If you read a lot of my work or know me in person, you'll know I'm pretty much always on the go. As a result, my bag has to be able to pack enough to get me through a day - which usually consists of 2-3 locations, yet is compact enough to not be a burden to carry or place on public transport. So if you'd like to get to know me better by learning what all I am somehow able to stuff in my purse, keep reading.

1. Wallet

Obviously an essential, I have recently purchased a smaller, more compact wallet, slightly bigger than the dimensions of the cards I put in it, like the one pictured above. I previously had more traditional, normal sized wallet which had space to carry cash, but I found myself wanting to consolidate and minimize the weight in my handbag.

2. iPhone

Another essential, obviously, but don't be like me and actually do remember to carry a portable charger!

3. Whichever book I'm reading

Despite just complaining about a heavy bag, I can never not carry reading material around. I'm constantly on-the-go, which means a large part of my day is spent on public transportation or waiting around after arriving at my destination early. Instead of draining my phone of its limited battery - again, I never remember my chargers - I got into the habit of carrying books around, and wouldn't have it any other way.

4. Planner & pen

Mostly so I can keep track of what day it is, if I'm being honest. It sounds like a cliche, but I'd be truly lost without it, and everything in it.

5. Laptop & charger

A school and work essential, as every student knows. Even though these take up the most amount of space, I pack around them as they're obviously the priority.

6. Makeup

Honestly, the pile of loose lipsticks, chapsticks, and other products tend to accumulate in a debris sort of way on the bottom of my bag. Occasionally I may find a compact, travel size perfume, or mascara in there as well. In terms of other beauty essentials, I also tend to carry around a hair clip, just in case.

7. Keys

As the direct the opposite of what I did with my wallet, I try to maximize space with my keys though. In order to make sure they don't fall to the bottom and take five minutes of rummaging to find, I've attached a giant faux fur ball so I don't even need to look for them, just feel around. I also attach hand sanitizer to my keychain because as I mention, I'm always taking public transportation.

More or less, I've over time to just pack the essentials. I used to have a much more crowded and densely packed bag, but now that I've made time to routinely clean out my bag, I can make sure I'm not strained and carrying around unnecessary items, and more importantly, that I'm making space for the stuff I need and frequently use.