Caitlin MacInnis is a travel and lifestyle writer who has written for Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Tatler Asia, CNN, The Points Guy and more. Born and raised in Canada, she specializes in Canadian and global travel guides.
I have always been a fan of handbags. For as long as I can remember, I have always collected and dreamed of cooler bags for everyday use and travel. However, it was only a few years ago that I purchased my first handbag organizer, and let me tell you, it really does make it so much easier to stay organized on the go.
Bag organizers come in a variety of shapes and styles, so it’s easy to find one that fits any size bag. You can also find bag organizers that can be removed and used as a standalone bag, as well as inserts that can be placed in bags of different sizes. Personally, I prefer the latter option, as it allows for quick and easy switching of bags.
The following purse organizers are some of the best we’ve found online. Whether you’re a new parent looking to turn a shoulder bag into a baby bag or an outdoor enthusiast looking for waterproof outdoor gear, these items can meet most needs.
The Omstyle Bag Organizer is a personal favorite of mine and the style I use most often, both when traveling and in my everyday life. Made from a flexible wool-blend material, this organizer can add structure to a loose tote bag, but would also work well with a more structured leather bag. There are a total of 13 pockets and compartments, making it easy to organize your items, and the flexible material makes it easy to slide the bag in and out of one bag.
This handbag organizer comes in a variety of stylish colors, from simple beige and black to luxurious bright red and forest green. The soft wool blend also allows it to be used on more expensive bags without worrying about it scratching or damaging the lining of your bag.
The only thing you need to consider is that this handbag organizer is much heavier than other options on this list. While the wool blend will give your bag a luxurious and soft feel, it will definitely add weight to your wallet.
You might not think you need a small purse organizer, but having dedicated spaces for your items is equally useful for small and large bags. The Vercord Canvas Tote Organizer makes it easy to find a dedicated spot for your smartphone, lipstick, and anything else you want to stash in your small bag. We also love that it comes with a drawstring, allowing you to fold the organizer to fit in the smallest of purses or unfold it to fit in a medium-sized bag.
The only thing we don’t like about this storage bag is that the canvas material, while durable, is a bit thick. This isn’t a huge issue thanks to the foldable drawstring, but the canvas material can be a bit tight for a compact bag.
If you’ve ever struggled to find something at the bottom of a large bag, we don’t need to convince you of the benefits of a handbag organizer. The Container Store Large Bag Organizer is a great choice for medium to large bags and carry-ons thanks to its lightweight design and roomy compartments.
The polyester material won’t add extra bulk or weight to your tote (which is probably already heavy!), and pockets and compartments of varying sizes mean there’s a place for everything from water bottles to lip balm.
While this material is not as stain and water resistant as some nylon materials, it is easy to clean with soap and warm water. If you want a lightweight bag that can hold a larger purse, this is the bag for you.
If you’ve ever wondered how some parents find stylish and functional baby bags, this might be their secret. You don’t necessarily need a dedicated diaper bag, as you can purchase a product like the Comicfs Baby Diaper Bag Insert Organizer.
This clever waterproof organizer lets you transform your everyday bag into a diaper bag with a dedicated space for all your essentials. The modular design allows this insert to grow with your baby, and the pockets fold and bend to suit your individual needs.
Although this wallet organizer has a very convenient waterproof design, the material has a little plastic smell when you first open it, but with time and use, the smell will disappear.
Looking for a bag or backpack for your outdoor adventures? The Vercord Nylon Bag Organizer is a great choice for those looking for a bag organizer that can handle whatever life throws at it. We love that it’s made from durable nylon and has a total of 13 pockets for added convenience. The fact that this organizer comes with a shoulder strap, making it easy to take in and out of one bag (or use as a standalone bag) is also a huge plus.
One thing to keep in mind is that because of the nylon material, this purse lining is not as durable as some other options. If you are using it in a structured bag, this is not a big deal, but if you are looking to add structure to your bag, it may not have the desired effect.
When traveling, it never hurts to take care of the security of your financial and personal information. The Travelon RFID Blocking Classic Purse Organizer provides additional protection while still allowing you to conveniently organize your belongings. This handbag organizer is made of microfiber, which is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. The bag also features two top handles, making it easy to change bags as needed.
You will need to keep in mind that the dimensions of this bag organizer vary slightly, so when measuring your bag, be sure to leave yourself a little extra space so that the organizer fits easily in your purse.
The Shingone Purse Organizer will make it easy for you to find even the smallest items in your purse. This vegan leather purse organizer has a total of 15 pockets and pockets, but the best part is the built-in LED flashlight. The glowing keychain is bright enough to use as a light inside your purse to find hidden items.
The only downside is that the main compartment of this organizer isn’t as roomy as some of the other options we’ve listed, so it may be better suited to small to medium-sized purses. That said, the structured material will hold your purse in place well. Plus, the 15 handy pockets are worth the money!
When packing for a trip, the key is to find items that can serve multiple purposes. A great example is the Btsky Printed Tote Organizer Insert Pocket. This colorful tote organizer can be used as a regular insert, but thanks to the fun design, zipper closure, and top handle, you can easily use this bag as a small purse. We also love that this bag comes in a variety of patterns and colors to better suit your style (even if you only plan on using it as an add-on).
One problem that may arise when using this bag organizer is the lining, which is made of delicate silk fabric. If you keep sharp objects in your bag or handle your purse with the rough side, you may accidentally tear the lining.
The Clexion Leather Lined Organizer is a great purse organizer for those who want something a little more premium than your average polyester or nylon organizer. This chic bag is made from soft faux leather and features a simple top closure to keep all your belongings in one place while you’re on the go. The backpack also features five spacious pockets that can hold everything from books to water bottles.
Keep in mind that this item is made from premium vegan leather, so the price will be a little higher. If you want something more fancy than a simple wallet insert, this product may be worth the extra money.
If you’re looking for a zippered purse organizer that you can easily take out and put in as needed, the Cotopaxi Cada Dia Nido Accessory Bag is the best choice for you. This bag has three zippered compartments, giving you plenty of storage space, as well as interior pockets for organizing smaller items. We also love that this bag is made from recycled nylon, which is durable and eco-friendly, and comes in a variety of fun colorways like Tamarind (orange/blue) and Spruce (olive green/blue).
This bag has three zippered compartments and three pockets to help you organize your items, but we recommend measuring your bag to find the right fit.
Before you run out and order the first purse organizer you see, you need to carefully measure the inside dimensions of your bag. The main thing you need to do is give yourself some room when measuring so that the lining will fit your bag properly. Choose a lining that is at least a quarter inch smaller than the inside dimensions of your bag.
Before you buy a purse organizer, think about what items you carry with you most often. If you tend to travel light, you probably don’t need a bag with a dozen pockets and pouches. If you carry larger items, like a water bottle or a book, be sure to look for interior pockets with pockets that will easily hold your items so you don’t have to cram anything into a pocket that’s too small.
The great thing about a bag organizer is that it gives each item in your bag a designated place. This means you won’t have to rummage through your bag to find a lost little item, because you’ll always know exactly where each item is (and nothing will get stuck under something else).
You can definitely use one organizer to store multiple purses—it’s actually a great solution for people who change purses often. However, if you plan to do this, make sure the insert you choose will fit into each bag. You can also choose a bag liner with a drawstring that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of your bag.
In this article, Caitlin McInnis reviews the best bag organizers for travel and everyday needs. She also used her shopping experience, using purse organizers of different sizes and styles to organize her staggering number of bags.
Love great deals? Sign up for our T+L Recomends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products every week.