Share Your Edited Bag Closet Journey......

[Bag peace]

I've (surprisingly) managed to edit some more in my bag closet. I donated 3 bags (2 of which were my mother's that she asked me to find a home for when she last visited, 1 was my own that I fell out of love with).
However, I've had 2 more bags come in- a surprise from my brother, who saw them whilst on his travels and mailed them to me! Very sweet and unexpected. The additions are stunning, buttery soft handmade leather bags, and very much my preferred style and size.

Now I'm trying to rid myself of my backpacks to shed the excess I find myself in again. The local charity shops won't take them because there's no demand for them. I thought I could pass them on to my friends' children (as they are in perfect condition) but it seems with everything online, kids don't use backpacks for school these days. So, I'm not sure where these bags will go but I've put them aside and am actively looking for someone who can utilize them.

 

[FizzyWater]

Another Medicare person here… and that's so true about the amount of paper generated! Between Medicare and our supplemental policy, we get stacks of paper each month. DH just tosses the envelopes on my desk (health insurance is MY job to track… he has other jobs ) and I dutifully file them in their proper places, but really, I have no idea why I'm doing it. As you say, it's all on line, so if there were ever a question, it could certainly be looked up.
How many years is this stuff supposed to be saved? I have health insurance records going back to 2015, all neatly filed by year. Should I be setting up a shredding session? Fortunately, paper shredding is one of DH's jobs!

I can't keep track of my own paperwork to save my life, but I try to get my mom caught up when I visit. At the end of the year I usually shred office visit information from Medicare. Actually, I go through her file cabinet, pull everything form the year that doesn't need to stay at her fingertips, and either toss in a box to be shredded or toss in a box labeled with the year. Then she has room to file the new stuff. Which she doesn't, but wevs.

I do keep whatever is the latest version of her meds list and replace the last version in an "emergency binder". It's silver sparkly and she never remembers it exists, but her friends and helpers do. It contains everything from how to play a DVD to her PoA for my Dad.

Possibly useful tip: The local office supply store (not a chain) offers to securely shred paper, cost by weight. The first time I had a huge box and they charged me $50 which was totally worth it, and last time with 1/3 a box they didn't even weigh it and charged me $5. I also noticed driving by that the UPS Store says they will securely shred.

 

[Nibb]

I can't keep track of my own paperwork to save my life, but I try to get my mom caught up when I visit. At the end of the year I usually shred office visit information from Medicare. Actually, I go through her file cabinet, pull everything form the year that doesn't need to stay at her fingertips, and either toss in a box to be shredded or toss in a box labeled with the year. Then she has room to file the new stuff. Which she doesn't, but wevs.

I do keep whatever is the latest version of her meds list and replace the last version in an "emergency binder". It's silver sparkly and she never remembers it exists, but her friends and helpers do. It contains everything from how to play a DVD to her PoA for my Dad.

Possibly useful tip: The local office supply store (not a chain) offers to securely shred paper, cost by weight. The first time I had a huge box and they charged me $50 which was totally worth it, and last time with 1/3 a box they didn't even weigh it and charged me $5. I also noticed driving by that the UPS Store says they will securely shred.

I’ve used the shredding services too, once at FedEx and once from the local big box office supply store. Super happy with both places.

 

[dramaprincess713]

I've read through every page of this thread, and I hope I can join in this journey! I am far far behind all of you. My number of bags seems to constantly hover around 40(!). I currently have 37, with two more on their way to me, and 5 or 6 more planned purchases, putting me at 44-45. This number does include clutches, but does not include wristlets. It probably should include wristlets though, since they are essentially clutches with a small strap. I have 3 wristlets that would up my total to 47-48. This also does not include backpacks (I have 2), Longchamp Le Pilage totes (I have 2), other foldable totes similar to Longchamp (I have 2), and canvas beach bag-like totes (I have 2). I consider these all travel items, so I don't include them in my bag count (which is probably cheating, but it keeps my number artificially low. )

I am not OK with this number. I am overwhelmed with the number of bags I have, and feel guilty because clearly none of them get used enough. I have such a hard time editing and cutting down though! I do sell or donate, but then I also purchase. I've identified 5-6 bags I can strongly consider selling, and 1 more that I think I can re-purpose. This is good, but it still puts me at approx. 40. I think I would feel more comfortable at about 20-25, but I have truly no clue how I can possible get there. At this point, even getting down to 30 would be an accomplishment, but even that feels impossible.

