Purse files: How To Downsize And Declutter Your Bag

Me following my heart (and back) to a lighter weight bag…

Making my purse lighter has been essential to my mood as of late. I was carrying this gorgeous black leather Ferragamo bag to and from New York City for over a year and it was KILLING my back. And as for my mood, it was making me miserable because I was always in pain. So today I’m supplying some advice from experience on how to downsize and declutter your bag!

It’s something many of us are guilty of, the bottomless pit of a purse that is. So, you may be asking how to downsize? You let go of the full makeup case, Tylenol, hairbrush, mints, gum, hat, gloves, scarf, extra socks… I can go on and on. Well, you also have to want to. There came a point for me where my back was hurting so much it was affecting my mood. That was it for me. Living lightly is something I strive to do so I knew I had to shed the weight… in my bag that is! So when Bracha reached out to me I know this was the perfect opportunity.

How To Downsize And Declutter Your Bag

Empty your purse. Seriously. (It sounds like I’m conducting a robbery haha!) But this will first help you understand if what’s best for you is a new bag. Once everything is out, pick up your bag. Does it still feel heavy? If yes, you have to let it go. But don’t be sad because it’s shopping time!

Purge useless “what if” items. Anything you carry around with you just in case something happens will not make the cut in a smaller bag. Think about it, men run around all day with what they need in their pockets (in most cases). They don’t carry around bottles of Advil, band-aids, water bottles, umbrellas, snacks etc.  Let’s face it, ladies, we have a tendency to carry around a lot of useless sh*t.

Downsize the essentials. Your keys, wallet, glasses/sunglasses and maybe some gum are really the only things you need to carry around. So get rid of all your extra store cards, credit cards, and points cards. Most stores will look you up by your phone number and department stores can use your social. Also, use a smaller wallet. I have a key pouch that I keep all my cards in and some cash. If you have a large makeup case, downsize and make sure you get a lightweight makeup case if you must carry it around.

Get rid of the garbage and the change. Receipts, a surplus of coins at the bottom of your bag, papers from work etc. Either you need to carry them around or you don’t. Literally, clean out your bag.

Use a backpack if you need to carry items around. A chic black backpack for your workout clothes, work files and lunch is way better for your back. And then you can take your regular everyday downsized bag on your shoulder. What I love about Bracha’s Lia bag is how light the leather is. I can pack it in a backpack or carry on if I need to and use it when needed.

Decluttering your bag will change your life, so what are you waiting for. It can definitely be a bit difficult throwing items out and not carrying them around, but your body will thank you. It’s on the of best decisions I’ve made. If you’re looking for a new lightweight bag I definitely recommended Bracha and you can also check out my post on the best bags for Spring! So many are straw and lightweight!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AMANDA ELLE

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