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Lydia Mansell is a writer with over eight years of experience editing and writing for brands and online publications, focusing on travel, fashion and lifestyle. She is also the founder of travel site justpacked.com.
The great thing about a large tote bag is that you can fit just about anything you want to take with you: a travel wallet, a sunglasses case, a book or e-reader, lip balm, a small makeup bag, pens, etc. But the downside? You often have to rummage through the entire bag to find what you need. While I personally love large bags (I often travel with the Metro Tote Deluxe by MZ Wallace), I find it easier to store essentials in a smaller bag, like this Stoney Clover Lane replica from Amazon.
Another option is to invest in an actual purse organizer. These storage bags come in all shapes and sizes, from drawstring patch pockets to bags with dozens of small pockets. They’re cleverly designed to fit easily into your bag, keeping your belongings safe, secure, and organized. Below, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best purse organizers on the market, including several that have been recommended by T+L editors and writers.
The price is higher compared to other options on this list, so it may not be worth it for the average user.
The ToteSavvy Deluxe Bag Organizer is undoubtedly a traveler’s dream, starting with its material. Since it’s made of washable nylon, even if you accidentally spill something, you can easily wipe it off or dry it. The backpack even has a dual insulated, lined wet bag pocket, so anything else that needs to be stored separately can be stowed away. Speaking of pockets, this organizer can hold a variety of items, including a laptop (as long as it’s 14 inches or smaller) and a water bottle. There are a total of 10 pockets: four small, three medium, one large zippered pocket, one large insulated pocket, and the aforementioned laptop compartment.
While all these features may seem bulky at first glance, the ToteSavvy team has cleverly solved this problem; the organizer has a book-like design that provides easy organization and fits into most reasonably sized bags. What are the other benefits? The bag comes in four color options: black, red, brown, and cream, so you can choose the color that best matches your bag.
The YONBEN Interior Pocket Organizer proves that even small bags can use an organizer. Available in three sizes (small, medium, and large), this canvas bag has a simple yet functional design. In addition to the main compartment, it has an interior pocket, an exterior pocket, and an interior zippered pocket — more than enough to store your essentials. The canvas material is durable and lightweight, and it’s only about 8 inches wide. One user noted that the interior bag is “soft and durable, can hold a lot of stuff without taking up space,” and is “easy to take out of the bag and put in other bags for quick swaps.” Not to mention, the small size is under $20!
Think of the Container Store Large Purse Organizer as a binder; a lightweight design that fits easily into your bag and expands as needed. The interior, exterior, and pockets come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your items. One reviewer also noted that the key clip is a nice touch, and the horizontal zippered side pockets help “hide your most important items.” If you like to match your bag to your outfit, you’re in luck. This large purse organizer is easy to move from one bag to another (even if it’s full of stuff).
New parents inevitably have to travel light. They need to be prepared for any situation, so they usually pack diapers, extra clothes, snacks, bottles, toys, and more. To keep it all organized, you can pack a multi-purpose diaper storage bag, like the Calpak Diaper Storage Bag. Not only does this organizer include a changing pad (which itself is removable and wipeable), but it also doubles as a storage bag. The bag features multiple pockets, including one specifically for baby wipes, a fold-over hook, and snaps. The material is also waterproof, making it the perfect choice for a beach or pool bag this summer.
It comes in seven different sizes, so there’s almost certainly one to fit your favorite wallet.
Your favorite bag is almost perfect, except for one problem: It tends to snag when you’re carrying a laptop. Luckily, one of T+L’s editors has found a solution: the Doxo Wallet Organizer Liner. When placed inside a tote bag, the liner helps keep it nice and sturdy. Not only does it improve the bag’s appearance, but it also prevents it from losing its shape completely. While the brand claims the liner is specifically designed for the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag, its wide range of sizes (and colors) makes it suitable for all types of bags. This liner also caught our eye for its compartments. There are 14 compartments in total, including a zippered pocket and a small compartment handy for pens or pencils.
