I’m kicking off 2025 with a challenge: Fix It or Free It. This month it's my workbag. Each month, I’ll tackle an item I’ve been meaning to repair or finally make the decision to let it go—whether that means tossing, selling, or donating it.
The goal? To take action instead of overthinking, to be intentional about what stays in my space, and to reduce waste while honoring what I truly use and love.
For January, I focused on something simple but impactful: my favorite work bag. The straps had ripped, and instead of grabbing a quick replacement, I made the decision to fix what I already owned.
The Bag That’s Been With Me Everywhere
This bag isn’t just any bag—it’s been with me through big meetings, work trips, and countless coffee shop work sessions. It fits my essentials perfectly, keeps me organized, and just feels right. But a few months ago, the straps finally gave out, and I was left with a dilemma: replace it or fix it?
At first, I’ll admit, I stalled. I carried other bags, none of which felt quite right. I browsed online, but every option seemed too expensive, too trendy, or just not mine. That’s when I realized I didn’t actually need a new bag—I needed this one, just fixed.
Taking Action: A Small Fix with Big Impact
Knowing I didn’t have a lot of time in January and was tired of not doing anything about it, I decided to take the simplest route—I ordered replacement straps on Amazon. Within a few clicks, I had found straps that closely matched the originals, and within a few days, they arrived at my doorstep.
Swapping them out took just a few minutes, and suddenly, my favorite bag was back in action. The total cost? $18. No extra clutter, no settling for something I didn’t love—just a quick fix that let me keep using something that already worked for me.
FYI: I got the straps on Amazon, link here
What I Learned (and What You Can Take Away)
This experience reminded me of a few things:
- Not everything needs replacing. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “new is better,” but sometimes, what we already own just needs a little care.
- Small fixes can save money and space. Instead of spending $100+ on a new bag, I spent $18 and didn’t have to make room for something new.
- There’s value in the things we already love. We choose certain items for a reason—because they fit well into our lives. If they still serve their purpose, why swap them out?
- Taking action feels better than putting it off. I spent months avoiding the decision, and the fix took all of five minutes to arrange. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started.
Fix It or Free It: The Year Ahead
This is just the start. Each month, I’ll tackle a new item—sometimes a small, easy fix like this one, and other times a bigger project that requires more effort or research. I’ll share what I learn, what’s worth fixing, and when it’s best to let go.
If you’ve got something sitting in your home that needs fixing (or deciding on), I hope this inspires you to take action. And if you want to follow along, check back next month for my next Fix It or Free It challenge!
