How to Pack Your Everyday Purse (Teen Girls)

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Your purse is the perfect storage place for all the items you need to get through the day—but what items do you need, exactly? And how do you store them all without creating a bag full of clutter? By prioritizing and packing items carefully, you can make your purse the go-to spot for anything you need throughout the day.

Everyday Purse Packing List

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Adding Essential Items

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  1. Your wallet should fit nicely in the large pocket of most purses, making it easy to grab whenever you need it. Keep it stocked with your ID or driver’s license, any credit cards or gift cards, and at least $20 in cash.
    • You can also try carrying your cards and ID on the back of your phone case, and using a smaller coin purse for cash and coins.
  2. Grab a cute toiletry kit online or from a store and fill it with emergency toiletry items that you don’t want to be caught without. Keeping them separate in a little bag will keep them from getting lost in your purse or falling out. [1]

    Fill your toiletry bag with:

    3-5 pads or tampons

    A travel pack of tissues

    Floss

    Band aids

    Hand sanitizer

    Sunscreen

    Extra contacts or solution

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  3. If you wear makeup, it’s always a good idea to carry a few items around with you in case you need to touch up during the day. If you only need a few small things, like mascara or lip balm, you can put them in your toiletry kit; otherwise, set aside a separate bag for cosmetics to stay organized.

    Fill your cosmetics bag with:

    Lip balm

    Lotion

    A brush

    A compact mirror

    Mascara

    Cover-up

    Blotting papers

    Any other makeup you use on a regular basis

  4. Even a big key ring can get lost inside your purse! To avoid needing to fish around for it all the time, slip your keys into a small, secure pocket in or on the side of your bag. You can also put a keychain or two on the ring to make it easier to find. [2]
    • If you put your keys in an outer side pocket, make sure it zips up so the keys don’t slip out or get stolen.
  5. In a small bag, your phone might fit nicely in the main compartment with your wallet. If your bag is medium-sized or a larger tote, though, you may want to fit it into a smaller compartment where you can find it more easily. No matter where you put your phone, make sure it’s easily accessible when you get a call or text. [3]
    • If you like to carry earbuds around with your phone, disconnect them, wind them together, and clip them up with a binder clip so they don’t get tangled.
  6. Having a small pack of mints or gum on hand can help you maintain that clean, just-brushed feeling all day long. Pop in a mint or a piece of gum after a meal or whenever you want to get a taste out of your mouth. [4]
    • Most schools don’t allow gum, so pack mints if you’re taking your purse to class.
    • Go for minty flavors for the freshest feel.
  7. Sunglasses can get banged up or scratched in your purse, but you’ll definitely want to have them around to deal with bright sunlight. Protect them by slipping them into a case and placing them neatly in the main portion of your bag.
    • You should also use a case for any eyeglasses you might use.
  8. It’s never a bad idea to pack a couple grab-and-go snacks to keep you going throughout the day! Go for small, packaged options like granola bars or packets of nuts or pretzels. You can also pack your own snacks in a Ziploc bag, but make sure to close it tightly so it doesn’t pop open in your purse.
    • Crumbs can accumulate fast in a purse, so make sure to throw out your food trash as soon as you can.
  9. If your bag is big enough, having a couple items to keep yourself busy is a great option, just in case you find yourself waiting somewhere with nothing to do! Pack a small book, a notebook and pen, or even a small tablet in the main compartment of your bag to banish boredom.
    • If your bag isn’t big enough, don’t worry. Just make sure you have a couple fun games or good books loaded on your phone at all times.
  10. Your purse is a useful place to self-defense items that can help keep you safe and feeling empowered. You can stash a can of pepper spray, an emergency whistle, or even a personal safety alarm that lets off a siren when you use it. Make sure to keep these items in safe but easy to reach pockets, like a concealed, zippered pocket.
    • Take the time to learn how to use the items before you start carrying them around.
    • Some places have restrictions on safety items like pepper spray, limiting the size of the cans you can carry. Check the rules in your area before you buy!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Your Purse Neat

