Rather than worrying on every outing if we have all of our ‘go to’ items and emergency bits in the car, we like to save time and energy by packing the car in advance- keeping the many little necessities tucked in the car to be at the ready when called upon.
This makes spontaneous trips so much more do-able, since we can literally grab our coats and wallets and head out the door.
What sorts of things do we keep in the car?
- Cleaning Supplies: Wipes, napkins, trash bags.
- Travel Supplies: Maps, pens and paper, a mini tool kit, flashlight.
- Stuff for Kids: Toys, games, books, flash cards, crayons, paper, our family trip log.
- Stuff for the Pup: Treats, water dish, half gallon of H2O, emergency dog leash.
- Other Extras: Spare gloves and mittens, ibuprofen, small first aid kit, small packable blanket.
Of course, you should modify this list to include the items that are essentials for you.
By keeping the car pretty well stocked, we don’t have to grab all these things every time we head out on an adventure. We just gather a few snacks and some fresh water, along with books and toys of current interest- and we are ready to go!
I like to have a few toys in a container on the back seat. I also have a bag in the boot with a couple of old cloth nappies (handy for cleaning up messes such as vomit, drying wet kids from unexpected trips to water playground) and a small quilt blanket if you’ve stayed out late to tuck them up. I keep meaning to add a spare set of cloths for a just in case.
We also the medical kit and tools the car came with.
We also have some seasonal items that we add in. Summer is starting here, so we’re pulling the extra mittens and winter hats, and swapping in sunscreen, bug spray and summer hats.
[…] our pup’s dry food and measuring scoop, and she’s all set. (Our dog has a bowl and treats in the car at all times, so we don’t need to pack those items for a longer […]