How to Organize Your Purse Using the SHOO System

Organizing your purse may seem like a daunting task, especially when it’s filled to the brim with items you carry around “just in case.” But a cluttered purse can not only make it difficult to find what you need when you need it, but it can also lead to unnecessary stress. To restore order to your handbag, consider the Sort, Heave, Organize, Optimize (SHOO^TM) system—a simple yet effective method for decluttering and organizing your purse. Let’s dive into each step:

Sort: Identify What’s In Your Purse

The first step is to take everything out of your purse and sort it into categories. Group similar items together such as cosmetics, receipts, gadgets, pens and personal care items.

Example:

• Cosmetics: Lipstick, hand cream, compact mirror
• Receipts and Papers: Shopping receipts, business cards, notes
• Gadgets: Phone, earphones, chargers
• Writing Instruments: Pens, markers, highlighters
• Personal Care: Hand sanitizer, tissues, medications

Heave: Discard the Unnecessary

Once you’ve sorted everything, it’s time to decide what to keep and what to heave. This step requires you to be ruthless in your decisions. If you haven’t used something in the last month, it’s probably not essential.

Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used this?
• Is this item necessary for my daily routine?
• Can I replace it easily if needed?

Dispose of anything outdated, broken or redundant. Old receipts, expired coupons and long-forgotten snacks should go out the window.

Organize: Assign a Place for Everything

Now that you have a pared-down collection of items, assign a place for everything. Use small pouches or zippered compartments to keep similar items together. This will prevent your belongings from getting lost in the abyss of your purse.

Tips for organizing:

• Use a small pouch for cosmetics and personal care items.
• Keep a separate compartment for financial items like cash and credit cards.
• Designate a spot for your phone where it is easily accessible.
• Carry a small notepad or binder clip for collecting receipts and notes.

Optimize: Make Your Purse Work for You

The final step is to optimize the arrangement for your convenience and efficiency. Rotate or adjust the items in your purse based on your daily routines, the season or specific events.

Consider Optimization Tactics:

• Switch to a wallet with enough compartments to store cards and cash neatly.
• Use a purse organizer with adjustable compartments for extra efficiency.
• Keep frequently used items, such as your keys or lip balm, in easy-to-reach places.
• Use a key finder or a bright keychain to locate your keys quickly.

Final Touch: Maintenance
To keep your purse organized, do quick checks weekly to ensure everything is in its right place and to discard any unnecessary items. Remember that the purpose of the SHOO^TM principle is to maintain order effortlessly.

By using the Sort, Heave, Organize, Optimize approach, you can transform your purse from a chaotic catch-all into a well-organized portable command center. Not only will an organized purse save you time and frustration, but it can also reflect a streamlined and orderly life, helping you feel more in control and prepared for whatever the day may bring.