Hi Girls! Today’s topic is one that applies to most any and all ladies, and if you aren’t one of them, how are you getting by?
Wallets, girls, we’re talking about the organizational state of your wallets. I have seen my fair share of scare in various pockets and folds of wallets over the years, enough to convince me that this is a good place to start.
To organize your wallet, begin by taking everything out; every crumpled receipt, every business card, every Blue Martini VIP card. Dump it all out into a big pile.
Next, you’ll want to sort through everything and immediately dispose of any garbage. This includes but is not limited to: aforementioned crumpled receipts, stray pieces of gum now covered in crumbs, etc.
Now you’re ready to replace the essentials back into your wallet: Drivers License or alternate form of photo identification, credit and debit cards (both business and personal), insurance cards (health, car, etc), public transit pass, and cash money.
You will most likely be left with various items still in your dumped-out pile. That’s good. Those things don’t belong in your wallet. What am I speaking of?
Receipts.
Social security cards.
Gift cards.
Business cards.
Back-up credit cards.
These are things that either make you vulnerable to identity thieves or just regular old thieves or add unnecessary bulk to your wallet. Let me walk you through it:
Receipts- have a tendency to get thrown in wallets and handbags throughout the course of the day. That’s understandable. Make it a habit to remove them nightly, every Sunday, or according to some time frame that will suit your schedule best. Receipts that actually do need to be kept for tax purposes won’t withstand the wear they’ll incur by dwelling within your wallet, and other receipts that you don’t need at all are just cluttering it up. So, take out whatever receipts have landed in there, file away the ones that need to be kept, and toss those that don’t.
Social security cards/ passports- are a no-no when it comes to the wallet. You don’t want to be carrying around that sensitive information if you can help it.
Gift cards- I know you girls love to tote around gift cards with the thought that you just may happen to find yourself out and about and at the very place at which you have $25. But the chances that you do actually end up at that very store on a day to day basis are slim, meaning that you’re adding bulk to your wallet unnecessarily. Keep gift cards at home in a designated spot until you’ve planned ahead of time to visit a particular shop. Then and only then should you place the card in your wallet for immediate use.
Business cards- As kick-ass members of GPH, I expect you all do your fair share of exchanging business cards. Again, these can quickly amass in your wallet and result in some major paper chaos. Establish a similar practice to the receipt method mentioned previously: go through your wallet routinely and extract any business cards collected, placing them instead wherever you keep your cards at home. As for your own cards, I recommend treating yourself to an ultra-fly business card case. You’ll feel like a boss when you whip that puppy out.
Back-up credit cards- should be kept at home in the event that you lose your primary cards in your wallet, and actually need back-ups. Plus, there’s no reason to give pick-pockets (do people still call them that?) access to any more plastic.
So there you have it. Hopefully those pointers will help you all get your wallets in tip-top shape.
Til next time!
Image credits: A Pretty Penny, Cooking At Cafe D, Walnut Studio, The Gadgeteer
Annie Traurig
As a professional organizer, Annie Traurig is passionate about helping others simplify and enrich their lives. Annie has spent countless hours transforming spaces for her clients, who have ranged from top-tier attorneys and CEO’s to busy moms and seniors. Her approach to organizing combines the keen eye of an editor, the hands of an architect, humor and patience. She is committed to providing customized, space-efficient and stylish solutions to all organizing challenges. For quick tips, in-depth tutorials, and inspiring interiors, visit Annie’s website, www.livesimplybyannie.com or follow her on twitter @livesimply.
* This post is from a Girl Power Hour featured blogger. It is not written, edited or endorsed by Girl Power Hour. The authors are solely responsible for content.
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