Most people spend a lot of time in their vehicle. It is said that the average American spends approximately 17,600 minutes in their vehicle each year. That is the equivalent of seven, 40-hour work weeks spent in a vehicle. Some people drive, even more, especially those who love to travel or travel as a part of their job. For this reason, most of us have a place in our car that we keep items we feel we may one day need. Others only keep them in the car if planning a long road trip. Whichever type of person you are, perhaps you should consider these DIY tricks for a road trip.
Emergency Necessities for the Car
Your necessities will depend a lot on your specific needs. If you have children, you may keep small games, toys, or coloring items available for those road trips. It can keep the kids quiet so that you can focus on driving.
If you simply want practical things for your car, you may want to have a flashlight, a screwdriver or a multi-tool, and other things. These items can be useful if your car breaks down. You may also pack a first aid kit for times when you need headache relief, Band-Aids, scissors, or tweezers. People who live where it snows often may keep hand warmers, scrapers, and other things close by.
In short, your vehicle can become your home away from home. But what about other types of emergency situations? Are you covered for them?
The Unexpected Things We Need
What if you are taking a car ride and you are miles away from the nearest exit or town. You or your child feel that sudden urge to answer nature’s call? What if your child is trying to hold it and cant? A sad fact of life is that anything can happen at any moment. Toilet paper could be needed and maybe backup clothes could be required. Stuff happens.
You may want to keep a spare razor in your car in case you realize suddenly that you missed a spot while shaving. Deodorant for those times when you sweat a little too much. A toothbrush or some Listerine for times when you are unable to get home the night before. It could all be useful and many things have dual purposes.
For instance, dryer sheets can be kept in your vehicle as a way to keep your trunk fresh. They can also be used to remove static cling from your favorite skirt or shirt. Listerine for mosquitoes is a potential solution when you have no bug repellent, but it can also freshen your breath after you have pulled an all-nighter. Dental floss can be used as thread, replace shoelaces, or even make a fishing pole using it and a sturdy stick.
What Will You Fill Your Car With?
With all the hours that we spend in our vehicles, it makes sense to have things we may need with us in that space as well. It is stuff that survivalists know and understand. No one needs to be caught off guard. What type of items do you enjoy packing for a long road trip? Or what do you simply keep in your car year-round? We all have a list and our own ideas of what is most important.