Life as a minimalist isn’t about ditching everything. Trust me, I have my must-haves, too! My bag's not just a bag; it's like a survival kit that changes based on where I’m heading. I got this bag set from Target and don't think they carry it anymore, unfortunately, but they tend to carry some pretty similar if you're on the hunt.

So, what's inside? Let's dive in!

Bag-ception: A Bag Within a Bag

Here's a little hack: I use a tinier bag inside my main one. Why? Because who wants to spend an eternity searching for a hair tie lost in the bag's abyss? Not me! This inner bag is the keeper of random yet necessary things.

These are the things that generally reside in the inner bag:

My Ear-Saving Loops

Among my prized possessions are my Loops. These little lifesavers are ear accessories I stumbled upon during an Amazon treasure hunt. They’re not your typical sound stuffers; you buy them based on the decibel level you want to block. This is great when you still want to hear the baby cry but at a much less shrill level.

They take the edge off noises when the world gets too loud and mellow things down to where I can enjoy whatever I’m doing without cringing at the sound. Growing sensitive to noise could be me getting older or just surviving the decibel levels of a boisterous family. Who knows? Either way, Loops to the rescue!

Earbuds

For actual listening use, I also keep earbuds in this compartment. I used iLuv earbuds from Amazon for years but upgraded to AirPods. Regardless, Bluetooth earbuds are a must when I'm out and about. You just never know.

Glasses

And my glasses! I’d squint without them, so they sit snugly in that inner bag. No more “where-did-I-leave-them” scavenger hunts.

Bujo Pens

The only other thing that I keep in the zipper bag is my bullet journal pens. Mine are Faber-Castell fabric artist pens. They’re not always in my purse, only when I’m actively bullet journaling.

What's Up in the Main Area

Bullet Journal

Now, when I’m on a bullet journaling roll, my journal finds its spot in the main compartment, cozied up next to my wallet and little bag. It’s all about having it handy when inspiration strikes.

Mask

A mask still earns a spot in my bag. I go for the KN95s: comfortable, easy to slip on, and they give my face room to breathe.

A Folded Wallet

The real VIP of my bag? My wallet. It holds the essentials (a couple of credit cards, my ID, that kind of stuff), and I talked all about simplifying it in my financial minimalism video. It’s lean and organized, just how I like it.

I am a little weird about things staying up vertically in my purse. Having a flat wallet also helps with that. This lets me avoid digging around or dumping all your stuff to find one thing. It also allows my journal and pens to slide in when needed. 🙂

Water Bottle

If I'm out and about for the day, especially somewhere urban, my water bottle tags along. Having it means staying hydrated without a pit stop every hour.

When it's just chilling at home, my bag does look a bit slouchy. Hey, it’s comfortable! But it can carry that water bottle like a champ, no problem.

The Front Pockets

Sunglasses

The two front pockets of my purse are home to a few rapid-grab items. One of them houses sunglasses for when the sun decides to blind me.

A Pen, Lotion, And Chapstick

The other holds a pen for those “gotta-write-this-down” moments, some lotion (nothing fancy, but a skin-saver for sudden dry spells), and my Eos chapstick. Can't forget that! Seriously, it’s with me so often it almost needs its own address. Dry lips? No thanks.

The Secret Compartment

My bag’s not all about what meets the eye, though. It’s got this sneaky side zipper pocket, perfect for my phone. It’s like a secret handshake between us. I reach back, and voila, there it is! It’s perfect for quick access, and I don’t have to take off my entire bag.

That's the grand tour of my minimalist bag! Watch the video for the full visuals :)

If you like this kind of peek into owning less, you might also enjoy the things I only own one of. It's the same philosophy, applied to the whole house.

And the philosophy itself, the why behind carrying and keeping less, is all laid out in what minimalism actually is (and isn't).