Purse Tools
I carry a giant purse. I’m sure it looks odd, a petite woman carrying around a monstrous bag, but this is a judgment-free zone. My purse contains a few tools that I like to carry with me everywhere. They often come in handy as I am out shopping for my home and for others. Here are my main tools that I always carry around and think that you should too- or at least while you are doing some home shopping.
Camera or Phone
This is probably my most useful tool. I use my phone to take photos of everything. If I find something (or many somethings) that I like, I will often take a picture and think it over. This is helpful when I am trying to decide between multiple options or when I find myself doing some retail therapy. This practice has helped to limit that though and cut down my impulse buys. If I am still thinking about it the next day then chances are good that it’s more than retail therapy talking. If a week has gone by before I remember it, then it was not the right piece for me. Sometimes I hit the jackpot and I know the piece is exactly what I am after, which I am then taking the photo for documentation, and that is different altogether.
Notebook or Phone
I like to keep my room dimensions written down, or if I am looking for a specific piece then I write down the sizes I need. This helps to keep me on track. If the item doesn’t fit my requirements then chances are I would not be happy with it after all. I keep things like room dimensions typed in my phone so that I can easily reference them. If I am working on a project though and need to mark down a list of items or sizes, then I write those in a notebook. I also keep my notebook on hand for when ideas and inspirations hit me. I can’t rely on my memory, there is way too much going on in my head already. This does also mean that I need to keep a pen, or four apparently, in my purse too.
Tape Measure
Measurements aren’t always accurately listed on items. Sometimes they aren’t listed at all (super frustrating). At those times, a tape measure can be your best friend. This came in handy as I was searching for a shower door recently. Some manufacturers list the estimated measurements instead of exact measurements. In this case, there was often a 1/4″ difference between doors marked as being the same sizes. You can find some great little measuring tapes that don’t take up much space or weigh a ton. And they usually don’t cost much either.
Sample Swatches
I like to keep cut out swatches of my paint colors. Our brains don’t recollect colors very accurately. This often gives us grief when shopping for big impact pieces such as furniture, or when you’re trying to exactly match a color theme. Keep your colors on you to end the confusion. You can also keep samples of your couch fabric too or trim off some strands from your area rug. What you keep on you for samples depends on how big your purse is!
Reusable Bag
Carrying a reusable shopping bag eliminates a lot of plastic waste. I keep one rolled up in my purse at all times. It is also sturdier than the cheap plastic bags, and cuter. Bonus! Over the years I have become more aware of my ecological footprint, and I am making an effort to reduce it. It is a constant battle to make my life more eco-friendly and live a less wasteful life. For my top tips on becoming eco-friendly, check out my post on Eco-Friendly Living.
The Cleanup
There are a ton of other unrelated objects that inevitably wind up in my purse too. It is something that mystifies the purse-owner as much as it does their spouses. I try to clean out my purse regularly to make sure that everything I need is in working condition, and up to date. There is no need to hang on to old paint chips or measurements that you are no longer focusing on. I also need to work on a receipt organizing system so I can find my lip gloss when I need it! That’s a post for another day. I hope that this breakdown helps you out on your next shopping trip!
Did this list help you out at all? Anything you would add? Leave me a comment! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave a Reply