Most of us know the importance of keeping an emergency kit in our cars, stocked with items like jumper cables, a first aid kit, and a flashlight. But what about those less obvious items that can also come in handy when you need them? Here are a five unexpected items that might prove useful when kept in your car.
1. Personal Care Essentials
- Deodorant and Wet Wipes: We’ve all been there, and if you haven’t been, consider yourself lucky. Maybe you’re rushing to a meeting after a workout, forgot to put on deodorant before leaving the house, or just need a quick refresh after a long drive. In any case, having a dedicated “car” deodorant and/or wipes in the glovebox can be a big help.
- Hand Sanitizer: You never know when you might need some germ-busting hand sanitizer after running errands.
- Nail Clippers and Tweezers: Have you ever had a hangnail or needed a quick fix for a splinter when on the road? Keeping these small tools in your car can solve these minor irritations quickly and easily.
- Dental Floss: There are few worse frustrations than having something stuck in your teeth and not being able to get it out. Keeping dental floss in the car can be helpful for those times when you just can’t quite get that bothersome piece of food out of your teeth.
2. Clothing Solutions
- A Spare Change of Clothes: You never know when you might get caught in the rain, spill coffee during your commute, or decide to change plans last minute. A basic outfit like an extra t-shirt and jeans can come in very helpful.
- Extra Shoes and Socks: Storing a comfortable pair of shoes and extra socks can come in handy, especially if your activities vary throughout the day, your current shoes break, or you have to walk a far distance unexpectedly. If you have a favorite exercise activity like running or hiking, keeping a set of relevant gear in the trunk might be useful for spontaneous workouts.
3. Snack Stash
- Non-perishable Snacks: Keeping a few snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruits can stave off hunger during unexpected traffic jams, car breakdowns, or on long road trips. Make sure you choose things that won’t melt in the heat of your car.
- Reusable Water Bottle: A filled reusable water bottle can help you stay hydrated on the go.
4. Entertainment and Comfort Items
- Books or Magazines: For those moments when you’re waiting in your car—like picking up someone or being early to an appointment—a good read can make the time pass more enjoyably. Word search or sudoku books are also great options. And, you don’t have to worry about the battery running low.
- Small Pillow and Blanket: A small travel pillow and blanket can make naps more comfortable and keep your passengers cozy. These are particularly useful for long trips, but good to have in case of an emergency too.
5. Miscellaneous Must-Haves
- Cash and Change: A small stash of cash and coins can be perfect for unexpected tolls, parking meters, or when card machines are down.
- Pen and Notebook: These items are great for jotting down reminders, directions, mileage, or even doodling while you wait. You could use your phone for this, but where’s the fun in that?
- Sunglasses: Keep your sunglasses accessible from the driver’s seat so you can always see where you’re going!
- Umbrella: Even if you have an extra change of clothes in your car, having an umbrella can keep you from needing them.
While an emergency kit is crucial for every car, adding these miscellaneous items can often improve your daily driving experience and prepare you for a variety of non-emergency situations. Stock your car with these simple things to improve your readiness, comfort, and convenience no matter where the road takes you!