I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at a drawer full of purses that looked like a tornado had hit them. My friend Sarah had just moved in with me, and she’d been using my purse drawer for months without a clue how to organize it. I was tired of seeing it like that, but I wasn’t sure what I was doing wrong either.
Let’s be honest – purse drawer organization is one of those things that seems simple until you try to do it right. I’ve been helping people organize their personal spaces for over three years now, and I can tell you that the drawer situation is almost always worse than it looks. Most people think they just need better dividers or more space, but there’s usually something deeper going on that’s making everything feel chaotic.
Why Purse Drawer Organization Matters
I’ve seen people spend hours trying to get their purse drawer organized, only to end up with the same mess they started with. The real issue isn’t just about keeping things neat – it’s about creating systems that actually work with your lifestyle. When I first started helping clients with this, I realized most people were fighting against their own habits rather than working with them.
There are some key benefits that make this worth the effort:
• Time savings when getting ready – no more searching through a jumbled mess
• Reduced stress in the morning routine
• Better care for your accessories – less damage from random stacking
• More accurate tracking of what you own
• Increased confidence in your personal style
I’ve watched people go from spending 10 minutes every morning hunting for the right bag to getting ready in under 3 minutes after implementing proper systems.
How I Approach Purse Drawer Organization
My process starts with asking the right questions before touching anything. First, I want to know how many purses they actually use regularly – because honestly, most people have way more than they realize they need. I also ask about their daily routine, how often they change bags, and what their main priorities are.
Here’s what I typically do:
- Assess current usage patterns – Look at which bags get used most frequently
- Sort by function – Group similar-purpose purses together
- Consider accessibility – Put frequently-used ones at eye level or easy reach
- Create visual cues – Use color coding or labels to make it obvious which bag goes where
- Plan for seasonal changes – Have a system that allows easy rotation
I’m not a fan of expensive organizers or complicated systems. I’ve found that simple solutions work better long-term than anything flashy. In fact, I once helped a client who had spent $200 on a fancy drawer organizer that broke after six months – while her homemade solution lasted two years.
The Mistakes I Made With Purse Drawer Organization
Early in my career, I made the classic mistake of assuming everyone had the same needs. I remember working with a client who had three handbags and wanted to organize them perfectly. I went full-on with dividers and labeled compartments, thinking that would be the answer. But she was constantly moving things around because she wasn’t using the system I’d created.
What I learned was that the best systems are the ones that fit into people’s existing routines, not the ones that force people to change their habits. She needed a system that worked with her tendency to grab the first bag that looked right, not a rigid structure that required her to find exactly the right spot.
Another common error I made was focusing too much on aesthetics. I’d spend hours making everything look perfect, only to have clients abandon the system because it was too much work to maintain. It’s amazing how quickly people will revert to their old habits when the new system feels like a chore.
I’ve also seen people try to solve their problem with too many solutions at once. They’ll buy five different organizers, put them all in the drawer, and then be confused why nothing works. The key is starting small and building gradually.
What Most People Get Wrong About Purse Drawer Organization
Here’s something that really frustrates me – most people think organization is about having everything in its place. But the truth is, good organization is about making it easy to access what you need when you need it. I’ve had clients who spent weeks organizing their drawers, but then they’d still waste time because they were looking for the wrong thing.
One misconception I hear constantly is that "more organization" means "better organization." I’ve seen people fill drawers with so many compartments that they can’t even see what they’re looking for. It’s like having a library with every book in a separate box, but the boxes are so tiny you can’t read the titles.
Also, most people don’t consider that their purse drawer needs to evolve. When someone gets a new job, moves to a new city, or changes their lifestyle, their bag needs change too. A static system that doesn’t allow for flexibility is doomed to fail.
Frankly, I think most people don’t realize how much they rely on visual cues. They expect to know exactly where their favorite bag is, but they haven’t created systems that support that kind of memory. It’s not just about putting things away – it’s about making the process intuitive.
Choosing the Right Organization Method
I’ve experimented with different approaches over the years, and here’s what I’ve learned about what actually works:
For heavy users: A vertical stack system works well. Keep the most-used bags visible and accessible. I recommend using a simple shelf or even just stacking bags vertically with the handles facing out so you can see what’s inside.
For light users: A horizontal drawer setup with simple dividers is perfect. You don’t want to overcomplicate things when you’re not using everything regularly.
For mixed users: I usually suggest a hybrid approach – keep the most-used bags in the front and the rest in the back. Sometimes I’ll use a combination of dividers and open space depending on the size and type of bags.
The biggest mistake people make is choosing based on price or appearance instead of what works for their actual usage patterns. I once helped a client spend $150 on a beautiful organizer that took up half the drawer space but only let her see one bag clearly. Her old system, while messy, was actually more functional.
I’ve also found that most people overthink seasonal storage. You don’t need a separate system for winter bags – just rotate them in and out of the main drawer. It’s easier than setting up a whole new organizational structure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purse Drawer Organization
• How many purses should I actually keep? I usually tell people to start with 3-5 bags maximum. If you’re using more than that, you’re probably not being consistent with what you actually wear. I once helped a client reduce her collection from 28 to 7 bags and she was amazed at how much easier it became to get ready.
• Should I sort by color or function? That depends on your priorities. If you’re a visual person, sorting by color works great. If you’re more concerned with functionality, sort by what you use for specific occasions. I usually recommend a combination – keep similar colors together but group functionally.
• What about the small items inside? This is where most people get it wrong. They try to organize their wallets, keys, and other items in the same drawer space as the purses. I always suggest using a separate small organizer or tray for those items. It keeps the main drawer focused on the bags themselves.
• How often should I reorganize? Every few months is plenty. I’ve seen people reorganize weekly and it’s just a waste of time. The goal is to create a system that works for the long term, not something that needs constant adjustment.
• What about the drawer itself? Many people don’t realize that the drawer’s physical condition matters. If the drawer has worn spots or doesn’t close properly, it affects how well any system will work. I’ve seen people waste time trying to organize drawers that are physically broken.
Looking back at all the purse drawer situations I’ve helped with, I’ve learned that the secret isn’t about fancy organizers or perfect systems. It’s about understanding your own habits and creating something that fits naturally into your life.
The biggest takeaway I’d give anyone is this: Start with what you actually use, not what you think you should use. I’ve seen people spend weeks trying to organize bags they’ve never used. It’s not about perfection – it’s about practicality.
If you’re still struggling, I’d suggest starting with just one bag and one compartment. Make that work perfectly before adding more complexity. And don’t be afraid to simplify – sometimes the best organization is the simplest one that actually works for you.
Trust me on this one: Your future self will thank you for taking the time to get this right. After all, you’re going to be using this drawer every day for years to come.