Inspired by this post, I did do some analyzing of my collection. I separated my bags into ones that I 100% plan to keep, ones that don't get used often but that I don't want to sell, and ones I could consider maybe letting go of. I have 20 bags that I 100% want to keep (which includes 3 bags that are either on their way or planned purchases). The ones I want to keep all fall into the category of being functional, sentimental, or having some sort of interesting detail that I love.

Of the 15ish bags that I don't often use but don't want to get rid of, they tend to either be a color I love or have interesting details that I love. I am a sucker for colors and interesting details, I've realized. However, they also tend not to be the most functional for me. For example, I have the Coach Rogue 25 with Crystal Tea Roses. I LOVE the crystal tea roses. I think they are so so pretty - like works of art. BUT, the rogue 25 is a bit small for my needs right now so I'm not reaching for it all that much. This is the overarching theme of most of the bags in this category. I LOVE the details or the color, but they tend to be a size or style of bag that I just don't often use.

Currently, I commute from NJ to NYC everyday, often take a fitness class after work, and try to bring in my lunch every day. I can't do the two separate bag thing, so this means that the most functional bags for me and my current lifestyle are large totes. A lot of the bags in my "not often used, don't want to get rid of" category are small-medium sized bags, which is part of the reason they don't get a ton of use (in addition to the sheer excess of bags I have, obviously). However, in addition to the fact that I love the interesting details and/or color of these bags, I'm also aware that lifestyle changes may shift my bag needs and preferences. For example, I'm hoping to find a remote position, which would certainly very much alter my bag needs. I also hope to have a child the next year or so, and I imagine that if I'm fortunate enough to become a mother, my bag needs and preferences will change. So, that thought of "I might want it in the future, it may get a lot more use in the future" also hinders me from getting rid of them.

The reality though is that I still have too many bags. As I said in the beginning, I am not comfortable with the number I'm at. If I take into account the bags I have coming and plan to purchase, the bags I think I'm OK with selling, my clutches and NOT my wristlets, I will be at 40 exactly. There's another 3-4 that, with time, I *might* be able to part with, given some time and thought. So, this ideally brings me down to 36, which is progress, but still too much. I may not be able to get to my ideal 20-25, but I would really really like to try for 30 at a first big goal. My problem is that I really don't see how I can get below 36, at best.

I have written a novel, but if you've made it this far, do you have any words of wisdom? That list of bags that I don't use often but that I don't want to get rid of is my huge hurdling block. The colors, interesting details, and thoughts of "it may get more use at a different stage of life" keep me pulling me in, and I can't seem to overcome them. I want a more manageable collection, but I feel like I just can't get there!

 

[dramaprincess713]

Oh, also - it would help if someone could help me talk through this (or talk some sense into me!)...

One of those 5-6 planned purchases is a Navy Coach Court bag. I'm watching one on Ebay right now. I've wanted this bag for awhile - ever since I saw it on the ExtraPetite blog. As you can probably guess, I'm highly susceptible to being influenced! I also want it because I keep hearing about amazing vintage Coach leather, it would't be very expensive, and it's kind of a Pochette Metis/Coach Cassie alternative at a bargain. HOWEVER, in light of all of this, I'm wondering if it's the best purchase for me? It obviously wouldn't be an everyday bag as it wouldn't fit all I currently carry on an average day. It's also only really allows for crossbody, long shoulder, or hand carry - all of which are my least favorite carry options. I strongly prefer a short shoulder carry bag. When I type it out like this, it seems obvious that this wouldn't be a practical purchase and that I should pass. But, there is still a part of me that wants it. I keep thinking that when (if) I'm a mother, I'll start liking crossbodies and that this would be a good mom bag. But that also could just be me trying to justify the purchase...

