A woman’s purse basically holds her whole life. I wish I didn’t always have to carry a purse full of items around, but I would feel incomplete without them. In my opinion, it’s always best to be over prepared than not at all. Now, what you deem as important to carry around with you may vary greatly than what I do, but below I listed 10 necessities I have with me no matter where I am going or what kind of day it is. Hopefully this list will inspire you to incorporate some new additions into your purse or get rid of something altogether.
1. Reusable utensil set
I doubt I’m the only one who grabs a quick bite to eat while I’m out in the city or traveling, but this can often lead to a lot of unnecessary waste. However, you can reduce that waste by carrying your own set of reusable utensils with you. I’ve mentioned it before in an older article, but my favorite go-to shop for any of my reusable needs is: https://packagefreeshop.com
2. Reusable Straw
One of the easiest switches you can make to live just a little more sustainably is by ditching the plastic straws altogether. Whether you want a bamboo, silicone, or metal straw, you can find reusable straws just about anywhere, plus, they take up almost no room in your purse. #SavetheTurtles
3. Favorite gloss or chapstick
There are so many beauty brands out there that offer a multitude of different lip products, but I recently discovered the Inn Beauty lip oil and I’m obsessed. I never go out without it on and I keep it in my purse or backpack in case I need to reapply throughout the day.
4. Hand sanitizer
Constantly washing and sanitizing your hands to prevent the spread of germs has never been more important. Besides, a little hand sanitizer never hurts anyone and it is especially important to have some on you while traveling or using public transportation.
5. Water bottle
Save money in the long run and save the planet by carrying a reusable water bottle with you everywhere. It’s so easy to forget to hydrate when you are running around all day, but you won’t if you have your own personal water bottle with you. If you are worried about a bottle taking up too much space in your bag, then opt for a collapsible alternative instead. #Hydratedontdiedrate
6. Sunglasses
Whether it’s a sunny or cloudy day, I always have a pair of shades in my bag just in case. Better to be over prepared and protect your eyes than having to squint everytime you walk outside.
7. Portable charger
It’s the worst feeling when you are in a part of the city you are unfamiliar with and your phone is on 2%. Now you don’t have maps or the MTA app to get you back to campus. Although I’m usually with someone who has a charged phone, it is so useful to have a portable charger that you can simply hook your phone up to while on the go (just remember to charge it).
8. Tissues
Even if I’m not sick or don’t have allergies, I always try to remember to carry a pack of tissues with me. Tissues come in handy if you accidentally spill something and you’ll be that good friend who has a tissue when someone asks you for it.
9. Mints or gum
Nothing is worse (actually there are a lot of things worse than this) than having a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath. I would rather go for a mint than gum, but it all depends on preference. Thanks to my mom, I am absolutely obsessed with the Trader Joe’s Green Tea Mint’s.
10. Snack bar
Whether I am going into the city or leaving for class, I always have a granola bar or bag of mixed nuts on me. Even if I don’t end up eating it, I would rather be prepared than get hangry on my hour train ride back to campus. Plus, then I avoid having to spend money on an unnecessarily overpriced snack.