A friend of mine, @alwaysthewinna, once tweeted me to ask about how I take care of my bags. She uses a bag tree like below but has a problem with molds. I used to use the same thing in Manila and realized as I was packing my things for Jakarta that my older bags had molds in them! Needless to say, I didn’t bother bringing that bag tree with us to Jakarta.
KEEPING THE MOLDS OUT
From then on, I decided to follow the instructions of the bags and keep each of them in the bag. The more expensive ones came with their own bag cases, but for the cheaper ones I just use hotel laundry bags. (Yes I collect them too!) Then I bought a can of dessicant/silica gel and put on inside the bag, in each pocket and outside the bag but within the bag case. I also place one of those dehumidifying canisters inside my closet to absorb extra moisture. They look like this. You can buy dehumidifying canisters and the dessicant in Ace Hardware of True Value for cheap.
STAYING ORGANIZED
The problem with this is that every time I need a bag, I need to open the different bag containers to find the bag that I am looking for. And I end up with a mess every time. So I decided to take matters on to my own hands…
I took a pic of my bags and printed small copies.
Cut each one up.
1) Laminated, rounded the corners with scissors and punched a hole in each one 2) cut red ribbons (so it’s easy to spot) and sealed the edges by passing it through a candle flame 3) Knotted the ribbon on top 4) safety pin for securing the ribbons on the bag containers.
I love this thin container with holes on the sides. It’s perfect for placing rolls of ribbon. I strung the ribbon through the hole and made it into my own ribbon dispenser.
All pretty in red ribbons, ready for pinning!
I placed my clutch bags vertically on a basket and pinned the “labels” on top so I can easily see them and pull-out the bag I need.
Note: that the rounded laminated corners are important so the tags don’t scratch your bags and don’t get caught on anything or pulled. Which means your laminates will last longer too.
For Phase 2 of this projects, I plan to print out a one-page-picture-cheat-sheet of all my bags organized in the following categories:
- Formal/Evening/Clutches
- Casual/Day
- Beach
Then I plan to laminate it, so that it lasts longer. I can refer to it while getting dressed so that I know all my choices, coz’ what ends up happening to me is I end up using a few bags all the time and forget the rest of my bags because they are buried somewhere in my closet. And some bags get ratty pretty fast. =(
Does this happen to you as well? Hopefully Phase 2 of the bag organization project will solve this for me! What about you? What do you do with your bags? I’d love to hear it!
I’ll do a short follow up post on Phase 2 when I get it done. Wait for it! =D
I’m also on the quest for finding the best way to organize handbags given a small space that we have.
Seems like you have tons of great ideas above…but for some reason, I can only see the first image?
You are soooo organized!! I am too lazy to do stuff like that. I’m impressed!! You’re an organizer pro!
Omg, I agree with Kaho!!! I am too lazy to take the time to do it, but the bags are well protected and you know which bag is where! NICEEE!!
I love your tip about the rounded corner..so detail oriented!
Thanks Starlet. I have to admit, if you asked me a year ago if I would do something like this, I would have said “Heck NO!” But right now this is part of my Happiness Project. I took a couple of hours to do it, and now it saves me time daily. =) =)
Great system. My mom also told me it’s important to regularly use the bags so they’re aired out. I got 3 of her gucci bags from the 70s and they were still pretty decent.
Hahaha we are so the same. My mom gave me some Gucci bags in the early 90’s naman. Actually they are not my style and I’ve never used them, BUT because I always kept em in a bag with desiccants, they look brand new. Oh and I condition the leather once in a while. I’d love to see pics of your Gucci bags and how you keep em!!
With the many DIY stuff available online… this tip, although not very novel, is top notch! Keep all the DIY tips coming!