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  1. Using small, zippered bags is the fast track to an organized purse! They’re great for storing smaller, easy-to-lose items that are too important not to pack in your purse, like toiletries, makeup, or pens. Pick up a few pouches, choosing different colors so you know what items go where. [5]
  2. Even the most organized purse accumulates trash from time to time! To keep wrappers and receipts from dirtying up your main compartment, designate a small Ziploc as your “trash bag.” Fill it up throughout the day and toss the items into the garbage when you get home.
    • You can also use a small prescription pill bottle to hold trash.
    • Reuse your trash baggie as long as you can, until it gets dirty.
  3. A purse organizer is basically a small bag-within-a-bag, complete with helpful compartments, that you slide into your larger bag. It’s a great tool for bags that don’t have their own divided sections, and can also make it easy to switch bags if you like to rotate between a few.
    • Grab an organizer online or from a department store.
    • Take care of your organizer just as you would your normal purse! Keep it as neat as you can and designate sections to important items to stay organized.
  4. You can use whatever size of bag you want, but larger bags do tend to accumulate more clutter than smaller ones. Prioritize the things you really need to carry around with you all the time and leave some of the less necessary items at home when you can.
    • You can also switch between bags when you need to. A small or medium-sized purse might be good for everyday use, but you may want a bigger tote for some special occasions, like a beach trip.
  5. Regular maintenance will keep the outside of your bag just as neat and clean as the inside! Try to give your purse a little attention every week to address stains and protect it from ordinary wear and tear.

    Cleaning Your Purse

    If your purse is made of leather, suede, or a delicate fabric, apply protectant products to keep it safe from spills or dirt. Make sure to use a product made specifically for that fabric. [6]

    Check your bag’s label to see if it’s washable —bags made from rougher fabric might be. Give it a wash every 1-2 weeks to keep its color clear and vibrant.

    Remove stains as quickly as possible, whether your purse is leather, suede, or another fabric. [7]

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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Should I keep lens wipes in my purse if I wear glasses?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Lens wipes are essential if you wear glasses every day.
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  • Question
    Can I put headache medicine in my purse?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just make sure the container has a good seal on it.
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  • Question
    Would a small bottle of perfume be okay for my purse?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you need to make sure the cap is secured tightly. You don't want the perfume to spill all over the inside of your purse.
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      Tips

      • Use as large or small a bag as you like! Some girls love the space of a big tote, but having a small or medium size bag can be convenient too. Go with whatever style you want, or switch it up from time to time.
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      • If you carry a water bottle to keep hydrated make sure that your purse is protected from potential water leakage.
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      • A crossbody purse can be easier to carry and keep up with than a shoulder bag as it won't stress any one side of the body and instead distribute the weight across.
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • You should always have a few hair ties in your purse because it could end up being a hot day or really windy etc.
      • Carry perfume or lotion in a ziplock baggy so if they break, it wont ruin your purse.
      • Pack hand wipes so you can wipe germs off of things like shopping carts or baskets.
      • Always make sure your purse is zipped up. People will steal anything!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/14-things-every-modern-woman-should-carry-in-her-purse-2015-9#2-band-aids-2
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js_Hs0wTIS4&feature=youtu.be&t=3m30s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js_Hs0wTIS4&feature=youtu.be&t=2m59s
      4. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/14-things-every-modern-woman-should-carry-in-her-purse-2015-9#2-band-aids-2
      5. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-organize-your-handbag-or-purse.html
      6. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.
      7. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To pack an everyday purse for teen girls, start by packing a small makeup bag filled with lotion, lip balm, and cosmetics in case you need to touch up during the day. Then, put together a small toiletry kit with items like tissues, tampons, pads, and hand sanitizer. Next, you should pack your wallet in the main compartment of your purse, along with your sunglasses, any snacks you might want throughout the day, and a pack of gum or mints. Also, don't forget to pack your phone and keys in a secure side pocket so you don't lose them. To learn how to keep your purse organized, scroll down!

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      • Brooklin Graves

        Apr 21, 2019

        "I am a teen about to leave middle school, and the older I got, the more stuff I would add to my purse. I would ..." more
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