By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, April 12, 2003
ONE OF MY earliest organizing experiences was my mother's purse.
Being her youngest, I was in tow a lot of places I didn't want
to go. So I found a handy but quiet diversion: Mom's purse.
Among the things I found and learned from it translate into organization
tips.
Whether you carry a purse, briefcase or tote bag,
its purpose is to carry what you need -- and not more. Packing
too much not only is unhealthy for your back, but it's also unnecessary.
Use your desk or car to store supplies that you want available,
but can't be lugged around.
Frantically searching for cash or glasses is unnecessary and can
be embarrassing. You control your purse or briefcase, and when
you organize it, you'll gain more control of your life.
If you like, or need, to change purses or briefcases,
make it easier by using pockets and pouches. Containerize, placing
common items together. For example, put your hairbrush, lipstick
and compact in a zippered pouch instead of letting them float
about.
Briefcases or tote bags are good for commuters and others who
must carry a variety of things. They accommodate business papers,
reading, a bag lunch, newspaper, change of shoes and more.
The "wallet on a string" is an ultra-thin bag that
my friend Susan credits for improving her back health. She carries
cash, driver's license, two credit cards and emergency phone numbers
in her itty-bitty bag (she doesn't carry a checkbook). Nonessentials
go in a small tote she keeps in the car. Caution: A too-small
bag will force you to remove everything to find what you need.
Healthy back bag. This ergonomically designed bag is contoured
to fit the natural curve of your back, distributing the load through
the entire length of the bag. It's available in several materials
and truly is functional with Velcro and zipper pockets.
A bag's material makes a difference in appearance, durability
and weight. While leather is popular, it can also be heavy (and
expensive). Certain canvas bags are heavyweights as well. Microfiber
is light and easy to care for. Fabric bags are light but not as
durable, and may show wear readily. Lining is important, too.
Black lining shows less dirt, but can make it hard to see the
contents. The solution is to carry contents that stand out. For
example: a zippered pouch in your favorite print for a calculator
and pen, a wallet with colored trim, a glasses case in a bold
color.
Put your bag on the scale; it should not weigh
more than 10 percent of your body weight.
Empty the contents, with a trash can at hand. Discard crumpled
tissues, ticket stubs, anything expired, old lists, gum wrappers,
etc. Sort contents into two piles: things you always carry (keys,
wallet, glasses, phone, business cards, etc.). In the second pile,
put items you use occasionally (shopping list, mail, dry-cleaning
receipt).
Now you're ready to replace the contents of your bag. Establish
homes for the permanent items you carry. A must for me is a purse
slot with a closure for the cell phone (to avoid damaging the
phone or making accidental calls when the purse gets bumped).
Be sure your keys are easy to locate; keep them in a specific
place, and use a key chain that makes them easy to spot. (My sister's
key ring has a feature that allows her to attach it to the outside
of a bag, making keys very easy to find.) The temporary items
in the second pile can be placed in a pocket/slot, if still needed,
or tossed.
Change was a windfall when I organized Mom's bag
-- 10 cents bought a bag of popcorn. When change gets tossed in
the bottom of your purse because you're rushed, it's hard to find
the next time you need it. It also adds weight. Most wallets include
a zippered section for coins, but some people like to carry a
separate change pouch. If you're a change-tosser, adopt one of
two habits: Place all change in a zippered compartment as you
get it, or master daily bag maintenance. If you like, remove change
from pockets and place in a change bowl for the kids to roll (they
love doing this, especially if they get the money), and transfer
some to your car for parking meters.
Think of daily bag/briefcase maintenance as helping to balance
your life. At the end of the day, sit at the table or on the bed
with a trash can nearby. Get rid of trash, wrappers, receipts
and such that you don't need anymore. Remove credit card and ATM
receipts for reconciliation with statements. Count your cash to
prepare for tomorrow.
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