Purse Organizer

Jake von Slatt — Mon, 01/19/2009 - 09:16

This is my favorite purse, and yes I call it a purse and not something like "a man bag" which sounds suspiciously like a euphemism for something else entirely. In any case, when you carry a phone, MP3 player, camera, multi-tool(s), thumb drive, flashlight, Molskine, Mini Moo cards, and wallet everywhere you go you need a purse. I bought this one at a garage sale for $2 a couple of years ago and I love it.

The problem was, however, that everything would be a jumble inside and I could never find what I needed quickly. I'd stand at the cash register digging and digging for my wallet which invariably had disgorged it contents into the general mess.

I am inordinately proud of the organizer I made out of office supplies to fix the problem!

I started with some accordion folders and cut them to fit inside of the bag and connected them with packaging tape. Then I added some auxiliary pockets to the outside with more packaging tape.

However, I discovered that it's actually a lot easier to just use Elmer's glue and clothes pins to clamp the pieces for a couple of minutes to dry. The Altoids tins contain a first aid kit and a sewing kit.

The whole thing is wide enough to hold a business size envelope or a letter size piece of paper folded three times and there is a mini-mag light under my wallet which raises it up just enough so it's easy to grab.

Everything in the bag and you can see the Mini-Moo cards are easy to reach. I keep the phone and a bandana in the outside mesh pockets for quick access.

Might I humbly ask, what are

Upgrade — Wed, 06/17/2009 - 01:42

Might I humbly ask, what are the contents of the first-aid kit and sewing kit. I've been trying to find an ideal version for all purposes.

A very clever idea for

Inox — Sun, 01/25/2009 - 01:43

A very clever idea for partitioning.

If I may ask, what is the make/model of that bag?

I'm sorry I have no idea! It

Jake von Slatt — Sun, 01/25/2009 - 11:47

I'm sorry I have no idea! It had no tags and was a garage sale find. Someone did say that they saw a similar bag on Etsy.com.

Drat. :D What does it say on

Inox — Sun, 01/25/2009 - 16:12

Drat. :D

What does it say on the one strap...US something something?

The strap is from a US Army

Jake von Slatt — Sun, 01/25/2009 - 22:43

The strap is from a US Army surplus gas mask bag. My purse isn't military though.

OOoo!

kyshandra — Fri, 01/23/2009 - 01:07

Hey, that looks a lot like my current favorite purse from etsy! And I should keep my multi-tool in my purse too...

Very snazzy organizer! :D

Man Purse

JGN — Wed, 01/21/2009 - 11:17

Sewing kit? First aid kit? Not manly enough LOL.

Why not a mini oxacetylene torch? A ball pein hammer? Mini grease gun?

A perfect solution

Sangori — Tue, 01/20/2009 - 12:03

This is fantastic! I can not tell you how many purses, tote bags, and at one point diaper bags, I have gone through and given up on because I couldn't get them to look the way I wanted and function like I needed.

The best part? If I keep the size in line with my two daily purses switching out to a different one will be as simple as pulling out the organizer and dropping it in!

I fully intend to cut apart a few old according folders I know I have in a closet somewhere and try my hand at my own version of this tonight. I'm a novice on every level, but I know I can handle this. Seriously, it is time to stop trolling your website and all the awesome things people are making on Etsy and start making something!

A beginner maker inspired!

Wow! I love notes like yours!

Jake von Slatt — Tue, 01/20/2009 - 14:50

Wow! I love notes like yours! Be sure to send pics when you're done!

First aid kit

steviesteveo — Tue, 01/20/2009 - 07:58

It's very, very good that you're packing a first aid kit in your bag. What do you keep in it? Not enough people carry first aid material with them, I have a plaster or two in my wallet but that's a very, very token gesture.

I think the sewing kit is slightly belt and braces but, you know what? You'd miss it if you needed to use it and you didn't have it on you and it's a neglible weight.

This system of organising is very handy - I generally use my bag as a way of carrying big things that I only need after sitting down and keep anything that might need grabbed at (bus card, wallet, money, phone etc) in various pockets on my clothing. I personally can't imagine wearing clothes without pockets - when I buy anything, even a suit it's something I check literally first thing once I've tried it on and it affects my purchasing decisions but even then that doesn't mean I throw things in my bag. Thoughtlessly tossing things into your bag is a way to crumple papers, tear books and spill bottles. Place things carefully and you'll also create more of a mental impression when you come to try to remember where you put it.

Most importantly for other readers, being organised isn't just a way of organising your bag, it's a way of living your life.

Love the Organization

curiouschilde — Mon, 01/19/2009 - 13:30

I love the use of the accordion folder. Its a nice way to keep everything tidy and organized. I bet making it out of some leather would really make it hold up.

In my purse, i just have a bunch of brightly colored little zippered pouches for holding things. Welcome to a woman's world of digging through a purse.

Awesome thinking!!