Most women’s purses weigh about six pounds, and carrying a heavy purse can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain.
I tend to carry a heavy purse, although I know it isn’t that great for my body.
I’d already taken my checkbook out of my purse. I use my credit card for most purchases, so that was extra weight.
When I was getting ready for a trip, I realized I was carrying around three batteries for my Canon camera. I left one home.
In addition, I had a lot of change – another item I don’t use much. I had lots of quarters and enough change to almost fill a cereal bowl.
Other ways to deal with a heavy purse:
- Switch shoulders so the same side of the body isn’t continually stressed.
- Select a cross-body purse, a bag designed to be worn across the body, with the strap resting on one shoulder and the bag resting on the opposite hip.
- Use a backpack if you need to carry heavy items every day
- Carry only your cellphone in your purse. If you need to carry an iPad or laptop around frequently, get a separate computer bag.
- Clean out your wallet.
- Remove any items that might accumulate such as receipts, papers you needed, snack bags or wrappers, or garbage.
- Don’t let cosmetics accumulate. Pick out a couple you’ll use for the day and leave the rest home.
- Buy a smaller purse to encourage yourself not to fill your purse with so many things.
- Don’t’ use your purse for a diaper bag.
- Put some of your tampons or sanitary napkins in your coat or jacket pockets.
- Determine what you really need.
Best wishes on keeping that purse lighter.
