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Does your purse remind you of a landfill? Is it crammed with papers, makeup, and odds-n-ends from days gone by? Does the weight of it dig into your shoulder? If so, dont let the sun set before you clear out the clutter, compartmentalize the contents, and arrange your belongings so you can quickly locate what you need when you want it. Heres how:

1. Clear out the clutter. Empty the contents of your purse onto a flat surface. Then:
• Pitch all the wrappers, tissues, and old papers.
• File receipts that you need for tax or warranty purposes and shred the rest.
• Pare down makeup to the essentials for quick touch ups. The same goes for other personal items.
• Cut back medications to a one day supply.
• Go through your wallet and remove all but the basic ID and a couple of credit cards. Reduce cash to a minimum and bank the balance. Select one checkbook, if you must carry one, and put the others away.
• Place loose photos in a photo box or album.
• Return excess supplies (stamps, envelopes, pens, etc.) to your home office.
• Put away all books and magazines.
• Send all clothing to the closet or wash.
• Bunch technology items together, i.e. your cell, PDA, etc.
• Gather all the goodies youve been carrying around to entertain your son/daughter and set them aside.
2. Compartmentalize the contents. Group like things together and keep each grouping in a small case, bag, or pouch. For example, you might carry just three cases in your purse: one for cosmetics, one for personal items and one for financial things. Using small cases that are easily distinguishable make it easy to grab what you want in seconds. Some options are:
• Zip fabric cases. Check out Walker bags for see-through fabric cases in loads of attractive colors.
• Zip Lock bags. Clear plastic bags let you see whats inside; theyre budget friendly and readily available at grocery and drug stores.
• A Purseket. This is a removable panel of flexible pockets that fits inside your purse; available at Purseket.com.
3. Arrange your belongings. Whether you carry a handbag with lots of pockets or a tote without compartments, organizing the contents of your purse is easy if you follow these suggestions:
• Purse with compartments. Think of the layout of your purse as though it has three concentric circles: 1st an open interior space, 2nd interior pockets, and 3rd outside pockets. Put large valuable items (wallet, cell, PDA) in the interior space of your purse. Place smaller items of medium value (keys, medication, cosmetics) in separate interior pockets. Use an outside pocket to corral receipts and notes you collect throughout the day. When you get home each night, take out all the papers and process them as appropriate. Always arrange your purse in this fashion and youll never waste time digging for your keys or anything else again.
• Purse or tote without compartments. Keep like things together in individually colored cases and stand the cases on end. Put the most valuable cases on the left, medium value items in the center, and the least valuable cases on the right side of the tote.
Tips and observations:
• Carry a separate tote for childrens toys, snacks, etc. That way you wont have to lug in all the kids things as well as your own when making quick stops at the grocery store or dry cleaners.
• Whatever the occasion, carry the smallest handbag possibleit creates a predetermined limit as to what you can cart around.
• Choose a comfortable shoulder bag with short, wide straps. Short straps keep the weight of your bag tucked under your arm where its easier to manage and better on your back.
• Purses fall prey to clutter because theyre the only place to stash things when youre away from home. So, make it a habit to empty your bag, especially the outside pocket, each evening. That way you wont carry around more than is necessary or forget to look at reminders you need for the following day.

Your purse will function much better if you follow the preceding suggestions. As an added bonus, youll be greeted with a tidier appearance each time you open your bag.

Pam N. Woods is co-author of a bestselling book, Create the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies from the World's Greatest Mentors; endorsed by Ken Blanchard and Dr. Stephen Covey. She is a respected authority on personal effectiveness who has mentored hundreds of executives, managers and professionals over the last three decades. Now, through her business, Smart WorkLife Solutions, she is helping individuals at home and at work to declutter their space, their schedules and their lives.

Pams website is a resource with information and services to help a diverse population of individuals organize their office, home and life. If you want to save time, boost productivity and reduce stress visit the Smart WorkLife Solutions website today.

Go to http://www.worklifecoach.com or these specific pages: Free how-to articles or Organizing your office, home, or life