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Well, okay, you don’t have to have all of these in your car. But you may want to consider each item on our list – and then tells us in the comments below what we’ve missed!
Though I’d love to say that this list came after many hours of thoughtful list-making and planning – the majority of it came from experience and wishing that I had stowed this or that away in my van. So, I did.
Each time I vacuum and clean out the van, I go through my van essentials to see if anything has been used, lost, or misplaced – and then re-stock!
Must-Haves for Every Mom’s Vehicle
Tote: Most of the items on my list are kept in a tote like this. Other items have their own place in other nooks of the van.
Spare Clothes: I can’t tell you the number of times that clothes have either been stained or otherwise ruined for continued wearing. We won’t even get into the drenched and soggy tennis shoes on a cold day because there happened to be an intriguing stream of water nearby. Remember to include items such as: socks, shoes, shirt, shorts, pants, jacket, hat, gloves, and swimsuit. Because you never know when you’ll need to stop at the splash pad!
First Aid Kit: Purchase a pre-organized kit like the one below or put your very own together with the following items.
Band-Aids in a variety of sizes, instant ice packs, Neosporin, Vasoline, tape, gauze, bandage wrap, pain reliever, non-latex gloves, first-aid scissors, tweezers, thermometer, etc…
Plastic Grocery Bags
Travel Cups: Choose travel sippy cups for younger kids – and more traditional travel cups for older children.
Small Tote with Utensils: I keep a small tote with plastic spoons, knives, forks, straws, and ketchup cups. Comes in so handy!
Napkins
Tissues
Personal hygiene items
Spare change
Blankets for car naps
Portable potty, refill bags, and wipes
Mints
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
