Tired of carrying around an overstuffed handbag? Use these simple tips to organize your go-to purse once and for all.

Dump Everything Out

The first step is to know exactly what you're working with, so take the plunge and empty your purse completely. Make sure to check for any zippered pockets or hidden compartments and empty all of those out, too.

Give Each Item a Home

Organize everything into three piles: a keep-in-the-purse pile, a store-somewhere-else pile and a throw-away pile. Evaluate each item one-by-one. Ask yourself:

• Do I need this in my purse on a daily basis?
• Is there somewhere else to store this that makes more sense?
• Does this actually belong in the trash (looking at you, crumbled up receipts)?

Once you've determined which items need to stay in your purse indefinitely, use any pockets or compartments to your advantage and store each item in a spot that makes it easy to grab. Consider adding an extra pouch or two within your bag to keep small items like bobby pins, jewelry or cosmetics collected.

Think Before You Stash

Once your purse is pristine, you'll want to keep it that way. Slip-ups happen, but do your best to pause before stowing away new things in your bag, and ask yourself if it truly belongs there before tucking it away. Being diligent about what you choose to store will help prevent clutter in the future.