You never know what might happen when you’re out and about or just knocking around the house. There’s even a saying about it: “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” It makes life so much easier when a problem arises and you’re already prepared for it. Here are 6 items you should keep handy wherever you go so that you’re ready for anything.
Smartphone
This one might seem obvious, but it’s important to always keep your smartphone with you at all times. It does a lot more than let you call or text, although being able to dial emergency services as soon as something happens can save your life. It displays the date and time, and there are apps for a calendar, stopwatch, maps, note-taking, and even a small flashlight.
The versatility of a smartphone is impressive. The only downside is that you have to make sure it’s always charged, otherwise you’re out of luck. Make sure to plug it in at home or work and keep a car charger in your vehicle in case the battery runs low while you’re out.
Multi-Tool Kit
Having a multi-tool kit is like having a toolbox right in your pocket. They contain knives, screwdrivers, scissors, files, pliers, saws, reamers, wire strippers, corkscrews, and much more. You can find almost any tool you might need for a given situation in one of these. There are larger versions that include even more items, but if you find them too bulky to carry around, the basic version is about the size of a car key. They’re so useful, you might even find yourself using a multi-tool even when you have other options readily available because it’s just so convenient.
Tape
The tape has a variety of uses, from HVAC duct sealing to vinyl transfer tape, and you should always keep some handy. Duct tape is good for quick fixes to damaged items. It can close up holes in things like pipes or if you need to keep cables or wires in place, gaff tape is a great option. It’s what film and television production crews use on professional sets to make sure everything is secured. Painters’ tape will let you mark measurements or ensure clean lines while painting.
Flashlight
Although most modern smartphones have a built-in flashlight, it’s still a good idea to keep a handheld unit with you. A smartphone flashlight is fine in a pinch, but it doesn’t have a very large range and drains your battery fast. A handheld flashlight is sturdier and will offer a better field of view, which is especially useful when you need to illuminate a dark environment for a longer period of time. If your power goes out, you’ll definitely want to have one of these so you can preserve your smartphone’s battery in case you need to use it to make a call during an emergency.
Lighter
Even if you aren’t a smoker, it’s a good idea to always have a lighter on you. They can be used to easily light candles or start a fire if you’re stuck somewhere and need heat or a cooking source; lighter fluid can also remove stains from tar, grease, or oil, as well as help you get chewing gum out of your hair. If you have any loose threads on your clothes or wallet, a lighter can let you burn them off instead of tugging at them or trying to cut them off. There’s also the fact that if you’re around other people that do smoke, having a lighter handy for them is a good way to engage socially with them.
Pen and Paper
Having a pen and paper is great for when you need to jot down notes or write down information for somebody else. While you can use a notes app on your smartphone, it tends to be quicker and easier to just grab your pen and put something down on physical paper. It’s also simpler to hand it to someone when you’re in a hurry, rather than having to go through the process of transferring it electronically.
If you’re a creative person, you might constantly get ideas and want to edit your notes without losing the original content as might happen when deleting and changing items in an app. There’s also something to be said about the feel of writing with a physical pen in your hand. It can induce your imagination in ways that typing on a screen just can’t.
It’s always good to be prepared for anything. The world is an unpredictable place, so you never know what kind of situation you might encounter when going about your daily life. Keep these items handy with you wherever you go and you’ll be ready to deal with whatever the world throws at you.