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Simplifying Work Bags

Carrying Less Bags and Less Weight Around 

Recently I’ve noticed I’ve become a bag lady. All my bags are multiplying. I have a purse, an organizing tool bag, organizing file bag that holds relevant paper and files, as well as a lunch bag.  I have way too many things to carry and I’m getting tired of it. This doesn’t model leading a simplified work day and it sure doesn’t make things easy when I have to park a half a mile away from my destination when I’m in a congested neighborhood. 

So the plan was to reduce the amount I carry and really narrow things down to bring only what I use 99% percent of them time. So the first picture below shows my trunk box organizer, my stuff bucket to carry organizing tools and then a hard case tote for files. These days, I’m doing more and more things electronically and using a lot less paper so I decided to ditch the whole tote and file bag. The stuff bucket wasn’t conducive to carrying down the street or up two sets of stairs when I’m working in a condo.

So the second picture shows my final attempt at simplifying. The trunk box organizer is holding a lot of the things I don’t use on a regular basis, such as work gloves, dust masks, and eye protection. Since I don’t organize garages every day, those can stay behind in the car. The new Vera Bradley bag has lots of pockets and is lined in a light lime green fabric color so I can see everything I need inside. I’ve had black in the past which makes finding things impossible. It’s very comfortable to sling over my shoulder and carry a few blocks. It also has great side pockets to slip a water bottle or Gatorade and protein bar in for lunch. So I solved my lunch problem. A clipboard inside holds the paper I need just for today and I’m all set!

Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Reduce Your Cargo

1. How often do I use this?

2. When was the last time I pulled this out of my bag to reference, look at or use?

3. What could I not live without each and every day?

4. What is extremely heavy that I could leave behind to lighten my load?

5. Is there another way I can access this information? Electronically? Keep a set a work or home?

Have you simplified the amount of bags or stuff you carry to and from work? What has worked for you and made it easier for you?

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