My baby sister and I have a habit. A bag habit. Let us venture out to a TJ Maxx or Marshalls and it's best to leave the husband at home. My son has gotten quite used to the long hours in these celestial places, but now as a teenager he chooses to stay out of it all together.

Come to think of it, I think we are more addicted to the routine of how we attack the store more than the bags themselves. It matters not whether it's a purse, a pair of shoes, scarf, wallet or random beauty product found in the disorganized shelves. It's the item that is going to "change our lives forever and make all of our dreams come true."

That's

what we're looking for. Searching for. Everybody does this don't they?

Probably not.

So let's change that "bag" habit to "shopping" habit. Admitting is the first step.

Each of us grab a cart as we enter the store, inspecting the wheels, making sure they'll handle the burden they will soon carry, slap our purses in the the front and head straight to the handbag and luggage section. This is where we spend the majority of our time. Digging, digging and digging, slowly and carefully so we don't miss a thing and at times can take up to and then some!

After the handbag and luggage section, the rest of the store is a blur. We go through the wallets, accessories, shoes, clothes, the book section - looking for the journal that is "just right" to jot down our most intimate thoughts and secrets. Or simply another "To Do" list. Everything we want goes into the cart. Everything.

Eventually we have to leave or the store closes (either one) and we visit the dressing room before moving on to the final stage....

"The Elimination Round"

This sisterly advice is crucial. Pay close attention and heed to the "you don't need that, girl" and "don't you already have something like that?" One by one, we describe our selections, why we think we need it, the HUGE way it will impact our everyday lives, what we'll use it for, wear or carry it with. Every reason in the book is brought up and finally, yes finally we are ready to check out.

I love these shopping trips with my sis. She's in a different state but thanks to modern technology we can "photo shop" - but it's not the same...

It's from these trips that I have accumulated a lot of, how do you say it... baggage. Hah!

So you know I had to organize it! I was cleaning out our hallway closet the other day and accidentally stumbled upon this fabulous way of organizing my handbags. Maybe someone else has done this, I don't know, but I'm going to share it just the same!

The drawers were fine, but piling my handbags on each other wasn't!

First drawer holds wallets, coin purses and planners

Bottom two hold larger bags (beach, etc.)

Second drawer holds clutches

Those nuisance hangers are now serving a better purpose!

My bags hang above my storage unit leaving plenty of space for more.....?

I hope this post helps you in your quest for organization and maybe even gave you some new ideas. If you got any questions or need help on other organization topics, let me know and I'll do my best to help you out!

Pack Your Bags!