 

[bagnut1]

@dramaprincess713 - I feel your pain! I’ve been there, and have managed to upgrade and significantly pare down at the same time over a number of years.

I would offer 3 pieces of advice:
1) it sounds like you enjoy the acquisition while still feeling like you have too many. Also you are thinking about changes in lifestyle. Perhaps when those changes actually do happen you will want to celebrate them, and any changes in your taste in the meantime, with more new bags? If so there’s no need to hang onto ones you’re not using now “just in case.”
2) look hard at the sentimental bags that you don’t use. Would a photograph, perhaps nicely framed and displayed in your closet or dressing area, and/or a poem about it (not kidding), fill the same function? You can have the memories while still passing the bag along to someone who will enjoy using it.
3) for any bags that you think you might be able to part with, @diane278 ’s Closet for Departing Bags is genius. For me, if I can forget about a bag for 4 months or so, it’s proved to me that it would be happier in a new home.

Good luck on your journey and keep us posted!

 

[diane278]

Oh, also - it would help if someone could help me talk through this (or talk some sense into me!)...

You’re not alone! I think most of us came here because we felt overwhelmed with our bag collections. It’s clear you’ve given the situation a lot of thought. When you were reading here, did any of the strategies used seem like they might work for you? Remember, it’s in your power to adapt any ideas you find so that they meet your needs. I respond to instant gratification, so I did what was easiest for me. Some bags were more “in my way” than contributing to my life....those were the easiest to put aside, even if only temporarily. You might want to start where you’ll feel some success....whatever that means to you. One thing I’ve learned is that beating myself up about “my numbers” has never helped me....and doing that doesn’t change anything.

This is a new idea that may, or may not, appeal to you. Instead of being so hard on yourself, you might try assembling a core collection with one of each style you feel you need, and relying on those bags for one week...that’s not really very limiting. You don’t have to use them all...you just don’t use any not in that group. Don’t consider getting rid of anything yet. However, if you feel any need to go, just put them aside for now (in a separate place). Week two, I’d make a second core collection with another set of bags and use those for a week. (Don’t use week ones core group during week two). I’d keep doing that until I had all my top choices into core groups. Then, I’d combine my core groups and set aside any that didn’t make the cut. Now try using just those bags that were in any of the core groups. At that point, you might have some clarity that will help you decide which should stay and which might go. If you try this, you might find that you need to adapt the procedure along the way so it works for you. If you find it’s not helping you, stop and try something else that might. Anything you do that helps you get clarity will help you in the long run.

Keep us posted. And don’t be afraid to experiment.....I had many unsuccessful starts and stops over the years....basically bingeing and purging on bags.

 

[dramaprincess713]

@dramaprincess713 - I feel your pain! I’ve been there, and have managed to upgrade and significantly pare down at the same time over a number of years.

I would offer 3 pieces of advice:
1) it sounds like you enjoy the acquisition while still feeling like you have too many. Also you are thinking about changes in lifestyle. Perhaps when those changes actually do happen you will want to celebrate them, and any changes in your taste in the meantime, with more new bags? If so there’s no need to hang onto ones you’re not using now “just in case.”
2) look hard at the sentimental bags that you don’t use. Would a photograph, perhaps nicely framed and displayed in your closet or dressing area, and/or a poem about it (not kidding), fill the same function? You can have the memories while still passing the bag along to someone who will enjoy using it.
3) for any bags that you think you might be able to part with, @diane278 ’s Closet for Departing Bags is genius. For me, if I can forget about a bag for 4 months or so, it’s proved to me that it would be happier in a new home.

Good luck on your journey and keep us posted!

Thank you! It seems like I've only managed to upgrade, but I sure do hope to significantly par down!

