Most of us have a love-hate relationship with our cars. We often dread the long commute across the city, but we also enjoy owning this tiny space of ours where no one can tell us to change the music we are playing. If you often find yourself on the road, whether to run errands, go to work, take road trips, or simply to drive around the city, it’s a good idea to keep these few car essentials handy so you are always ready for (almost) anything.
Flashlights
It’s surprising how often we forget to keep a flashlight in our car. Whether it’s something as simple as dropping your key in the crevices of your car seats, or something more demanding like a flat tire, having a flashlight within arms reach is something you will appreciate. Not only does having a flashlight in your car help you when you are driving on the road, but it’s also good to slip it in your bag or pocket when you are out walking on the street.
There are a number of flashlights you can choose from, however, it’s useful to get a powerful but compact flashlight that can fit into your car’s glove compartment or front console. If you are anything like us, having loose objects lying around in the car isn’t something you like. From keychain flashlights to magnetic flashlights, there are a number of lights that are small and bright enough for you to keep in your car at all times.
Trash Container
If you have a pet or a child, who often accompany you in your car, then you know how important it is to have a trash container. Even if you mostly drive alone, you know that snacks aren’t just for road trips! Whether it’s a drive-by to a coffee shop or a quick lunch, we tend to eat more times in our car than we’d care to admit. Instead of collecting all the garbage in the cup and bottle holders of your car, put it all in a trash container.
There are different types of containers you can purchase such as those that you can hang on the back of your seats, or those you can place on the floor. You don’t have to limit yourself when it comes to design options too. From smart black to cute, vibrant designs, these trash containers are a useful addition in your car.
Sanitizing Kit
The pandemic notwithstanding, it’s always a good idea to carry a sanitizing kit in your car. Not only should you carry a few basics like a hand sanitizer and tissue, but it’s always good to have a few things such as rubbing alcohol and bandaid for any emergency. A multi-surface cleaner is also a useful add-on, especially if you are going on a longer road trip. It’s good to have on hand in case of any spills and the lingering fragrance will have your car feeling fresh and clean even when you’ve been on the road for a while.
Small Amounts of Cash
It may seem old-school, but we cannot count the number of times having small bills in the car has helped us. You may think that mobile wallets are a good back-up in case you forget your wallet at home, but there may be times when a store’s electronic payment system also fails you. Instead of leaving the store empty-handed, you’ll be glad you have cash in your car.
It’s natural to want to stock different items in your car (just in case), but it’s important to draw a line between the good-to-have and the should-have. A minimalist, always-prepared mindset will help you keep important items close at hand.