Ditch Purse Clutter: Turn Wicker Hampers Into Storage That's Hidden In Plain Sight

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Purses, totes, weekenders, wristlets, and clutches — you can never have too many bags since every event or outfit calls for a different look. However, keeping them all organized feels like an endless chore. All too often, your bags end up on your closet floor, tossed on an unused accent chair in one corner of your bedroom, or perched precariously on a flimsy wall hook. How do you get your purse collection under control without parting ways with a few of your prized possessions? A wicker hamper with a lid could be the unexpected alternative to a purse organizer — saving space and holding more. In repurposing this laundry item for bags, you can reduce the visual clutter of your collection, keep purses from getting dusty, and infuse your space with warmth and texture.

Choose a wicker hamper that's large enough for all of your bags and fits where you want it. Measure the width, depth, and height of the space so you know what size hamper will fit, particularly if it's a tight squeeze. You also need to consider the configuration that will work best for your particular storage needs. For example, the Seville Oval Handwoven Laundry Basket, around $70, has two separate compartments, which could help you organize your purses better than a single hamper. The right model, like this 23.8-gallon Oiahomy Large Brown Wicker Laundry Hamper for about $64, could even function as a side table or nightstand with hidden purse storage. The price of new wicker hampers starts at around $30. You don't, of course, have to buy one new. If you're lucky, you can save a little money and organize all your handbags with a gem from the thrift store.

Once you've picked out a wicker hamper for your purse collection, you need to work out the most functional way to organize them inside it. While it's super easy to simply toss your bags inside and close the lid, keeping them in good condition might require a little more creativity. You could place the heavier or bulkier bags at the bottom of the hamper and the lightweight shoulder bags or clutches on top to prevent them from getting smooshed or misshapen. Consider storing the purses you use least often or only use seasonally beneath your everyday bags. That way, your go-to accessories are always within easy reach.

You can also maximize the hamper's effectiveness with practical add-ons. A clever way to store and display your handbag collection — think small purses, wristlets, and shoulder bags — is to hang them from the rim of the basket using Kvttoza Gold S Hooks. Just make sure that the hooks don't prevent the lid from closing. Larger totes, gym bags, or weekender bags, along with any handle-free clutches, can go inside the hamper. Hang a few Vacplus Moisture Absorbers on the inside of the hamper lid to keep mold and mildew at bay. You could also organize your purses by color, season, style, or occasion — whatever system works best for you — within airtight clear plastic bins that you stack inside the hamper. Measure the internal dimensions of the basket to ensure the bins will fit. To make retrieval easy, label each bin lid so you know what's stored inside at a glance.