Your car is more than a means of transportation. It’s your mobile headquarters, where you spend a great deal of time commuting, road-tripping, or running errands. But how often do you need something you don’t have on hand? From minor inconveniences to unexpected emergencies, being underprepared can turn a smooth ride into a stressful ordeal.
Equipping your car with a carefully picked selection of essentials can make every drive more comfortable, safe, and hassle-free.
Here’s a list of 12 must-have items every woman should keep in her car.
A Fully Stocked Emergency Kit
You never know when a flat tire or dead battery may occur. Get an emergency kit for all your needs: jumper cables, extra batteries for a flashlight, a tire repair kit, and a multi-tool, among other things. You can add a reflective vest and road flares for visibility in case of breakdowns at night.
Travel-Sized Toiletries
Those extra-long days outdoors or sudden decisions may find you yearning for a refreshing, quick fix. A little travel-size toiletry bag may be your savior. To refresh on the go, throw in deodorant, hand sanitizer, face tissues, lip balm, dry shampoo, and wet wipes in mini sizes.
Keep essential feminine hygiene products, such as tampons or menstrual cups, in your kit for those ‘just in case’ moments.
Portable Phone Charger or Power Bank
The phone is your lifeline for navigation, communication, and entertainment. A dead battery can leave you stranded and disconnected. With a fully charged portable power bank, you stay connected even on very long trips or in case of emergencies.
Go for a power bank that can charge quickly to keep your devices powered up.
Non-Perishable Snacks
Traffic and long drives can make you hangry. A stash of non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, or even trail mix can save the day. A small snack will prevent low blood sugar, keep your energy up, and regulate your mood.
Reusable Water Bottle
Hydrate, especially for those unpredictable, long, and trafficky commutes. An on-the-go insulated bottle to keep water cool and fresh promises you won’t get stuck. Fill this up before you leave, and never have to use a piece of single-use plastic.
Comfortable Shoes
Of course, heels and dress shoes might be a big part of your everyday outfits, but they are rarely practical. Keeping comfortable sneakers or flats in the car will always accommodate spontaneous walks and longer unplanned errands. Consider shoes that are easy to slip on and off for maximum convenience.
Blanket and Pillow
Whether to keep warm in case of an unexpected breakdown during winter, comfort on a road trip, or an impromptu picnic, a blanket and small pillow are functional all-purpose essentials.
Personal Safety Devices
Safety and security on the road are a must. A window breaker, seatbelt cutter, and personal alarm will instill assurance in emergencies. Keep these items at arm’s reach—like in the glove compartment or door pocket.
Stain Remover Pen
Coffee spills, food stains, or makeup mishaps will happen. A stain remover pen lets you attack the stain before it sets, ensuring your clothes and car upholstery won’t permanently stain. You can also include a pack of wet wipes for other spills and clean-ups.
Compact Umbrella
Rain can strike at any moment, and being unprepared can be super inconvenient. A compact, foldable umbrella guarantees you are always prepared for those unpredictable days. Go for a sturdy umbrella with an easy automatic open and close feature.
Cash and Loose Change
Nowadays, it’s rare to have cash handy when all forms of payment are available from our phones, but it’s still important to have a just-in-case stash on hand. When you need to pay for parking, give a tip, or buy something in the store that deals only in cash, some small cash and coins are irreplaceable. Store it in a discreet location that is accessible to you with ease, such as in a hidden compartment in your car.
A Notebook and Pen
Sometimes, despite the prevalence of smartphones, old-school pen and paper are better. A notebook and pen help jot down directions, leave a note on your car (or someone else’s car), or record information that may be important during an emergency.
Be Prepared for Anything
Your car is more than just transportation. When hitting the road, it should be your safe space and will bring you comfort when adequately stocked with essentials. These items will prepare you for the unexpected and upgrade your driving experience by preparing you for whatever the day has in store.
These thoughtful additions will equip you for everything from that sudden trip to the store around the corner to random gridlock traffic and unplanned lousy weather. It’s worth making an effort to pack your car with these items! You’ll thank yourself later.
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