Real Solutions For Living...What's In YOUR Purse?

This month's topic is for the ladies...

I think we as women take the phrase "don't leave home without it" a little too literally. We have the tendency to pack our purses full of all kinds of what-nots for those just-in-case moments. Our mantra? Be prepared for anything! And we take great pride having just what one needs at a moment's notice.

Have you ever stopped to consider how truly useful your purse is to you? How long does it take you to find a needed item? Do you find yourself digging through tons of receipts, gum wrappers, pens, lists, feminine items, lipsticks, bandaids, antibacterial gel, hand lotions, note pads, batteries, undeveloped film, makeup of all kinds, hair brush, cell phone, tissues, loose change, scissors, pack of peanuts, sewing kit, safety pins, and who knows what else just to find your car keys?

According to staffers at Real Simple magazine, their average handbag weighed 13 pounds, with the heaviest coming in at 18. Ideally, your purse should only weigh 10 pounds or less than 10 percent your body weight.

I used to carry small purses because I thought they suited my small stature the best. Other women would look at me with envy and ask how on earth I could carry everything I needed in something so small. Of course I beamed with pride with my ingenuity.

It's rather simple. I only carried in my handbag the absolute necessities. I got around this by having other essentials stored in my vehicle. Between my purse and car, I would have what any woman would need when on the go.

I'm sure you noticed I said "used to" carry small purses. Sometime within the past year I got it in my head that I might look chic with a larger purse. So I've collected 2 or 3 medium size handbags, all still within my price range. Oh -- I haven't told you? I got so carried away at one point with cute little purses that I had to set a price limit of no more than $12 or $15 per purse.

So I've now lived for a bit with these larger handbags. The larger the bag, the bigger the temptation to throw more stuff in! I've now come to the conclusion that bigger is not better, mostly due to the extra weight the larger (and thus filled with more items) purse becomes. I don't like carrying around something so heavy when running errands or shopping for any length of time.

Step on the scales with your purse. How much do you weigh? Now step on the scales without your purse. What's the difference in weight? What can you eliminate from your bag to lessen the burden?

First toss out all of the obvious trash. Next, set aside the absolute "must keeps" -- this would be your keys, and wallet. Everything else can be negotiated. Judiciously sort through the remaining items, determining which can be left at home or stored in your vehicle and which items must be on your person when at a function or in a place of business.

I wish you all the best in downsizing your handbag clutter. Just think of the benefits: less weight on your shoulder and back, less to shuffle through when standing in the checkout line, smaller purses (with smaller prices) are now something practical for you to own, freedom from unnecessary clutter! Ahhh, I like that last one -- freedom!