If you’re anything like me, your purse probably has a little bit of everything in it. Old receipts, extra cards, loose change, and a few things you forgot were even there. It’s easy to keep adding things without thinking much about what you’re carrying around.
But some items are better left at home, especially those containing personal or financial information. If you ever lose or have your purse stolen, the wrong things inside could turn an already frustrating situation into a much bigger headache.
Here are 14 things worth taking out of your purse.
1. Social Security Card
You don’t need your Social Security card for everyday errands, yet some people keep it tucked in their wallets just in case. The problem is that if your purse goes missing, your Social Security number could fall into the wrong hands and be used for identity theft.
Keep the original card in a secure place at home and bring it along only when you specifically need it.
2. Birth Certificate
There’s really no reason to carry your birth certificate around unless you’re handling paperwork that requires it. It’s an important document that contains personal information, and replacing it can be a hassle if you lose it.
A locked, fire-resistant document safe is a much better place to keep it until you actually need it.
3. Spare House Keys
Having an extra house key in your purse might seem like a smart backup plan, but think about what happens if someone steals your bag. If your driver’s license is inside, they could have both your home address and a way to get through the front door.
Consider leaving a spare key with someone you trust rather than carrying an extra one everywhere you go.
Related: 14 Items You Should Never Store in Plastic Containers
4. Written Passwords and PINs
That little piece of paper with your passwords or ATM PIN might be convenient when you forget something, but it could also give someone access to your accounts. The same goes for writing down security questions and answers in your wallet.
A reputable password manager is a better option for storing login information without carrying it around on paper.
5. Passport
Unless you’re traveling or need your passport for a specific appointment, there’s no reason for it to be sitting in your purse. It’s one of those documents that’s much easier to keep safe than to replace after it disappears.
Store it with your other important documents and only take it out when necessary.
6. Every Credit Card You Own
It’s tempting to keep all your credit cards in one wallet, so they’re available whenever you need them. But if your purse gets stolen, you’ll suddenly have to lock, monitor, or replace several accounts.
Stick to the cards you use regularly and leave the others somewhere secure.
7. Blank Checks
Even if you rarely write checks anymore, you might still have a few tucked away in your purse. Unfortunately, checks contain your bank account and routing numbers, which can be misused if they fall into the wrong hands.
If you need to pay someone by check, bring it for that specific purpose rather than carrying an entire checkbook around.
8. Large Amounts of Cash
Keeping some cash on hand is useful, especially for small purchases, tips, or places that don’t accept cards. But carrying hundreds of dollars when you don’t need to puts more of your money at risk.
Unlike credit cards, lost or stolen cash usually can’t be recovered. Bring what you reasonably expect to spend and leave the rest at home or in the bank.
9. Old Receipts
It’s amazing how quickly receipts can pile up at the bottom of a purse. Before long, you’re carrying around proof of purchases from stores you barely remember visiting.
Most receipts aren’t especially sensitive, but some may contain transaction details or other information worth protecting. Take a few minutes to sort through them, save the ones you need, and securely dispose of anything containing personal information.
10. Unused Gift Cards
How many gift cards have you been carrying around for months without using them? They’re easy to forget about, especially when they’re buried behind your debit and credit cards.
You can replace some lost gift cards if you have the original receipt or card details, but you can’t replace others. Keep them in a designated spot at home and bring them when you know you’ll be shopping at that store.
11. Work ID and Building Access Cards
Your employee badge might not seem particularly valuable, but depending on where you work, it could provide access to offices, parking garages, or restricted areas.
If you don’t need it outside work, keep it with your work supplies rather than carrying it everywhere. If you ever lose it, notify your employer so they can disable access.
12. Old Membership and Loyalty Cards
Between grocery stores, gyms, libraries, and retail rewards programs, it’s easy to accumulate a stack of cards you rarely use. Most aren’t particularly dangerous to carry, but they take up space and can make it harder to find the cards you actually need.
See which memberships offer digital cards or can be looked up using your phone number. You might be surprised by how many physical cards you can leave at home.
13. Expensive Jewelry and Other Valuables
Maybe you took off your earrings while running errands or slipped a bracelet into your purse because it was bothering you. It’s easy to forget about those small valuables until you’re searching through your bag weeks later.
If something is expensive or sentimental, avoid carrying it loose in your purse. Keep it somewhere secure rather than risking losing it among everything else.
14. Heavy Things You Rarely Use
There’s being prepared, and then there’s carrying half your house around in your purse. Extra makeup bags, books, multiple chargers, water bottles, and all those little “just in case” items can add up quickly.
A heavy bag can also strain your shoulders and neck, especially if you carry it on the same side every day. Occasionally go through your purse and ask yourself what you actually use regularly.
