Tired of Carrying a Heavy, Cluttered Handbag?

Is your handbag weighing you down? Do you find you can't find anything in your purse because of all the clutter? Follow these seven simple tips provided by our friend Kelly Machbitz to help you clean out your bag, lighten your load, and still have the essentials you need when you need them.

1. Empty it Out
Remove everything from your bag, empty the pockets, and shake it thoroughly over a trash bin to remove any dust and debris. Turn your bag inside out and use a lint roller or brush to remove any leftover crumbs.

2. Clean it Off
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and inspect for any holes, tears or loose threads that need repairing. If you find anything in need of mending, don't delay. Many shoe repair shops do an excellent job in minor handbag repairs.

3. Streamline
Only carry one or two credit cards and keep the rest at home in a safe place. Your wallet should contain your driver's license, health and vehicle insurance cards, AAA card, and any frequent shopper's cards you use on a regular basis. Everything else should be left at home until needed, including your social security card, birth certificate, and passport. It can be a real problem replacing items when a wallet is stolen, so the less you have in it the better.

4. Hold the Change
Make a habit of emptying change into a dish each night. At the end of the month, take the coins to your local Coinstar machine, available at most grocery stores, and convert into bills. You will be surprised at how much it adds up and how much lighter your handbag is.

5. Reign in Your Receipts
Keep an envelope in your wallet just for receipts. This keeps them from cluttering up your bag and you can easily pull them out at the end of the week and file them in the appropriate location.

6. Manage Your Makeup
If your handbag starts to look a lot like your makeup bag over time, set some ground rules for yourself. Only carry the essentials, which should include a compact, lipstick and lip gloss. Any other makeup products should go in your cosmetic case. Then, when you know you are going to need to reapply your makeup (and only then) you can pack your makeup case with you as well.

7. Use it or Lose it
Finally, if you haven't used an item you have been carrying around with you for a week or more, leave it at home. Especially things like pocket knives, scissors and other tools, as they are rarely needed and can usually be borrowed in an emergency.

For more beauty and fashion tips, go to Kelly's website at www.TotalFashionMakeover.com.