I've got a question for anyone that carries a large pocketbook, bookbag or carrybag. Does anyone else have that problem? I carry a large pocketbook that I'm always throwing stuff in that always gets lost. I can't find anything when I'm looking for it, I usually do find it when I don't need it anymore.

I carry 2 totes to work. One tote contains my work and personal stuff. This bag gets out of hand with papers and mail. I tried using the folder system but after awhile the folders get all scrunchy and if I shove it in, it gets in the wrong folder.
The other tote contains my writing stuff (books I'm reading for Bella Online research, training notebook, articles I'm reading, etc.)

I need organizational help here!!!!

Diane, I carry little "make-up" bags in my personal bag. So loose things are the only things loose like keys.

For my writing I use manilla folders to separate work, kids used pencil bags for paper clips, pens,.

There is no way to avoid scrunching things if the folder isn't removed. I too am never any more organized than this. An accordian folder might help too.

Mary Caliendo

Hi, I also have a love of big bags, which are often overflowing. But to be efficient I always have a RisWallet handy. So if I need to lighten my load quickly, leave the bag in the car, run in for groceries ect, and just twist it on my wrist so I am organized, this also helps when I have a 2 year old on my hip. www.RisWallet.com - converts from wristlet to wrist wallet Hope that helps, Janelle

I am constanly looking for "the perfect purse". It has become a joke in my family.

Look for purses with compartments - not hobo bags that are one big pouch - too unorganized (in my opinion).

How about a traveling or rolling briefcase or small luggage case for everything else?

You could also keep a closed file folder case in your trunk - that way, you won't have to carry it anywhere, just take out the folders you will need for the day.

I have made a felted purse and in the process also felted some pieces that I could sew inside the purse to hold specific items. This could be done with any purse that has a lining to which you could new little pockets. For example, I have a special place for my cell phone and I always know where it is, can access it when my purse is on my shoulder without looking. There is another pocket (all are open at the top) which holds my check book and pocket calendar, one for my camera and another for my coupons or miscellaneous envelopes. So, I have two pockets on the front and back of the inside of the purse = 4 total. In the middle I have a clear, see-through bag that holds misc items so they are easily accessible and not lost in the purse. Of course, other items end up in this middle part of the bag too. Hope this is helpful!

I try to clear my purse out nightly and take out all change (which gets very heavy!!) My cell, my business cards in a pouch, my wallet. I carry my keys in my pocket of my jacket. I don't wear makeup but I imagine that can go into a pouch. I do carry a little notebook and find that VERY helpful!

I never use checks at all, there was just an article about that in the paper! I will go start a thread in the home finance forum about that.

My mom just bought me 2 more large purses. I'm getting a little better at organizing. Lisa, it's funny when I take out ALL of my change I always need some the next day.

I carry small bags in my bag also, little zip up bags from gift-with-purchase makeup kits, and little satchels I've collected from Goodwill and such.

I never have to search for anything this way. my makeup is in a little bag, my checkbooks, notepad and pens are in another, my change is in a cute little soft change purse, and another bag holds misc stuff like snacks and breath spray.

I keep all my change in my change purse in my bag to use as a weapon if needed. Since it's hefty, if needed I can make fist around it and slug someone in the head, or throw it. So in my case the heaviness here is useful to me. :-) Always plan ahead!

I put my wallet and phone in the little pockets on the inside that most purses come with now.

The keys have a long, colorful lanyard attached so i can always reach in and grab it.

My bag is also large enough to put a book in or folder as I go about my business. For times I really need lots of room to lug papers, I keep an extra tote bag in the car to grab as needed.

I love the lanyard idea Jilly!

I carry around a lot of stuff, so i have had to make organizing my purse work. I find it comforting to have a little bit of everything I need with me wherever I go. I think it might be part of the mental illness! lol.

Usually I find a bag I really love and then use the hell out of it, and then it falls apart. At that point I go from bag to bag restlessly until I find another I love. I get bags from thrift stores for a few bucks, and my mom and sister are always giving me their old accessories to choose from. I have a lot of bags to pick from at any time.