, now that I know how lightweight, easy-to-clean, and high quality this bag happens to be).

But I would have made a bad deal had I not stood in the Goodwill store, pulled out my planner, and made sure that it fit nicely in the bag.

It did. In fact, this bag is about the smallest bag one can have and still comfortably fit a planner that measures under 5 X 7 inches.


So many people with planners use a huge handbag, tote, or leather briefcase. But I use my planner every day and everywhere. I use it to grocery shop, when hanging with friends, and at work. Why would I want to leave the house without it?

Next time you purchase a bag, consider whether it fits your planner. And if it doesn't, you might want to pass on that purchase, even if it is under $5.

Etcetera.

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The Rule of Five: Organizing What's in My Bag

I must confess that I've wasted many a Saturday afternoon overdosing on "What's in My Bag" images. I just adore seeing what other women carry out of the house with them.

But, over and over again, I wonder how people find anything with all that stuff in their bags. It also boggles my mind to contemplate how these people, who surely have more than one handbag to choose from, move all the insides from one bag to another.

I finally had to make a rule for myself regarding handbags: the rule of five.

The Rule of Five: 

Have no more than five things in a bag and no more than five bags in the rotation at a time.

Of course, I need to carry more than five things. But after testing many different rules, five seems to be the magic number that allows me to carry all that I need, yet quickly move from bag to bag depending on my schedule.

Each individual should determine her own five things. This list can vary a ton from person-to-person. I am including my list just as an example.

My Five Things

1. Cell phone (not pictured)

2. Wallet

I have a small wallet containing my credit card, cash, driver's license, and my health card. It is very thin and light, and I can shove it in my pocket and leave my bag in the car.

3. Planner

4. Coupon/Receipt Wallet

I have a bigger wallet for coupons, receipts, gift cards, and any other paper/cards that I need to carry around.

5. Medium Sized Mesh bag

NOTE: The mess bag is the key to making the system work. It sets a limit on the amount of random stuff that I carry.

Inside of the mess bag, I keep:

-powder compact with mirror
-mini razor
-inhaler
-plug for cell charger
-4 smaller bags, containing: meds/floss, makeup/hair accessories, mints/gum, and YMCA tag/earbuds/locker lock.

TIP: Never buy a purse that won't fit your five things!

Notice that I also limit myself to five purses in the rotation. 

Right now, I have four purses that I use regularly: everyday black denim with a crossbody strap, light blue for work/meetings, dark blue for girl's nights/lunches/casual gatherings, and my tote bag for days when I substitute teach. Those bags seem to cover all of my needs.

I like blue. You might have noticed.

A special thank you to my friend Misty for the beautiful light blue bag. You can find Misty blogging about her gorgeous quilts at Daily Design Wall.

Etcetera.

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