Car Essentials for Girls on the Go
Today I’m sharing a list of everything I keep in my car, whether it’s for emergencies, sanitizing, or just in attempt to be prepared for an unexpected change of plans. This list may seem excessive to some, but I truly prefer the peace of mind knowing I have whatever I might need on hand over any perceived judgement from others. I don’t commute for work, but I’ve also included some of my favorite products for those times when I need to take a phone call in the car or have a few extra minutes to kill before meeting up with friends.
the best compact car organizer
This magnetic case in the picture above is one of the best Amazon finds; it’s small enough to fit in your glove compartment, but has divided sections that snap into place to keep all of the little things organized. In it, I like to keep:
Hair ties
Bobby pins
Lens wipes for glasses and sunglasses
Flossers (or toothpicks)
Ibuprofen since I’m prone to migraines and tension headaches
An extra pair of headphones - if you’ve ever forgotten to charge your AirPods, store a pair of old-school headphones somewhere in your car and thank me later.
my life pouch
I also like to keep a leather pouch in the glove box; I call it my “life pouch” and have one in my car, travel drawer, and whatever bag or backpack I’m currently using. In this, I keep:
Hand sanitizer - this one is the best as it’s lightweight, sprays a fine mist, and never leaks. It’s certified clean, and the three-pack saves you money. These wipes also hydrate your skin without leaving a film, and the scent is really light and clean.
Napkins
$20-40 in cash, including a few smaller bills
Two lip balms – this one has SPF, and I love this one as an overnight mask or when I need extra hydration
Travel fragrance; I prefer one with a spray, but these rollers are also long-lasting.
Hair ties
Pencil and notebook – I typically prefer pens, but they tend to explode if the car gets too hot.
Nail file – I have a habit of picking at my hands, especially when I’m anxious or stressed, and keeping a nail file (or pair of cuticle scissors) really helps me stop before I get carried away.
Travel phone charger, as well as a traditional charger
Pocket knife
what to keep in your car for emergencies
These are the types of things you hope you never have to have, but are always worth keeping just in case.
Seatbelt escape tool – This comes as a keychain, and I keep an extra in my center console, too.
Change of clothes, plus a sports bra – A few years ago when I needed to get my spine x-rayed, I realized how important it is to always have a sports bra (or bra without underwire) on hand just in case, since you can’t wear any metal when getting an x-ray. I also like to keep a sweatshirt for colder weather, leggings, and an extra t-shirt.
Extra shoes – In case your flip flop breaks, you want to go for a walk, or you just need something comfier, I like to keep a pair of Vans in the car as they can be dressed up or down, I can walk far distances in them, and they’re always comfortable. Don’t forget socks, too.
Hat – Living in Southern California where we have lots of sunny days, having a hat (or a pair of sunglasses) comes in handy more often than you’d think. I also like to keep a beanie in case I’m having a bad hair day or find myself out late in the winter.
Phone Charger – Just like in my life pouch, having both a travel charger as well as a lightning charger that can plug into outlet helps me feel more prepared, especially since my older phone struggles to hold a charge all day.
Flashlight, Road Flares, and Light Sticks – All three may seem like too much, but the peace of mind is worth it. I like having light sticks in addition to a flashlight in case the batteries run out or corrode. The flashlight I’ve linked also works as a window cutter, just in case.
Wipes – These are technically sanitation wipes, but can also clean up unexpected messes. The fragrance is light, and they’re certified clean.
Water – I keep a few plastic bottles as well as a reusable bottle.
Snacks – I keep a few snacks in my center console, aiming to always have a protein bar, something sweet in case my blood sugar drops, and a chip or pretzel for when I’m extra hungry.
Tire Pressure Gauge – Most newer cars have the technology to read this for you, but it never hurts to have an old-school tool on hand. Don’t be intimated by this; it’s really easy to learn to use.
Insurance claim form – My car got tapped a few years ago and I was shocked that the person hit me had a huge stack of insurance forms ready to go, as if she got in fender benders frequently. While you hope to never have to use this, getting into an accident can be stressful and can prevent you from keeping clearly. I like to have this on hand so I know exactly what to do and ask for.
Jumper cables – Full disclosure, I don’t know how to use these entirely on my own, but I like knowing I have them on hand and won’t have to fully rely on someone else if I ever get stranded.
what to keep in your trunk
For extra organization, this car organizer has different compartments, is water-resistant, has handles for easy carrying, and collapses should you never need extra storage. In each of the three compartments, I keep:
First Aid Kit – Pretty self-explanatory; it’s something you hope you never have to use but comes in handy when you do need it. I bought a huge first aid kit from Costco when I first started driving and definitely got made fun of for it at first, but I was also the first call anytime someone needed a band-aid, headache medicine, or bug spray. While you could put one together yourself, premade kits are typically cheaper and much more compact, too.
Beach Towel – You never know when you might stop at the beach or a park, and it’s also nice to have an extra towel or blanket on hand for emergencies.
Reusable Shopping Bags – Reusable bags are more sustainable, and we have an extra incentive to use them as California residents, where grocery stores charge 10 cents per plastic bag that we get from the store. While I’ve gotten into the habit of grabbing a few reusable bags from my house anytime I plan on going to the store, I like to keep a few extras in my trunk just in case.