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The 10 Best Purse Organizers That’ll Change the Way You See Your Handbag

Organization and access are key with our picks to keep any purse perfectly sorted.

Best Purse Organizers
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

If you’ve ever approached the security counter at the airport only to panickedly rummage through your purse for your passport and ticket, listen up: You may want to invest in a purse organizer. Since many totes, backpacks, and other bags feature one large main compartment without smaller pockets, organization can become tricky and lead to futile rummaging. 

A purse organizer can keep all your belongings neatly arranged and in sight for easy access. Plus, these inserts can include security features such as RFID-blocking technology, zippered pockets to keep wallets and other valuables more secure, and waterproof fabrics. We scoured the internet to find the best organizer insert for every type of bag.

Why We Love It
  • This fully equipped insert has 11 pockets. 

What to Consider
  • It’s not ideal for use outside of another bag. 

If you only invest in one purse organizer, we recommend this one which indexes high in function and versatility. It’s durable and waterproof, so all your belongings stay safe and dry, however, the fact that it’s soft-sided makes it easy to switch between bags of varying dimensions. There are three sizes available (small, medium, and large) — but the small size is plenty roomy for your average purse. 

This comes equipped with five exterior slip pockets for easy access to go-to items such as a cell phone or chapstick. Inside, six mesh slip pockets allow for further organization, and it all zips shut for added security. There’s even a nifty key loop that doubles as a way to clip the organizer into your purse.

The Details:  13 x 7.5 x 4.7 inches (small), 15.7 x 8.3 x 4.7 inches (medium), 15.7 x 10 x 4.9 inches (large) | Nylon | 11 pockets

Best for Large Purses

Cuyana Tote Organization Insert

Cuyana Tote Organization Insert
PHOTO:

Cuyana

Why We Love It
  • This luxe organizer even has room for a 15-inch laptop. 

What to Consider
  • The microsuede fabric is easily soiled.

A large purse or tote bag will benefit from a structured, open-top insert that sits at the bottom of the bag, such as this version by Cuyana. The microsuede insert (available in black or blush) is perfectly sized to fit inside Cuyana’s System Tote and Easy Tote, however, it can easily be used for similarly sized totes from other brands, too. Aside from the main compartment (which is spacious enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop), the organizer has three open pockets of varying sizes as well as an elastic pocket perfect for keeping a water bottle upright. A convenient key loop prevents the key digging that’s common in oversized bags.

The Details: 13.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches | Microsuede | 4 pockets

Best for Small Bags

Calpak Tech Organizer

Calpak Tech Organizer
PHOTO:

Calpak 

Why We Love It
  • This adorable organizer comes in 15 colors and patterns. 

What to Consider
  • It zips shut, which makes it more difficult to quickly grab the items inside.

Though specifically designed to organize all of your tech needs, Calpak’s compact zip-up organizer is actually well-suited for a variety of functions. Multiple interior elastic pockets keep cables, small accessories, or cosmetics organized, while an interior zippered mesh pocket keeps larger items visible and neatly stashed. There’s an exterior zippered pocket for quick-access items as well, and a convenient top handle makes it easy to remove the organizer and carry it on its own. Still, at 0.25 pounds, this little pouch won’t add much weight to your small purse.

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 1.5 inches | Polyester and polyethylene

Why We Love It
  • You can easily transfer this organizer between your backpacks.

What to Consider
  • It adds nearly a pound of weight to your bag.

A backpack is ideal for travel since it allows you to keep your hands free. Less ideal is having to dig through a large, disorganized main compartment every time you need something. We recommend upgrading your backpack with an insert full of pockets and compartments, such as this model by Yoillione. Compartments of various sizes keep items such as a water bottle, sunglasses, cosmetics, or your phone organized, while two zippered pockets are ideal for things that you’d like to keep more secure, such as a wallet or your passport. It is large enough to accommodate a laptop, and provides cushioning as added protection.

The Details: 14.76 x 11.02 x 5.51 inches | Nylon

Why We Love It
  • The water-resistant bag easily wipes clean. 

What to Consider
  • There is only one color — a blue-gray — available.  

Parents tend to travel with lots of supplies, from bottles to bandaids and everything in between. This calls for extra organization, which is made simple with Lmbabter’s removable bag organizer. Made from a wipeable polyester fabric, the insert comes equipped with six pockets including one external pocket, two aluminum film-lined slip pockets (perfect for storing bottles), one zipper pocket for valuables or diapers, and two mesh slip pockets. It has two carrying handles to make it easy to tote on its own or move between bags. When not in use, the whole thing conveniently velcros shut.

The Details: 11.4 x 8.6 x 3.2 inches | Polyester | 6 pockets

Why We Love It
  • With a 1.5 liter capacity, it has just enough space for all your essentials. 

What to Consider
  • It’s just one compartment without interior pockets.  

