Decluttering Your Purse Or Wallet

Have you ever considered what you are carrying around every day in your purse or wallet that can be safer left at home? There are many things that are left in the bottom of your purse, but if you were to lose your purse or be subjected to it being stolen, there is so much more to sort unless you have your purse under control.

We are carrying too many valuables around with us when we go out and cutting back isn’t going to impair your ability to enjoy yourself.

What to leave out of your purse

Many items are safer being left at home and these are the most important ones.

• Your National Insurance Number, this is not required unless you are changing jobs, opening an ISA or looking to claim benefits. Leave it at home in a secure place until required.
• Your passport should never go out with you unless you are heading off on holiday, keep it locked away in a secure location at home.
• It is important that if you use cash to pay for goods and services that you limit the amount of cash that you have on you at any one time. Too much cash can make you a target for thieves.
• Too many cards; it is possible to have too many credit cards, if you do have more than two it is not good practice to carry these around with you, not only are you open to losing more money if your purse gets stolen, there is the greater risk in spending more money than you can afford. If you have your credit card stolen change the details on the account, don’t shut the credit card because this can affect your credit rating.
• Make sure that your phone has a password on especially if you use any form of mobile banking or use an Ebay app, the thieves can transfer your money using your own phone.
• If you have been lucky enough to have gift cards, only take them out when you intend to spend them, if stolen they are very difficult to reclaim any outstanding value stored on the cards.
• Receipts contain too much information; don’t discard in the streets or even at the till. You need them for your budgeting so take them home, but remember to take them out of your purse daily. You will need the receipt if you have purchased something that could need returning. If the receipt is not required, shred it and dispose of it carefully.
• If you have other valuables in your bag remove them daily and only take essentials out with you.

It is important that you reduce the amount of personal items that you take with you when you leave home for the day. Many items you don’t need, one important fact; more purses and wallets are found that contain pictures than those that have no pictures at all. So, if you want to carry something personal with you make sure it is just a picture and one that you can replace if someone steals your purse or wallet.