I am like Angie and tend to switch out my bag daily and use most of my bags throughout the year. On rainy days I only use more robust bags. My make up (lipstick, face powder and hair comb) is in a pouch, phone, I have a small wallet, pouch for carry bag, sunglasses and tissues. Changing up daily means I don’t carry too much junk like old receipts. I won’t buy bags that don’t fit my phone, that is the one essential item.

Because I do switch bags, I have pared down the amount of stuff I carry to this: Chapstick, tiny mirror, tissues, pen, card case with ID, Metro card and debit and credit card, phone, and now mask. On the way out the door I toss in whatever lippie I’m wearing that day and pick up a pair of sunglasses from the bowl by the front door. Makes switching bags easy.

These days I’m not switching bags at all and am using a crossbody pouch that I picked up from Uniqlo before the pandemic. I have two—one in olive and one in navy.

So I will be absolutely no help at all. Usually when I go to work, I look like I need a Sherpa to climb Everest - large leather tote bag, smaller leather bag, lunch bag, blazer, shoes I’m going to change into at work, gym bag... honestly, it’s all a bit ridiculous and I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve left my laptop at home and had to run home before a meeting.

Now I try to have a bin by the door where I chuck my essentials for the next day, as well as a sticky note in the closet that says ‘do you have your... wallet, keys etc etc’

In summer I use a powder blue RM bag identical to Suz.

I just invested in a luxury bag before Covid hit that I was excited to carry...I will have to rethink the bag/purse situation when work starts up again. I think the pouch idea sounds best of I could get myself to stick to it... and you are right that I probably don’t need a long wallet anymore. (FWIW, I change to a shorter wallet in summer that fits in my RM bag, so your hubby can laugh at both of us )

So interesting. We could make up a new personality type system based on bag use! I tend to switch between 2 and 3 for a phase (not season but mood related), but might bring in something new at any point. I carry wallet, tissues, keys, phone, lip balm, ricola drops (addicted), mask/s, hand sanitzer and reusable shopping bag or two. I just take it out and put it in the next bag - which I could never choose the night before because it is mood and outfit dependent. If I am feeling lazy or very rushed I just don't switch. We can call my personality type moody yet routine oriented.

I'm attracted to bags, but TBH, I just don't have the patience to be switching stuff in and out. I often run late too, so even if I had it down to a science I still wouldn't have time for it.

I have four bags, two medium sized, and two smallish ones. I have been using the same bag for over a year (one of the medium ones; the black one below). It has just enough room for what I carry: wallet, pouch with odds and ends like moisturizer and sanitizer, sunglasses in hard case, lip gloss, phone, tissues, and mask.

I love handbags nd at one time had a vast collection and chat them out frequently. I culled through them, kept my favorites and added a couple of others I had been wanting, I have a couple that I rotate through seasonally.
Well that was true until the coronavirus arrived. Now my handbag sits on a dresser. When I must go out for errands, I take a very small zip wallet that holds my license, a credit card and a little cash. It fits in a pocket. If I am picking up mail, I take a Maine Seabag tote to collect the mail and packages. I don’t like this at all. This method is pure function and no fun.

I have quite a few bags and totes for meetings; sigh. Life became easier and I used more of my bags once I took a long hard look at what I actually USED and what I carried as a security blanket.

I pack my small wallet that had a place for change and a number of slots. I also pack a small pouch, phone, keys, now a mask, and sometimes my reading glasses. I have a pen in each bag to keep them from migrating (5 in one bag; 4 in none) but I need to think whether I need to carry any at all. If the weather is other than really hot, I will pack a pair of fingerless gloves due to my Reynaud’s.

I keep my lists on my phone with a separate list for each market. Concluded that I never comb my hair, need one lippie at most, one flosser, tiniest of pill holders, and a few other tiny minor things. I stopped carrying emery boards and a mirror. I really need to rethink whether to pack a small container of Cerave because I never think to use it while out.

Well, as others have said, my bags are going unused for now. And I’m a little sad about it because I have some great ones that I was looking forward to using in summer.

