I’ll Never Use a Backpack Again After Finding This Tote Bag Hack (It’s Perfect for School!)

Kaitlyn Luckoff
Kaitlyn Luckoff
Kaitlyn Luckoff is currently a master’s of journalism student at Northwestern University. She came to this program after earning a degree in Organizational Studies and minor in English from the University of Michigan. Kaitlyn also studied abroad at King’s College in London for a…read more
published Sep 18, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A black female student in her 20's standing looking through books in the library.
Credit: SolStock/Getty Images

The beginning of the school year is filled with so many decisions, from choosing which classes to take to moving in and figuring out how to decorate your space. But after getting into a routine the first few weeks, you might discover you didn’t fully think through things like what kind of bag will work best for your schedule. If you’re still looking for the best way to cart all your things to class, or your internship, or job, you might be able to hack your way into making a bag you already own the perfect tote. 

As a student on campus, I was always a backpack fan, but I noticed many of my friends and classmates carried tote bags to class. I gave it a try, but never figured out how to properly organize it and ended up using a backpack with built-in compartments. 

When I saw a TIkTok video from @laurenresquir about how to tame the chaotic mess inside your tote bag, I was immediately intrigued. Is a tote bag organizer the answer to the biggest problem I always came across when trying to haul all my things? Depending on what you need to use it for, these interior storage solutions might be just what you need to make your favorite tote bag even more useful. Check out what this bag insert is all about as well as some alternative organizers. 

How to Use a Tote Bag Insert

A tote bag insert is a thin, lightweight container with pouches and compartments that goes inside your bag. It almost looks like a purse inside of a purse. Adding this solution to your bag is so easy: You simply slide the organizer into your unzipped tote and fill the pockets with all of your bag essentials. No more rummaging through a messy bag to find something! Before you order an organizer, make sure to measure the interior length, width, and height of your bag and compare it to the organizer’s size chart to find the right one for you. 

This type of organizer works best with a wider purse-style tote, as opposed to a more narrow canvas bag. However, the different sizes are compatible with a variety of bag styles, and the large size would work in something like an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. Be sure to check the dimensions of the organizer to decide which size is right for your bag. 

The Best Tote Bag Organizers for All Sizes

OPPOSHE Purse Organizer Insert
$26$16

This organizer is most popular for the classic nylon zipper tote bags. However, the range of sizes makes it perfect for any bag, whether it’s a handbag, shoulder bag, or larger tote. It has nine compartments, with one of them being a designated water bottle spot. There’s room for a notebook, cosmetics, a snack, tablet, and laptop!

$16 at Amazon
Doxo Purse Organizer Insert
$16

With five sizes and over 20 color options, there is an organizer for every size bag from this company. The large size includes 10 compartments. You can easily fit a drink, makeup, and school supplies.

$16 at Amazon
ZTUJO Purse Organizer Insert For Handbags
$14

If you still want to keep things somewhat loose, this organizer is a great choice. It only has three compartments, but the center compartment has a zipper. This style is great for a boxier bag that might not have a zipper.

$14 at Amazon
Vercord Premium Nylon Purse Organizer
$16

If you have a clear bag, I highly recommend getting one of the fun colors or butterfly patterns of this organizer. This one is nylon and waterproof, and has a zipper!

$16 at Amazon

Kaitlyn Luckoff

Contributor

Kaitlyn Luckoff is currently a master’s of journalism student at Northwestern University. She came to this program after earning a degree in Organizational Studies and minor in English from the University of Michigan. Kaitlyn also studied abroad at King’s College in London for a semester in 2022. She is originally from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and spent many years assisting her mom as an interior designer and home stager. Kaitlyn’s favorite hobbies include baking, reading, going for long walks, and playing with dogs. Her work has appeared in Women's Health Magazine, Block Club Chicago, and The Detroit News. She is so excited to work with Dorm Therapy this summer!

Follow Kaitlyn
SchoolNorthwestern University (Master's)
MajorJournalism
FavesBaking, reading, going for long walks, and playing with dogs
Get to know Kaitlyn Luckoff
Related ContentSee All