Key Takeaways
- Emptying your bag regularly, evaluating what you carry, and using pouches for small items are how to effectively organize a tote bag.
- Arrange your belongings to support your routine: heavy items at the back, pouches in the center, and essentials at the top.
- Maintain your tote with seasonal rotations, proper cleaning, and careful storage so it stays tidy for everyday use.
You have a long day ahead of you and many things to carry, so a tote bag is what you naturally reach for. The fastest way to get out the door is just to chuck everything into your bag and hope the chaos inside doesn’t test your patience more than the day itself. But if you’ve ever tried this method, you know the frustration of digging through a pile of tangled objects.
“Tidy desk, tidy mind” applies to bags, too, which is why a little tote bag organization can make the day a whole lot easier. Here’s how to keep your tote neat and functional so it never slows you down!
Empty Your Tote Regularly
Most of us are guilty of letting little things pile up in our day-to-night bags. A receipt here, a hair clip there, or a half-eaten, fully-forgotten bag of chips creating the kind of mess you only notice when it’s too late.
Emptying your tote bag weekly or every couple of days gives you a fresh start and keeps clutter from sneaking up on you. Tip the contents out once or twice a week and clear out all the inside pockets to make your tote bag organization simpler.
Evaluate What You Carry
Ditching those might-need items isn’t how we like to organize a tote bag. However, trimming down the extras you never use can instantly make your college or work tote bag feel lighter and more manageable.
Leave those duplicate lip balms, expired hand wipes, and broken pens at home to make space for items you actually reach for.
Put the Small Stuff in Pouches
Small items are the first to disappear into the depths of a bag. Grouping tiny essentials like lip balms, hair ties, and hair clips into pouches is a neat tote bag organization trick for preventing clutter and making every item easier to find.
Grab a few Sol and Selene cosmetic pouches in different colors to categorize your items so you know exactly which one to reach for.
Keep Essentials Within Easy Reach
Your most used items should never require rummaging through the whole bag. Keys, wallet, phone, and transit cards belong in spots that are easy to reach, even when your tote bag organization is not at its best.
If you have a Sol and Selene neoprene tote, you already have designated spaces for these small essentials, as well as your laptop and water bottle. Use these built-in pockets as your quick access zones for the stuff that really matters.
Stack Belongings the Smart Way
Everyone uses a tote bag differently, so how to organize yours will differ. However, there’s a smart strategy that works for everyone.
Start by placing heavier items like a laptop or notebooks along the back panel to distribute the weight evenly. Stash the pouches in the center and your quick-grab items at the very top. It’s an intuitive tote bag organization setup that lasts through the busiest days.
Rotate Items Seasonally
Your tote should reflect the season you are in, not the one you left behind. Winter calls for gloves and hand cream, while summer needs sunglasses, a trendy hat, and sunscreen. Don’t let out-of-season items sit in your tote like permanent residents.
A weekly clean-out can keep this in check, but it only works if you’re mindful with your tote bag organization and avoid letting items linger long after their purpose has passed.
Clean & Store Your Tote Properly
Yes, you actually have to clean and store your tote properly if you want it to stay nice. After you’re done dumping out the contents (don’t forget the tiny compartments!), wipe the inside to remove crumbs, dust, and mystery debris.
For the exterior, we recommend reading our material care guide because cleaning techniques vary by material. Ensure you’re using the right method for your tote to avoid accidental damage. And when your favorite bag is off duty, keep it upright in your closet or on any dedicated handbag holder to maintain its shape and support better tote bag organization.
Step Into a More Organized Day
Now that you know how to pack a tote bag, organize it, and keep it neat, enjoy the ease that follows. If shopping for a better tote is on your list, Sol and Selene won't disappoint. We offer stylish, multifunctional styles that resist the elements, hold their shape, and feel comfortable to carry. Dive into our best-selling handbags collection and find your perfect everyday bag!
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