DIY Purse Organizer Hack Uses a Cut-Up Shoe Caddy

A viral Instagram hack repurposing over-the-door shoe organizers into custom purse inserts has gained traction among consumers seeking affordable alternatives to expensive bag accessories.

Diane Macedo, who runs the Busy Brain Manual account on Instagram, demonstrated how to convert a standard fabric shoe caddy into an accordion-style compartment system that fits inside a handbag. The method involves cutting individual pouches from the organizer, gluing their bases together, and stacking them into a single connected panel. Each slot is then labeled for specific items such as a phone, wallet, or keys.

The DIY approach targets a gap in the bag-accessory market. Commercially available purse organizers, often called bag inserts or shapers, typically retail between $15 and $60 depending on the material. Felt versions dominate the market because they hold their shape and protect leather interiors from scratches caused by keys or pens. However, most commercial inserts offer fixed pocket layouts that rarely match a user’s exact daily carry needs. By building a custom insert from a shoe organizer — which generally costs under $15 at major retailers like Amazon — users can dictate the number and size of compartments.

Macedo specifically highlighted the utility of the system for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Executive function challenges associated with ADHD frequently impact working memory and organizational consistency. Occupational therapists and ADHD coaches routinely recommend “point-of-performance” storage strategies, where essential items are kept in highly visible, designated locations rather than loose inside a larger container. Labeling each compartment directly addresses this clinical recommendation by removing the cognitive load of remembering where an item was placed.

This principle mirrors the broader “home for everything” organizing philosophy popularized by professional organizers over the past decade. Unlike rigid acrylic dividers designed for clear tote bags, the soft plastic or fabric construction of a shoe caddy allows the finished insert to flex, making it compatible with unstructured handbags, hobo bags, and canvas totes that do not accommodate hard-shell organizers.

Consumers attempting the project should consider adhesive compatibility. Standard craft glue often fails to bond permanently with the non-woven polypropylene fabric used in most budget shoe organizers. Hot glue or flexible fabric adhesives provide stronger bonds that withstand the friction of daily use. Additionally, while felt commercial inserts add structural support to prevent a bag from sagging, a soft shoe-organizer insert will conform entirely to the bag’s existing shape, meaning it organizes contents without reinforcing the handbag itself.

The original demonstration video continues to circulate across Instagram, drawing responses from users who report adapting the technique for diaper bags, gym totes, and travel backpacks.