1. Yes, you are totally right! I do enjoy the acquisition and still feel like I have too many. You'd think one of those would influence the other, but it clearly doesn't. It's like those two feelings live in completely different people. Great point re. changes in lifestyle and that when those changes actually do happen, will I want to celebrate them and any changes in taste with more new bags. Yes, I very much suspect I will very much want to celebrate any changes in life and taste with more new bags! It does make me go back and look at the bags differently...unfortuantely, I think I'm finding that the "just in case" is a minor part of why I'm holding onto the bags. The color or interesting details the bags have seem to be the main reason, as that is what I keep going back to when I think about getting rid of them.
2. I love this approach to sentimental bags! I've actually been able to re-purpose a number of my sentimental bags so that they are still around, but serve another need. I have one that holds my sunglasses, another holds my card cases, another for my cosmetics pouches, and another I've designated as my bag for attending/teaching fitness classes. Most of my remaining sentimental bags are clutches, which I'm OK with keeping since that is the smallest portion of my collection. I do have two lesser-used, sentimental bags that are not clutches and have not been re-purposed. I'm not sure I'm ready to pass them on quite yet. One of them is the most professional bag I own, and I think it still serves a purpose, if not often used. The other I'm simply not ready to let go of yet. However, I really love this approach of looking at sentimental things because I get caught up in that in all aspects of my life! The number of things (clothes, jewelry, etc.) that I hold on to because it was a gift or I've placed some sort of sentimental value on it is ridiculous. I think it's the number one reason why I have so much stuff!
3. Yes, I love the idea of the closet for departing bags. I will definitely be trying that out. It will certainly be easier for the ones that are already half-gone in my mind. Figuring out what should go in there next is the hard part!

 

[southernbelle43]

Another suggestion that came from my friend TotinScience really helped me with my bag buys. I would share with her that I really liked a particular bag, most often expounding on how beautiful the leather or the leather color was. She pointed out to me that what I was attracted to was the leather, not the bag. And she was 100% correct. In your initial post you speak about bags that have the cutest detail or leather, but in reality the bag itself does not work for you. So go through your collection and critically identify those bags. Then sell them. There will ALWAYS be more pretty leather, or details and hopefully you will only buy those bags that work for you, the large totes or whatever.

 

[dramaprincess713]

You’re not alone! I think most of us came here because we felt overwhelmed with our bag collections. It’s clear you’ve given the situation a lot of thought. When you were reading here, did any of the strategies used seem like they might work for you? Remember, it’s in your power to adapt any ideas you find so that they meet your needs. I respond to instant gratification, so I did what was easiest for me. Some bags were more “in my way” than contributing to my life....those were the easiest to put aside, even if only temporarily. You might want to start where you’ll feel some success....whatever that means to you. One thing I’ve learned is that beating myself up about “my numbers” has never helped me....and doing that doesn’t change anything.

This is a new idea that may, or may not, appeal to you. Instead of being so hard on yourself, you might try assembling a core collection with one of each style you feel you need, and relying on those bags for one week...that’s not really very limiting. You don’t have to use them all...you just don’t use any not in that group. Don’t consider getting rid of anything yet. However, if you feel any need to go, just put them aside for now (in a separate place). Week two, I’d make a second core collection with another set of bags and use those for a week. (Don’t use week ones core group during week two). I’d keep doing that until I had all my top choices into core groups. Then, I’d combine my core groups and set aside any that didn’t make the cut. Now try using just those bags that were in any of the core groups. At that point, you might have some clarity that will help you decide which should stay and which might go. If you try this, you might find that you need to adapt the procedure along the way so it works for you. If you find it’s not helping you, stop and try something else that might. Anything you do that helps you get clarity will help you in the long run.

Keep us posted. And don’t be afraid to experiment.....I had many unsuccessful starts and stops over the years....basically bingeing and purging on bags.

Thank you for the warm welcome! The closet for departing bags is definitely something I'm going to try out.

