Purse cleanup challenge

I helped clean the attic, I cleaned my closet, and now I have cleaned my purse. I actually carry a Vera Bradley backpack, not a purse. I wish I could say I like the backpack for the style, but it is actually for the storage. I have a lot of stuff.

I was surprised by the weight - 4.2 pounds. WOW, it is no wonder my shoulders hurt. I could carry a backpacking pack with ease - but 4.2 pounds is a lot for a purse.

First I emptied everything out - ugh!

I have not totally emptied my purse since 2008 when I was on a cruise and wanted to WIN a contest. I change purses often, but I employ the dump method (you know when you just dump stuff from one bag tot he other). So I emptied it out looking for silly stuff. I had a lot of that! I have always felt organized because my purse has several zippered storage bags. I can find stuff (usually). My pretty storage bag holds things I may need when I am out. If I am going for a walk I will leave it in the car. This is what was in it before I cleaned it out.

After cleaning it out this is what I wanted to put back in the mini bag. One look and I knew I still had too much stuff. I got rid of some more cards and papers - YEAH!

30 minutes later I had pared down the contents of my purse to this (I fed Abbie the Snickers.)

Finally I packed it all back and here is the final project - just 3.4 pounds!

Thanks to Anna over at Ask Anna for her challenge to clean my purse!