If you’re traveling to a destination with beaches, pools, or temperamental weather, it’s wise to bring a water-resistant pouch to keep your valuables clean and dry, and use this as a purse insert instead of an open-top alternative. (Also, if you carry a water bottle in your bag and want to give your wallet, passport, and any tech products extra protection from accidental spills or leaks, this style works well.) Away’s nylon version is compact, so it’s perfect for just the essentials. It packs flat, but it has a bottom gusset to make it roomier when packed. An exterior snap loop allows you to attach the pouch to your bag or another accessory for extra loss and theft protection.

The Details: 8 x 5.5 x 2.4 inches (small), 11.2 x 7.9 x 2.4 inches (medium), 13.6 x 9.7 x 2.4 (large) | Nylon | 1 pocket

Why We Love It
  • The lightweight insert can protect your cards from being hacked.

What to Consider
  • Not all experts agree on RFID-blocking technology’s effectiveness.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in RFID-blocking accessories, which have protective linings to block radio waves and potentially help prevent electronic pickpocketing. There aren’t many RFID-blocking purse organizers on the market, but Travelon makes a nifty version which can be carried alone (thanks to top handles and a rigid structure) or inside your favorite bag. Four interior slip pockets and a large zippered pocket keep your items organized and secure, while two exterior slip pockets allow for easy access to your go-to items. 

The Details: 9.5 x 6.75 x 5 inches | Polyester | 7 pockets

Why We Love It
  • It has expandable sides to maximize space in larger handbags.

What to Consider
  • The detachable straps are sold separately. 

Rummaging through your bag in the dark can be frustrating. That’s why we love that this nifty purse organizer comes equipped with LED lights to help you find what you’re looking for at any time of the night (with a 60-second shut-off timer as a battery safeguard). There are 12 compartments to keep all your items organized, and a top handle zippered closure with magnetic ends for added security. Two D-rings allow you to clip your keys — or attach straps to convert it into a crossbody bag.

The Details: 9 x 3 x 6 inches | Vegan leather and nylon | 12 pockets

Why We Love It
  • This monogrammable pouch makes a great gift. 

What to Consider
  • It’s not as roomy as many of the other items on our list. 

While this vegan leather organizer is perfect for keeping small items and valuables safe and secure in your purse, it’s sleek enough to be used on its own. Consider repurposing it as a cosmetics case or dopp kit that’ll look sharp on your vanity. Gold-toned metal hardware zips the whole thing shut — and looks good in the process. It comes in three hues — camel, navy, and black — in a snazzy vegan leather.

The Details: 9 x 6 x 2.75 inches | Vegan leather | 1 pocket

Why We Love It
  • A full-grain leather exterior makes it as sleek as it is functional. 

What to Consider
  • It’s rather small.  

Small items such as ear buds or charging cables are notorious for getting lost in a large bag, but the same could be set for lip glosses and keys, too. This zip-around pouch features elastic loops for cords but the zippered mesh pocket can hold other bag essentials as well. It’s fully lined with a water-resistant fabric to keep your items safe. It also makes an excellent gift since the organizer comes in a beautiful gift box and you can opt for debossed personalization (for an added fee), too.

The Details: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.75 inches | Leather and fabric | 2 pockets

Tips for Buying a Purse Organizer

Measure your bag

To ensure a snug fit, you’ll want your purse organizer to measure just slightly smaller than the bag it’s intended to fit. (A tip: Measure your purse from the inside rather than the outside.) This will prevent the insert from moving around in your bag. If you’re using a smaller insert that seals, such as a zippered pouch, there’s a lot more flexibility in sizing, but you still need to make sure the insert is smaller than the outer bag. 

Consider your organization needs

The number of items you want to store should be directly related to the number of pockets your insert has. You’ll also want to be mindful of exactly what those items are. If you’re looking to secure valuables, select a fully enclosed purse organizer or one with interior zippered pockets. If quick access to items such as keys or a cell phone is important, look for something with exterior slip pockets, key loops, or a larger open section for things like a notebook or light layer. If you’re carrying a water bottle or other liquids, consider materials, or at least a pocket, made from waterproof or water-resistant fabric. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does an insert help organize a purse?

    A purse organizer is intended to break up a large interior compartment of your purse into smaller sections. This helps keep your items organized and allows you to find your belongings more quickly when you’re in a pinch. 

  • What is the best material for a purse organizer?

    The best material depends on the items you’re intending to organize and whether you want your insert to function on its own as well as inside another bag. If you’re using an insert only inside another bag, consider something soft-sided. A water-resistant fabric will come in handy if you’re toting any liquids. If you want an item that can be used as a purse organizer but also carried on its own, a leather pouch that zips shut is a great choice. 

  • Can I use one organizer for multiple purses?

    Yes! Just be sure to measure each purse you intend to use the organizer in first. A purse organizer that zips or snaps shut or one that has top handles will be particularly convenient to switch between bags. In general, soft-sided purse organizers are more flexible than rigid ones. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Talia Ergas used extensive research and leaned on her years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor to find the best inserts in every category. 

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Edited by
Morgan Ashley Parker
Morgan Ashley Parker, Senior Commerce Editor
Morgan Ashley Parker is an associate editorial director at Travel + Leisure where she works on commerce content and strategy. She has been writing and editing lifestyle content since 2007, traveling since birth, and shopping since she earned her first allowance. 

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