What do you put your paperclips, binders, signing flags, etc. in? Do you put them in a small case and then in a pocket of your bag? I’m trying to find the best way to stay organized. TIA!
That’s an excellent question, and it’s clear there are many methods for organizing the essential supplies we carry in our bags. Having worked as a loan signing agent for the past 11 years, I can say that finding the right system is key. My wife gifted me a Coach leather messenger bag, which has proven incredibly practical and minimalist. Inside, I have a small, dedicated pouch that houses my pens, notary stamp, a few paper clips, and a rubber finger pad – all the little things that make a signing go smoothly. In addition, I keep two sturdy folders specifically for holding extra certificates, just in case they are needed. Together, these items make up my mobile office. Because I typically schedule only two signing appointments per day, I can usually fit most loan packages comfortably in my bag as well.
1 Like
I have a bag that holds my files My stamps are in a ziplock to prevent drying out along with my sticky stuff for fingers. I carry pens, post its, tape, and that’s about it. I don’t use signing flags anymore. I have a pocket for blue ink and one for black ink. There’s a separate pocket for my journal.
If I run across needing something that isn’t in there I’d add it. But I don’t need more than this.
I dont carry any of those items. My documents go in a manilla folder. Cheap and effective - provides structure in a fedex polypack and fits through slots. My finger points to signing lines and initial spaces during presentation.
Well, I guess I’m a bit extreme in terms of my supplies, however, I may need everything at any given time. Here’s what’s always in my notary bag:
- Notary stamps (two sizes & TIPIC stamp).
- Journal.
- Accordion folder to hold closing docs for the day.
- Manila folder to store loose notarial certs.
- Pen pouch containing blue and black pens. Pouch also has zippered sides for paper clips, rubber bands and post-its (for notes).
- Mini stapler.
- Clip board and an extra manilla folder (as a writing surface, if needed).
- Disposal shoe covers.
Again, I’d rather have everything readily available.
1 Like
I put my stuff in a brief case.
Is your stamp in your pocket?
I was responding to clips/tags. My stamp and journal are also in my bag along with some pens and business cards. But what is it even more important is what I keep in the car! Extra water, snacks, a spare jacket, scissors, tape, a sharpie, FedEx and UPS shipping supplies, deodorant, hand cream, hand sanitizer and wipes, and a phone charger. I can’t tell you how many times my emergency snacks have saved the day!!
1 Like
Mine is simple…I use clear pen/pencil bags. They are good quality and I can see what color pen is inside, and I actually bought them in a 3 pack. One for blue, one for black and one for “my pens.” I have a different case for the stamps. They aren’t bulky and fit easily into my bag.
I utilize a Dopp Kit like this one from Amazon. Easy to organize. Items stay neat & easily accessible.
If you line up 100 notaries and ask them what they use for organizing their supplies, my guess is you’ll get 99 different responses. Everyone likes their own method and why not? If it works, go for it. Rather than showing y’all my excellent bag and the stuff that goes in it (mine is perfekt 
), I will suggest the following:
- Thoughtfully lay out everything you think you’ll need whilst in the field doing an order. This includes all your tools, references, resources of all kinds. Backup stuff, comfort and emergency items, all that kinda stuff. Lay it out on a table so you can see it all at once.
- Start eliminating what you really don’t need to carry in your bag. Stuff that can just go in the car but that you don’t have to actually carry into the jobsite. Find other ways to carry/store that stuff. Your bag should be your office and not be cluttered with stuff you just have to work around.
- As you look over the stuff you really want/need in your bag, eyeball estimate the kind of bag you are most comfortable with and do a comparative analysis of the top two or three (size, color, straps and fasteners, price, etc.).
- PRO TIP: Some notaries I’ve seen have these giant roller bags with extendable handles and enough room inside to hide a puppy. How many order packages do they need to carry in that steamer trunk?? OK, maybe they do, Whatever. Just don’t get caught up in overbuying unless you can justify the expense and bulk (e.g., personal physical issues; actual needs dictated by the jobs you have for that day, etc.).
- Lastly, don’t carry junk you don’t (or hardly ever) use in your bag. Grab a shoe box, large freezer baggie or modest pouch of some sort to hold the once-in-a-great-while stuff. You’re not a handyman so don’t use the toolbelt mentality and carry everything you might ever need in your bag. That’s my advice. Hope it helps some of you, especially the newbies
I had my trusty zipper pouch with my signing stuff. Met signers, their soon to be born an toddler. I make zipper pouches so I was using a Grinch bag. Red yellow and lime green. Toddler is mesmerized throughout the meeting. Mom said he is obsessed with the Grinch. He went home with the bag!!
So much fun.
I do use pencil bags to organize pens. One for black, one for blue and one for me!