If you’ve ever had the frustrating experience of a water bottle leaking in your bag and damaging your tech, you’ll understand how important it is to travel with waterproof materials. The Leatherology bag’s lining is made from water-resistant nylon that will keep your belongings safe in most situations. One reviewer called the bag’s lining “comfortable, large enough to fit in a bag or backpack, and durable,” adding that it also allows for organized storage. Additionally, the backpack has five insulated pockets (all different sizes) to store your belongings. That means you can keep your water bottle separate from your precious iPad, headphones, and portable charger. Additionally, a front pocket and two side mesh pockets provide convenient storage for items you may need to access more often.
No more reaching for your phone’s flashlight to find something in your bag. The Littbag Tote Organizer features a handy LED flashlight and an auto-shutoff feature that turns off after 60 seconds, so it won’t drain your battery even if you accidentally open it. But that’s just one of the many perks of this bag. It features 12 compartments (four clear and one zippered), handles for moving items between bags, and expandable zippered side pockets. The bag measures approximately 3 inches wide when unfolded and 5.5 inches wide with the side pockets unzipped.
Bags are one of the easiest ways to organize your life, and having a few of them (in different sizes) on hand can make packing a lot easier. Personally, I use this set of bags from SteamLine Luggage to store snacks, my passport and wallet, toiletries, and any cords and chargers I carry with me. This set of bags is especially great because it’s made from recycled materials, and the eye-catching print is easy to spot even when buried deep in your travel bag. Bonus: This set of bags also makes the perfect gift for your favorite traveler.
Details: Set of 3: 8.5 x 20 cm (small), 16 x 24 cm (medium), 21 x 29 cm (large) | Recycled plastic | 3 bags
When the leather comes into contact with water, it may become stained (although the manufacturer notes that it can be wiped with a damp cloth if necessary).
If there’s one brand that knows how to make leather travel accessories, it’s Cuyana. The perfect example is the Cuyana System Slip-On Pocket. Made from double-sided Italian leather, this travel bag will easily fit into any tote you already own. Two slip pockets inside the main zippered compartment easily hold a phone, wallet, or small charging cable. Additionally, this travel bag comes in a number of nice neutral colors. However, if you want to avoid visible stains for as long as possible, I recommend choosing the dark olive color.
Anyone who has owned a Longchamp Le Pliage bag (or a similar model) knows that there are pros and cons to this bag. The good thing is that you can fit quite a lot of things in it; it’s definitely one of the best personal bags you can own. The downside is that it offers little storage space, which is why products like the Lckaey Purse Organizer come in handy. The brand notes that the felt product is designed specifically for the classic Longchamp tote, but it’s also available in a variety of sizes. Whichever size you choose, it will keep your bag stable, and the multiple pockets will provide the storage function it lacks.
There is no one-size-fits-all design for a purse organizer. Before purchasing any of the editor’s recommended models, be sure to measure the interior dimensions of the bag you plan to use it with. The lining shouldn’t be too small or too big; ideally, it should be at least a quarter inch smaller than the interior dimensions of the bag. This will ensure a perfect fit and allow you to easily remove the lining when you put it in another bag.
Some people travel light, so you may not need a handbag organizer with lots of pockets. Perhaps you usually carry some bulky items (like a printed book or a water bottle); in this case, you will need an organizer with large pockets. It is always a good idea to double-check what you plan to bring before making your final purchase. This will ensure that you do not end up buying storage bags that do not fit your lifestyle.
Most interior panels and organizers come with pockets to ensure that everything in your bag—your wallet, phone, keys, and other items—is securely stored. This means you won’t have to rummage through your bag (and maybe even panic a little) to find your passport before boarding your flight, and you’ll know exactly where your pen is when it’s time to fill out a customs form.
It depends on the specific organizer and the size of the bag, but the answer is generally yes—one insert can be used for multiple bags. If you frequently switch between a purse and a tote (and they’re usually about the same size), investing in a versatile, easy-to-remove organizer can be a big help. You can also find drawstring bag organizers that can be adjusted to fit your bag as needed.
Lydia Mansell is a travel writer with years of experience testing and reviewing travel products; she also writes a twice-monthly packing list on Substack. This article is based primarily on recommendations from T+L editors and writers who own several of the storage bags on this list. She also researched customer reviews and compared and contrasted organizers on the market to ensure each organizer recommended met T+L’s standards.
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