You know, this makes me think about what my core collection actually would be. What are each style that I feel I need? When I think about it that way, I feel like all I need is a tote, as that is my most used and most functional bag for me currently. Of course though, I still feel the need for a clutch, crossbody, flap bag, etc, even though I don't use those styles all that much and could certainly get by without them (except maybe the clutch - I feel a good clutch is one of those things that may not be used often, but is still needed for when you need it). It's an interesting way to approach it - I think I'm just scared to truly discover that I don't need all that I have! I mean, I already know that, but you know...

I think, with help from the closet for departing bags, I can get to 40 (this number is counting the purchases that are on their way and planned). It will be a bit difficult, but I think I can even get to 35 after that. I can tell that 30 will be quite a challenge, but I will try to be kind with myself. I feel so silly that I find this so difficult and stressful!

 

[diane278]

I feel so silly that I find this so difficult and stressful!

We're all on The Purse Forum. I think that sums it up. You’re with your people. Bag enabling is a core theme. When I was little, and my room was strewn with toys, my mother used to tell me that if I didn’t take care of my things and clean up my room, I shouldn’t expect to get more. This thread is a reminder that sometimes we need to clean up.... in this case, it’s our bags. One step at a time.

 

[dramaprincess713]

Another suggestion that came from my friend TotinScience really helped me with my bag buys. I would share with her that I really liked a particular bag, most often expounding on how beautiful the leather or the leather color was. She pointed out to me that what I was attracted to was the leather, not the bag. And she was 100% correct. In your initial post you speak about bags that have the cutest detail or leather, but in reality the bag itself does not work for you. So go through your collection and critically identify those bags. Then sell them. There will ALWAYS be more pretty leather, or details and hopefully you will only buy those bags that work for you, the large totes or whatever.

Oh my goodness, so simple and obvious, but SO SO true! I really do need to take a critical look at that category of bags. I’ve been so caught up in the fact that I love the color or detail, but I really do need to take a close look at whether or not I love the bag. This is also a fantastic approach to bag buying that I hope I can keep in mind. Thank you!

 

[southernbelle43]

Oh my goodness, so simple and obvious, but SO SO true! I really do need to take a critical look at that category of bags. I’ve been so caught up in the fact that I love the color or detail, but I really do need to take a close look at whether or not I love the bag. This is also a fantastic approach to bag buying that I hope I can keep in mind. Thank you!

The thanks go to TotinScience who is not only a beautiful, fun, incredibly intelligent research scientist but also a brilliant bag buyer! She has saved me from so many stupid bag buys, lol.

 

[dramaprincess713]

We're all on The Purse Forum. I think that sums it up. You’re with your people. Bag enabling is a core theme. When I was little, and my room was strewn with toys, my mother used to tell me that if I didn’t take care of my things and clean up my room, I shouldn’t expect to get more. This thread is a reminder that sometimes we need to clean up.... in this case, it’s our bags. One step at a time.

It’s good to be among people who “get it”! Editing down has been a constant, life-long struggle for me. It’s a combination of my desire to always be prepared for anything, the sentimental value that I place on things, and the fact that there are just a lot of things I really like. As a child, if something was given to me as a gift, good luck ever trying to get me to part with it. I felt too guilty and like getting rid of it meant that I was ungrateful. I still carry some of those feelings with me today. And if it had some other sort of sentimental attachment (like something I got on a trip), I also couldn’t fathom letting it go. Honestly, I think there may be some boxes of stuff, decades old, still at my parent’s house because of that. (I should probably go through them and trash them next time I visit...). I’m also constantly struck by the thought that I may need/want this someday or that if I’m ever in x,y,z situation, that particular item would be perfect. I honestly have gotten better about these things, but clearly I still have work to do!

 

[dramaprincess713]

The thanks go to TotinScience who is not only a beautiful, fun, incredibly intelligent research scientist but also a brilliant bag buyer! She has saved me from so many stupid bag buys, lol.

I would then like to request both you and @TotinScience to be my handbag gurus to knock some sense into me!