Bags for life—great in theory, but let’s be honest, they seem to multiply when we’re not looking! I visit so many homes where these bags are overflowing, stuffed into cupboards, hanging on hooks, or piled up in the hallway. It’s like a nationwide bag obsession, and I think most of us are guilty of it.
So let’s talk about it. How many bags do you actually need? Which ones are worth keeping? And how can you manage your shopping bags so they don’t take over your home?
Why Do We Have So Many Bags for Life?
There are a few reasons why we end up with an overwhelming number of shopping bags:
✅ We forget to take them with us, so we buy more.
✅ Shops keep giving them away.
✅ We think we’ll use them “one day.”
✅ We don’t have a proper system to store them.
Sound familiar? The problem is, these bags take up a ridiculous amount of space when they’re not stored properly. And if they’re shoved into a cupboard or tossed in a corner, they create instant chaos.
But the good news? You don’t need a massive collection of bags—just a few well-chosen ones that actually work for your lifestyle.
The Best Shopping Bags to Keep
After years of trial and error, I’ve figured out which bags are actually useful and which ones just get in the way. Here’s my curated selection of shopping bags that I actually use:
1. The Cooler Bag
This is my all-time favourite. It’s technically a picnic bag, but it’s perfect for grocery shopping. It keeps food fresh, has a handy side pocket for small items, and fits neatly in the boot of my car. I even got one for my husband!
2. The Compact Foldable Bag
This is an absolute must-have. It rolls up to practically nothing and fits in my coat pocket. I took it on holiday and used it every single day—perfect for those quick supermarket trips when you just need a few essentials.
3. The Stylish Market Bag
I love a good hessian tote. My Neptune bag is my go-to for weekend markets and farm shop visits. It looks great with jeans and a casual outfit, and it’s sturdy enough to carry heavier items like fruit and veg.
4. The Everyday Tote
A simple fabric bag is perfect for non-grocery shopping trips. I keep one folded up in my car so I always have something on hand when I’m out and about.
5. Sentimental Bags
Some bags hold sentimental value—like my mum’s old shopping bag. I don’t use it, but I keep it in my car as a reminder of her. If you have a bag that holds special memories, it’s okay to keep it (as long as it’s not contributing to clutter).
The Bags You Can Get Rid Of
Not all bags are created equal. Some just don’t stand the test of time. Here are the ones I don’t bother with anymore:
🚫 Oversized Bags – If a bag is too big and heavy when full, it’s impractical. You’ll struggle to carry it, and it won’t get used often.
🚫 Flimsy Cloth Bags – They wear out quickly and don’t provide much support. If they’re going to fall apart in a year, they’re not worth keeping.
🚫 Impractical Sizes – Some bags are just awkward. I’ve been gifted tiny tote bags that don’t fit much, and they end up being useless for actual shopping. If a bag isn’t functional, let it go.
🚫 Duplicate Bags – If you have five versions of the same bag, do you really need them all? Keep the best one and donate the rest.
How to Store Your Bags Neatly
To avoid bag chaos, everything should fit inside one designated storage bag. Here’s how I organise mine:
1️⃣ Pick your favourites – Keep only the bags you use regularly.
2️⃣ Fold them properly – Take a few minutes to neatly fold each bag so they take up less space.
3️⃣ Use a storage bag – I store all my shopping bags inside one larger bag. This keeps them contained and easy to grab when I need them.
4️⃣ Keep them in the car – If you drive, storing your bags in the boot means you’ll never forget them when you go shopping.
What to Do With Unwanted Bags
If you’ve got a pile of shopping bags you no longer need, here’s how to responsibly get rid of them:
♻️ Recycle them – Most supermarkets have recycling points for plastic bags.
🎁 Donate them – Charity shops and food banks often appreciate reusable bags.
🛍 Repurpose them – Use fabric bags for storage or as laundry bags.
Final Thoughts: Less is More
The reality is, you don’t need 20+ shopping bags. Keeping a small, curated selection of useful, durable, and practical bags will make your life so much easier.
So take a few minutes, declutter your bag stash, and create a simple system that works for you. Your hallway (and your sanity) will thank you!
Let’s Chat!
How many shopping bags do you own? Are you a bag hoarder, or do you keep things minimal?
Get in touch today if you need help getting organised!
Karen x