Key Takeaways
- How to organize a sling bag? Pack by usage frequency so daily essentials stay easy to reach while less-used items remain neatly tucked away.
- Edit what you carry regularly, keeping only true must-haves and rotating extras based on your plans and the season.
- Pack strategically with color-coded pouches and a heavy-to-lightweight approach for comfort. Perform a quick reset after every use.
Tired of digging through a messy sling bag when you’re out and about? We’ve all been there! Sling bags are one of the best options for active days when you need to go hands-free and carry just a few essentials.
However, if you’re in the habit of tossing everything in without a plan, your bag is likely the very thing holding you back from keeping your day running smoothly. Sling bag organization is way easier than large backpacks and totes, so let Sol and Selene break it down for you!
Step 1: Empty Your Bag Completely
Empty your entire bag onto a table to get rid of the mess and start from a clean slate. Check every pocket for old receipts, wrappers, food crumbs, and other trash that quietly eat up space. Most sling bags have a 5-10 litre capacity, so every item you carry needs to earn its place.
Next, clean the bag’s interior with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap to remove any lint or residue. Wipe the exterior as well, based on the specific material’s care instructions. Let it fully dry before starting your sling bag organization.
Step 2: Re-Evaluate What You Carry
Once everything is out, take a close look at the items and start sorting them based on usage. Set aside the purse essentials and occasional extras, and eliminate things you don’t need. If you’re unsure of what to carry in a sling bag, think about the items you reach for every day.
Here’s an example from our staff for how to organize a sling bag based on item priority:-
The Essentials: Phone, earbuds, charger, wallet, keys, sunscreen, lip balm, tissues, hand sanitizer, water bottle, etc.
Occasional Extras: Sunglasses, power bank, snacks, stationery, medicines, etc.
Step 3: Invest In Compact Organizers
A sling bag that doesn’t have any extra pockets or compartments is always going to be messy. This is a super common issue, and exactly why so many people turn to Sol and Selene for multi-functional bags that actually make organization easier!
We offer sling bags in different sizes to suit every lifestyle, including dedicated pickleball/tennis bags. Each design is spacious yet compact, and boasts multiple zippered compartments, slip pockets, and secure zip closures for reliable organization.
To make your setup even more convenient, we recommend these accessories:
- Slim cosmetic pouches in different colors for grouping small items.
- Cord keepers or silicone wraps to prevent tangled chargers or wired earphones.
- Clip keychains, cardholders, and lip balm cases for quick-access pockets.
This is how we like to organize our sling bags!
Step 4: Pack for Easy Accessibility
Packing based on how often you use each item is the most intuitive way to maintain sling bag organization throughout the day.
The Front Pocket
What goes in the front pocket of a sling bag? Small daily essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm so they can be grabbed one-handed when you’re on the move.
The Middle Section
Use the middle section for grouped items such as cosmetics, hygiene products, or medication. These should be stored separately in color-coded pouches, so you know where to find what.
The Main Compartment/Hidden Pockets
Place less-used items like a power bank, notepad, flashlight, and multi-tool (for hiking) in the main compartment or hidden pockets.
Pro Packing Technique: The “Bottoms-Up” Method
A simple sling bag organization trick we love is the “bottoms-up” method. Pack heavy items at the bottom of your sling, closest to your body, then layer pouches and lighter items on top. This distributes the weight evenly to make your day-to-night bag comfortable and easy to use.
Step 5: Reset After Every Use
How to organize a sling bag and keep it that way? Unload it after every use! Perform a quick wipe down, toss out the trash, and take a quick inventory to remove anything you didn’t actually use. Rotate the contents based on your plans and seasonal shifts so your bag is always equipped with exactly what you need and nothing more.
Explore Our Selection
Looking to upgrade to a sling bag for easy organization? Sol and Selene won’t let you down! We offer a variety of athleisure bags crafted from lightweight, water-resistant nylon or neoprene. Explore our collection to find your new go-to style!
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