Kondo Your Handbag! 7 Steps on How to Downsize

I picked my bag first, so I knew how much space I had to work with (this J.Crew option I bought is currently sold out, but shop for a similar style, below). The minimalist shape, structure, and neutral shade goes well with day-to-day work outfits. Mine is in black, which means it works with 99 percent of my wardrobe. 

I traded in my bulky wallet for a cardholder. This sleek one from Coach fits everything I need: subway pass, debit card, work ID, license, and a $20 bill (sorry, packing your lunch is probably not going to be an option with the mini purse method). 

The next problem was books, since I love having a good read on the subway. I opted for a six-inch Amazon Kindle, which is not only small enough to fit in my little bag (shocking, right?), but it's also easier to grip onto with one hand when I don't have a seat during my commute.

I know, I know. The makeup guru in you will find this part particularly difficult. The trick? I dumped everything. Now, I only carry around a single tube of Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. Keep the rest of your stash at home or at your desk at work. You’re not going to want to apply mascara while bumping into strangers anyway. I also carry the tiniest bottle of Purell ($11 for 8; amazon.com), which, if you live in Manhattan like me, you’ll know why.

No one can imagine a commute without music, but do you really need your big noise-canceling headphones? Apple's ear pods ($29, apple.com) fit anywhere, and the built-in microphone means you can chat with your mom during your walk to work. Plus, the Apple addict in me can’t fathom using anything other than my iPhone 6S, but any skinny smartphone will slip right into any small bag. 

You know which ones I’m talking about. Yes, the hot pink stuffed animal key chain from your little cousin is cute, but not space efficient. Keep one that you love to maintain some flair—I have a chunk of amethyst hanging from my keys that I get endless compliments on, and it's not too big (shop a similar one, below). It holds my house keys and my teeny Swiss Army knife ($20; swissarmy.com).

Keep your sunglasses perched on your head and your coffee in your hand (versus toting it in travel mug form), but make sure you reserve some space in your bag for any odd, but necessary items. Pilot makes my favorite pen, and it goes everywhere with me. I’ll admit, more small objects make their way into my tiny bag (bobby pins, Band-Aids, a pack of gum, etc.). but keeping things pared down allows for a bit of wiggle room.