My Handbag is the first post in the ongoing series, My Minimalism. In this series I will be sharing some of the areas and items I have simplified. It’s where I am at right now. Minimalism will look different for all of us and it’s important that we don’t make stuff the focus of this journey. Minimalism is only a vehicle to remove the nonessential, so you can live a more intentional and meaningful life. So please, take my minimalism as a drop in the bucket and create what works for you!
Note: This article contains Amazon affiliate links.
I began to simplify my home (and life) six years ago. My handbag was one of the first places I started. It was a small decluttering project and also an essential everyday item I use. I applied this philosophy to thin out my handbags and the contents of my purse.
I have never considered myself a “handbag person”. Meaning, I don’t really enjoy caring around a handbag or nurturing a handbag collection. I do prefer quality over quantity and function over form. But I find carrying a handbag to be a bit of a drag sometimes. When it’s filled with clutter, it feels more like baggage and less like a handbag of purpose. There is value in having one place to hold the items I need while I’m out, so I continue to have one.
My handbag is the keeper of all things I need (and want) while I’m on the go. I want it to serve its purpose and be useful in my daily routine.
I own one purse. Yes, it is black. My daughter has a small black purse I borrow from time to time. Occasions when my husband and I are at a table for two, rather than a table for six.
I’m going to talk about the contents of my handbag soon. But first I want to tell you why this one made the cut. I consider it a large handbag. Actually, it’s the largest handbag I’ve ever owned. If you’re wondering, I’m looking forward to downsizing my handbag in the future.
I received this HOBO handbag (similar one of the same brand here) for Christmas over 4 years ago and it’s held up nicely. I love the function, quality, and style of this bag. It suits all my needs as a mom to four. One child is still in diapers, so I need to carry diapers in my purse. I boycott a separate diaper bag. One bag is enough.
Our different lifestyles with different needs will determine what type of handbag we carry—if any at all.
Here are the items I have chosen to carry in my handbag every day. These are the essentials that add value.
1. Black Wallet – Sadie HOBO
2. Phone
3. Lip 2 Cheek Color-Zero waste, organic lip and cheek color.
4. Pill box (blue)
5. Pen- Refillable Zebra
6. Car keys
7. Sun glasses
8. Diaper changing pouch (update: no longer need to carry this)
Here is how it all fits; every item has its place.
This handbag still allows room for my laptop and things I may end up carrying when I’m out with my children such as snacks and water.
Some items I decided I didn’t need to carry anymore:
- Checkbook
- Candy-I’ve been reducing my sugar intake 😉
- Receipts-I refuse receipts I don’t need and remove the others daily.
- Hand sanitizer-I have baby wipes and go the extra step to wash my hands whenever possible.
- Mirror-On the off chance I need a mirror I can always use my iPhone by turning the camera around.
- Pad of paper
When you find one bag that suits your needs, it’s much easier to let go of that stash of handbags—most likely collecting dust in a closet. The next time I’m in the market for a handbag I hope to purchase a more sustainable handbag second-hand.
I hope this post gives you a vision of what less can look like for you and how good an uncluttered space can feel! Give it a go and kick the clutter out from your handbag. You will feel much better!
*Note: This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on anything you purchase at no extra cost to you. All money generated by these links supports the cost of maintaining our website and my husband thanks you in advance!