Your Car Is a Go Bag with Cup Holders
If you have a car, you already have a mobile emergency kit – whether you meant to or not. It might not be perfect, but it’s one of the most useful, flexible spaces you already own. Think of it less like a vehicle and more like your weird little rolling bunker with bluetooth. And unlike your hall closet, it moves with you.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic for hours, driving out of an evacuation zone, or just stranded in a Target parking lot with a fussy toddler, your car can carry a surprising amount of peace of mind.
Here’s how to make the most of it. But without turning your trunk into a Mad Max situation.
What to keep in your car (and why it matters)
Water, snacks, and something to chew on
At least a few shelf-stable bars or fruit snacks (and a water bottle that won’t explode in summer heat). If you have a kid, double it and include something non-crummy they actually like. Remember to grab shit that’s shelf-stable.
Weather protection
An old hoodie. A poncho. A hat. Something that makes standing outside your car in rain, cold, or blistering sun suck a little less.
Light and power
A flashlight or headlamp that isn’t your phone. A charging brick that still holds a charge. Bonus points for anything solar-powered or crankable.
Basic comfort gear
A roll of toilet paper. A plastic bag. Wipes. You don’t need a whole go bag necessarily – you just need not to hate your life if you’re stuck somewhere for a while.
3 Takeaways
1. Your car is your easiest emergency kit. You don’t need to build a whole new system! Just optimize what’s already there.
2. Think about comfort, not combat. This isn’t a survivalist loadout. This is “can I be stuck here for two hours without losing my mind or getting a migraine.”
3. Update it with the seasons and your needs. Toss in sunscreen in summer, gloves in winter, and swap snacks before they turn to dust. Worst case, just keep sunscreen and gloves always in there but do remember to check the food once a year or so.
Feature image courtesy Harrison Haines/Pexels