I do switch bags depending on outfit — not necessarily daily but it’s always a quick switch. Literally less than a minute to dump out the contents, do a quick cleanup of any stray gum wrapper or shopping list, and pop my stuff in the new bag. Changing bags frequently means that my bags tend not to get cluttered with crap.

This photo shows what goes in my purse on a normal day, if these were normal times. The bag is the nylon silver RM backpack. In it goes:

- small Longchamp wallet (must be 7 years old and still going strong)
- business card case (a repurposed Inherited antique cigarette case)
- keys (car fob and keys for studio, house, and rental property
- eyeglass case (I’m always wearing one pair - either sunglasses or regular glasses — to leave the house, so the case holds the other pair
- pouch with necessities like gum, eyeglass repair kit, comb, lipstick, hand cream, ponytail holder, etc)
-phone (not pictured)

I can also often fit in a book, iPad, or bottle of water, as needed, depending on the bag I carry.

I have a nice collection of bags, but probably way too many old clutches, which I just don’t use much anymore unless they convert to a shoulder bag or crossbody with a strap.

I really like this idea of unloading the bag before and aft. I mean, if I ever go out again, ha!

But where would I do this unloading? I would need an unloading station or drawer, and it would make sense to have that near where I keep my bags, but I am (currently) keeping all my bags in the bedroom, which is at the back of the house, and first I have to get my shoes off...it's feeling complicated. Hmmm.

Anyway...it's not a bad plan. Here are the little pouches and things I'd be moving....plus sunglasses (in a case) and keys. And tissue. Oh, and PHONE.

But also, sometimes -- water bottle, notebook, ipad, computer....sweater or jacket...you get the gist.

I only use one. The others are mainly clutches plus one red handbag for the occasional red outfit matching. Load of rubbish in it! See photo. Chewing gum packet I never use, 3 packs of mints, a separate mint, band aids, ancient comb from 1985! Small mirror, wallet, hanky, one mask, glasses cleaning cloth, inhaler, pen, pack of wet ones. Electronic swipe house key.
Phone goes in an inside pocket, car keys and garage door opener in an outside pocket. Current bag 6 months old, bronze.
I don’t even need breath mints! I think I keep getting little sample packs that just lurk in there.
Oh, and one card of paracetamol which might be acetaminophen to you, or Tylenol or something. A basic painkiller.

I would not call myself a bag person per se but I do purchase very nice bags. For my 30th wedding anniversary I purchased a Loewe Puzzle bag. The puzzle bag wins in every way. I love it and use it almost every day most of the year and have done since its purchase almost exactly 3 years ago. It’s a perfect size, shape and configuration. The one drawback is its weight. In the summer, I switch to an Eric Javits faux straw bag. If I am traveling I use an MZ Wallace nylon bag, and I have several styles to choose from. For a work tote I am using an MZ Wallace Metro quilted bag. I also have a travel backpack made of nylon, and a small handbag for running errands. (So, when I go to work outside my house, I carry two bags, the tote and my handbag.).

In my handbag: wallet, large sunglasses, lot of keys (cars, offices, files keys, house, and 2 key fobs (random number generators for work), two cell phones, an asthma rescue inhaler, migraine rescue meds, hand cream, small hand sanitizer (although I lost this recently....I think I lent it to DS), lip balm, band aids, tooth floss, small notepad, blue and black pen, phone chargers if needed, name tags on hanging neck string for two agencies, an extra folding reusable shopping bag and often a sun hat and or sunscreen. Sometimes a digital dictation device, Portable eyeglass wipes (for me and also for the youth I see).

Suz: great question, where does all the unloaded purse items go? Instead of a full bag, I have a full mystery bowl on my kitchen counter Keys, change, cards etc.... I tell my self at least it's not a full messy drawer...

