15 Items You Should Never Keep in Your Purse

Did you know the average woman’s purse weighs a hefty 6.27 pounds¹? That’s like carrying around a small bowling ball every day. This unnecessary weight can wreak havoc on your shoulders, neck, and back, leading to discomfort and potential long-term damage.

But here’s the kicker: much of this weight comes from items you don’t even need, some of which might be causing more harm than you realize.

Here’s 15 items you should never carry in your purse. By eliminating these, you’ll not only lighten your load but also protect your personal information, declutter your life, and pave the way for a healthier, more secure lifestyle.

1. Your Social Security Card

Carrying your Social Security card in your purse is a big no-no. If your purse is lost or stolen, the thief could easily use your Social Security number for identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft every year, and having your Social Security card on you increases that risk significantly. ^(ref)

Instead, memorize your Social Security number and keep the card safe at home. Only carry it with you if absolutely necessary, such as when you need it for a specific appointment or documentation process.

2. Large Amounts of Cash

While it’s always good to have some cash on hand for emergencies, carrying large amounts of cash in your purse can be risky. If your purse gets lost or stolen, that money is gone for good. Plus, carrying cash can make you a target for theft.

Most experts recommend using cards or mobile payments instead of carrying cash. If you do need to carry cash, try to keep it in a secure place on your person, like a money belt, and limit the amount to what you might need for the day.

3. Multiple Credit Cards

Carrying multiple credit cards in your purse can be both unnecessary and risky. If your purse is stolen, the thief could potentially max out each of your cards before you even realize they’re missing. Additionally, having multiple credit cards on you can make overspending easier.

Financial advisors suggest carrying only one or two credit cards at a time. This minimizes risk and helps you manage your spending more effectively.

4. Passports

Unless you are traveling, there is no need to carry your passport in your purse. Losing your passport can be a major hassle, requiring time and money to replace it. Moreover, passports are a goldmine for identity thieves.

When traveling, keep your passport safe at home or in a secure hotel safe. Only carry it with you when necessary, such as moving between countries or checking into hotels abroad.

5. Full-Size Bottles of Perfume

Carrying a full-size bottle of perfume in your purse is not only heavy but also risky. Glass bottles can break, and the scent can spill, ruining the contents of your bag and leaving you smelling like a department store for days.

Instead, opt for travel-size perfume bottles or rollerballs. These are more convenient and less likely to cause a mess if they happen to leak or break.

6. Unnecessary Receipts

Holding on to receipts can quickly clutter your purse. While it might seem harmless, carrying around unnecessary receipts can make it difficult to find important items and can add unnecessary weight to your bag.

Go through your purse regularly and discard any receipts you don’t need. For important receipts, consider using a digital receipt app to keep track of your purchases without the paper trail.

7. Checkbook

In the age of digital banking, carrying a checkbook has become largely unnecessary. Checkbooks are bulky and, if stolen, can be used to forge checks, leading to potential financial loss and a lot of hassle with your bank.

If you must write a check, do so at home and leave the checkbook behind. Most transactions can now be handled through safer and more convenient electronic methods.

8. Irreplaceable Jewelry

Your purse is not the place for irreplaceable or sentimental jewelry. If your bag is lost or stolen, you might never recover these precious items. Moreover, carrying expensive jewelry can make you a target for thieves.

Wear your cherished jewelry on special occasions and store it safely when not in use. If you need to carry jewelry, opt for less valuable pieces that won’t cause as much distress if lost.

9. House Keys with Identifying Information

Carrying your house keys in your purse is common, but attaching them to anything with your address or personal information can be dangerous. If your purse is stolen, the thief not only has your keys but also knows exactly where you live.

Keep your keys on a plain keychain without any identifying information. If you lose your keys, at least your address won’t be immediately obvious to whoever finds them.

10. Medications in Large Quantities

Carrying medications you need daily is understandable, but lugging around your entire pill bottle isn’t. If your purse is stolen, you could be left without essential medication, and large quantities of pills can be attractive to thieves.

Use a small, portable pillbox to carry only the doses you need for the day. Keep the rest of your medication safely at home.

11. Spare Keys

While carrying spare keys in your purse might seem convenient, it can backfire if your bag is lost or stolen. Thieves would not only have access to your main keys but also any spare ones, increasing the risk to your security.

Store spare keys in a secure location outside of your purse, such as a trusted neighbor’s house or a lockbox.

12. Birth Certificate

Like your Social Security card, your birth certificate is a crucial document that should not be carried around. Losing it can lead to identity theft and other issues that are a headache to resolve.

Keep your birth certificate in a safe, secure place at home. Carry it with you only when absolutely necessary, and consider making copies for less crucial situations.

13. Non-Essential Electronics

Carrying non-essential electronics like tablets, cameras, or extra phones in your purse can weigh you down and increase the risk of loss or theft. These items are not only expensive but also contain personal information that you wouldn’t want falling into the wrong hands.

Only carry the electronics you absolutely need for the day, such as your phone or e-reader. Leave other gadgets at home or in a more secure location.

14. High-Value Gift Cards

Gift cards are like cash and should be treated with the same caution. Carrying high-value gift cards in your purse can be risky because if your bag is lost or stolen, you lose the card’s value along with it.

Store gift cards in a safe place at home and only carry them when you plan to use them. This minimizes the risk of losing their value.

15. Personal Checks

Personal checks contain a lot of your personal information and can be easily forged if they fall into the wrong hands. Carrying checks in your purse is unnecessary and risky, especially with the rise of digital payment options.

Opt for safer, more secure payment methods like debit or credit cards and digital wallets. If you need to write a check, do it at home and avoid carrying the checkbook with you.

Being mindful of what you carry in your purse can protect you from theft, loss, and unnecessary stress. Streamline your essentials and keep valuable items in a secure place at home. By lightening your load, you’ll be better organized and more secure.

Sources:

1. huffpost.com article