Simply Straight Organizing Solutions

You know those swag bags you bring home from conferences, networking events, trainings, expos and even parties?

The ones with:
• random pens
• stress balls
• magnets
• lip balm
• keychains
• granola bars
• flashlights
• cups
• postcards
• hand sanitizer
• scrunchies
• 47 brochures you’ll never read 😭

Yeah. Those.

In my 18 years as a professional organizer, I can honestly say I’ve probably donated or thrown away HUNDREDS of swag bags for busy professionals.

People get excited when they receive them…
…but most of that stuff never gets used.

It ends up:
• in the trunk of the car
• on the office floor
• shoved in a junk drawer
• tossed in a closet
• collecting dust for 2 years before somebody finally deals with it

Here’s the truth:
If you don’t want it, try not to take it.

And if there are only 2 or 3 things you actually want?
Take those items out and leave the rest behind.

You do NOT have to bring home every free item just because somebody handed it to you.

But if you already brought it home, here’s what to do:

1. GUT IT
Take EVERYTHING out of the bag.
2. SORT IT
Pens with pens.
Magnets with magnets.
Toiletries with toiletries.
Cups with cups.
You already know the drill.
3. PURGE IT
Scan QR codes.
Take photos of info you actually need.
Recycle the postcards and flyers.

Then ask yourself:
“Am I REALLY going to use this?”

And baby…
you do not need another pen. 😭

A lot of this stuff can be donated to:
• schools
• teachers
• shelters
• Goodwill
• Salvation Army
• family members who’ll actually use it

4. ORGANIZE IT
For the things you ARE keeping, decide where they’re actually going to live.
Not “for now.”
Not “until I figure it out.”
Give it a real home.
5. CONTAIN IT
Now figure out what kind of container makes sense.
Do they just need a drawer?
A small bin?
A pouch?
A basket?
Or do you already have something at home that works perfectly?

Because free clutter is still clutter.

And just because something was free doesn’t mean it deserves space in your home.