5 Tips for a Lighter Purse

Smart Ways to Make Your Purse Lighter.

23:17 29 August 2024

Carrying a heavy purse can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. In many cases, it’s also unnecessary. There are plenty of ways to make your purse lighter so you no longer feel like the world is on your shoulders. 

• Consider What You Really Need

The first step to lightening your purse is to take a close look at what’s inside and evaluate whether you truly need to carry each item. It’s easy to accumulate things over time, but not everything you’re lugging around is essential.

Start by emptying your purse and sorting everything into three piles: must-haves, nice-to-haves, and unnecessary items. Must-haves are the essentials you can’t leave home without, like your wallet, keys, phone, and medications. Nice-to-haves are items that are convenient but not essential, like a full makeup kit or multiple pens. Unnecessary items are things you rarely, if ever, use. These can be left at home.

Once you’ve sorted everything, be strict with yourself. Only put the must-haves back into your purse, and think twice about including any nice-to-haves. The more you can pare down, the lighter your purse will be.

• Opt for Multipurpose Items

One of the best ways to reduce the number of items in your purse is to use more multipurpose items that can serve more than one function. This strategy allows you to carry fewer things without sacrificing functionality.

For example, instead of carrying a separate wallet, consider using a phone case that doubles as a wallet. These cases have slots for your ID, credit cards, and even a little cash, so you can keep all your essentials in one place. Another example is a compact mirror that includes a small storage compartment for items like hairpins or medication.

• Downsize to a Smaller Bag

Another effective way to ensure you’re carrying less is to simply downsize to a smaller bag. When you have a large purse, it’s tempting to fill it up with more stuff than you really need. On the other hand, a smaller purse forces you to be more selective about what you carry.

Look for a purse that’s just big enough to hold your essentials. Crossbody bags, small backpacks, or even stylish camera bag purses can be great options. They’re not only lighter but also more comfortable to carry around all day.

If you’re worried about occasionally needing more space, consider having two purses: (1) a smaller option for everyday use and (2) a larger one for when you know you’ll need to carry extra items. This way, you’re not stuck carrying a heavy bag when it’s not necessary.

• Conduct Regular “Purse Audits”

Even if you start with a light purse, it’s easy for things to build up over time. That’s why it’s helpful to conduct regular purse audits to ensure you’re only carrying what you need.

Set a reminder to clean out your purse at least once a week. During these audits, remove any receipts, wrappers, or other items that have accumulated over the week. Check for anything that’s no longer necessary, like expired coupons or old tickets, and remove them.

Regular audits help you stay on top of what’s in your purse and prevent it from becoming cluttered and heavy. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in keeping your purse light and organized.

• Choose Lightweight Materials and Designs

The weight of your purse isn’t just about what’s inside – it also depends on the purse itself. Some bags are made from heavy materials like leather, which can add extra weight before you even start filling them.

To lighten your load, choose purses made from lightweight materials like canvas, nylon, or vegan leather. On top of this, consider the design of the purse. Bags with thick, heavy straps or lots of metal hardware can contribute to extra weight. Simpler designs usually have minimal extras, which can keep the base weight of the purse down.

What’s Inside Your Purse?

If nothing else, hopefully this article has encouraged you to dump out your purse and take inventory of everything you have inside. Without a doubt, you’ll find items that you don’t need – allowing you to clean out your purse and make it a little lighter. And if you’re like most of us, you’ll find more than a few ways to lighten the load!