In answer to Suz’s question: I don’t empty my bag when I get home. I don’t empty it until I’m actually ready to change it. So when I use the same bag for days on end, no wasted effort putting stuff back in it. I simply decide after I get dressed whether I will change bags from what I used the day before. Easy peasy.

iI didn't know about this thread so copy paste my the comment for Roxanna here, too:-).
"For summer I have given up on bags with any closure. I drive a lot and do not commute on public transport or walk crowdy places-but always carry a lot of stuff(don't even ask!!!) so I'm good with simple big shoulder totes for summer. Have them in a few colors black, cream, cognac, red and straw---but even non branded like they are(max Zara, or H&M, etc...:-)) don't have the time/inspiration to change them daily...Changing bags is for my fanthasy life for sure, shame on me!!:-))

ETA: Oh didn't know you asked about organisers, too. Tryed several types, but settled on this one, I use in an XL and beige (our forum member MaryK had so right-light color is a must!!!) from https://www.chameleoninserts.com/

and I couldn't live without one now, it's several years old, and did keep up with all the chores needed.

With all the zippeered and open pockets of the insert I still have +1 a transparent pouch for all my cochlear implant's tech and +1 one non transparent for the last some or so receipts... OMG! And on top of all, a waistbag for my phone. Surelly do have a problem!

(Office stuff goes in another luggeage:-(()

Suz - EXACTLY. This is my issue as well. My bags are stored in my bedroom , which is as far away from the front door as it could be . I refuse to have a tray or bowl out on the bar top part counter or in the dining area with all of my stuff in it. I suppose the bedroom is the best solution . Right now, I operate the way Janet does with leaving things in my bag until I'm ready to change it, but that's where things start going missing . I decide I don't really need that particular makeup or extra shopping bag or whatever other thing it is ......and then it's not with me the next time I need or want it. Such major life problems !

Staysfit - I love the Loewe Puzzle bag - have always lusted after it in photos. What a terrific gift to yourself!

I’m always searching for the perfect handbag which is ironic as I avoid carrying a bag if I can. These days it’s pants with back pockets for wallet and phone. A small crossbody bag or a small tote if it’s really needed.

I love a nice handbag but I don't switch out too often - usually just a few times during the year or maybe if I need to switch due to color coordinating for a few days. A good navy bag can get me through nearly every day since I tend to wear blue or denim so often - but I get bored so I like to change it up sometimes. When I DO switch I clear out every single item from the bag and move it all to the new bag and then stuff the other one with paper for storage and put it in a purse bag (they usually come with one and I have a few that I kept when I passed on used bags).

This was very fun to read! Every year I try to travel a little lighter, especially I started walking to work most days. I begrudge every ounce. What I really like is a medium to large bag with very little in it. That way if I need a change of shoes or am bringing a book home with me, I have room. As others have mentioned, my wallet has gotten smaller and smaller. Right now I am carrying a wee leather cardholder with my driver's license, credit card, and my library card. I haven't had cash on me since March. Lip balm, a pen, a tissue, a mask, my phone, my keys. But, as others have mentioned, I have some personal tech to carry - hearing aids in a nylon case and their volume remote. Light weight, but they take up space.

I like as much change in my bag as I do in my wardrobe, so I have many, in nylon and leather and canvas. I wish I had a summery bag in straw or something like that, but I haven't seen one I love. Yet.

In my past life, I had a collection of purses in different shapes, styles and colours, and would switch up to match my outfit. When I went to an office every day, I cleaned out my purse daily, so switching wasn't any extra effort really.

In my current life, I'm a purse minimalist! I have a black one for winter (currently a faux suede and leather bucket bag from H&M) and a cognac one for summer (currently a simple cross-body). I keep my wallet, car keys, phone, a pressed powder and a Clarins lip gloss in there. (and a mask and hand santizer now).

I do have a few others purses (e.g. a small black crossbody from Pixie Mood; Lisa, that was your reco and it was an excellent one) that I will sometimes grab when they are more appropriate. Since I keep so little in there, switching out is not a big deal.

I have 2 handbags. One is an oversized blue leather Splendid bag, the other is the one I carry daily. I am still in shock over finding a brand new Celine Edge bag at the local goodwill, NWT, for $40. This bag may survive the apocalypse; it's made THAT WELL.