Bag Check: What’s in a Professional Organizer’s Toolkit?

“Did you just pull a broom out of your bag?” my wide-eyed client asked last week as I did a quick sweep under a rug she was discarding.

OK, it’s not a full-size broom, but I do have a mini-dust broom in my bag. No, it’s not a magic bag, even though more than one client has called it my Mary Poppins bag. But it is full of tricks and tools. I like to come to an organizing session prepared to handle any situation you throw at me.

The bag itself is a (sadly discontinued) Thirty-One All Pro Tote. It holds up to the abuse I give it and it has many pockets, including a zipper pocket intended for sneakers that is a perfect fit for my label maker, an organizer’s necessity.

​Putting a rectangular bureau drawer organizer (I like Ikea Skubb bins) in the bottom of the bag gave the large inner compartment more structure and created interior divisions. To further organize, I use inexpensive travel jewelry rolls to keep little things contained and easy to find.

Inspired by the Tennis Channel’s Bag Check segments, here’s a rundown of the more noteworthy items in my bag.

---

Organizing Supplies

• Label maker: Brother P-Touch plus extra cartridges and batteries
• Whoozems labels: Dishwasher-proof labels that my friend and colleague Geri Chark Frankel turned me on to.
• Bags: Grocery bags for sorting items into trash/recycle/donate and various ziplocks
• ID guard roller stamp: A quick alternative to shredding!
• 3M hooks and picture hangers: Use on walls, doors, closets, inside cabinets, etc.
• Permanent markers: The usual Sharpies, plus a white RevMark for writing on black trash bags
• Pocket protector: Not just for nerds, it prevents pens from getting lost in the pocket.
• Hair ties: These work better and last longer than rubber bands for tidying up electronic cables, gift wrap, playing cards, and more.
• Braided nylon twine: You never know when you’ll need a piece of strong string.
• Duco cement: Glues all types of broken things back together.
• Fun-Tak: Not only can it hang your Pink Floyd poster, this blue stuff is also awesome at keeping drawer organizers from sliding around.
• Silicone dots: As above, these keep things in place in drawers but they can also make cabinets close softly and prevent pictures from getting crooked.
• S-Hooks: Instantly add a hook just about anywhere
• Super-Sticky Post-It Notes: So much better than the regular ones!
• Notebook: The Order Out of Chaos-designed Samsill Organizer with Notepad keeps my on-the-go paperwork tidy and gives me a place to take notes.*

---

Tools
I’m not a handywoman, but some basic tools help with planning for organizing supply purchases and with dismantling old and assembling new things.

• Laser measure: A Bosch brand, of course! Way cooler than a tape measure (though I have one of those too) and great for measuring rooms.
• Multi-tool: This tool has it all—screwdriver with bits, hammer, level, etc,
• Mini screwdriver: For electronics, toys, glasses, and other tiny things
• Scissors: Good ones stored in a holster so they don’t rip my bag
• Packing tape: So I can help you box up that thing you’ve been meaning to return!

​Personal Items
Aside from the usual amenities, I also carry these extras.

---

• Indoor shoes: For houses with a no-shoes policy or when the weather is bad and I don’t want to track mud or snow into your home.
• Lint roller: A compact, collapsible one with a cover so it’s not sticky. Necessary if I’m working in a dusty attic or basement.
• Zero Odor spray: Neutralizes odors without the perfumey cover-up smell.
• Reading glasses: Yes, I’m old. I need these to read expiration dates.
• Water bottle: Organizing is thirsty work!

Cleaning
Organizing does not equal cleaning, but it can stir up dirt.

• Dusting mitt and mini cleaning cloths: By Norwex, expensive but worth it.
• Alcohol sanitizing wipes: For screens and electronics
• Gloves: Vinyl for dirty areas, cotton for archival items
• Mini dustpan and broom set: The cheerful yellow set that inspired this blog!

​Phew! That’s a lot of stuff! In case you’re wondering, it is a pretty heavy bag, but I just consider carrying it to be a weight-bearing exercise. Like the true organizer I am, I sort, pare down, and reorganize the bag a couple of times a year to make sure the contents stay fresh.

Did you notice that most of the things in my bag are ordinary household items? Maybe you’ll be inspired as you realize that you don’t need fancy things to help you get organized!


Join the conversation!

1. Do you have a bag dedicated for work or for another purpose?
2. Have you ever lost anything in the depths of your bag?
3. What’s the weirdest thing in your bag?​

---

---

*The Order Out of Chaos link is an affiliate link. At no charge to you, I receive a small commission for any purchases made through this link.