Do you keep your car loaded with extra supplies during the winter? Here are a list of 10 things we think you should keep in your car this winter and why. In fact, most of these items are great to keep in your car year round! Whether out on an adventure, or in more of an emergent situation, these items will help!
10 THINGS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR THIS WINTER
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1. HAND WARMERS
On demand heat when out in the cold. Yes, please!! These disposable or rechargeable ones are great to have on hand (Ba Dum Tsh!) during the winter. Especially in your car. If you are going with the rechargeable ones, be sure to routinely charge them, or have a charging device in your vehicle.
2. BEANIES, GLOVES, & SOCKS
Keep a beanie, gloves, and socks for you and anyone who routinely travels in the car with you. Spouse, children, etc. You may be someone who routinely gets cold hands or feet, but did you know most of your body heat is lost through your head? Keeping a beanie on will help prevent losing as much heat. When choosing your gloves, have a working pair (ex. you need to dig out of the snow, etc.) and a lighter pair if you are inside your car. You will want to be able to move around and do things with these gloves (eat, write, etc.)
3. BLANKET
When choosing a blanket to keep in your car during the winter, go with warm fabrics like wool. A good quality wool blanket will still keep you warm even if it gets wet. Just like with beanies, gloves, & socks, store extra blankets if you normally travel with kids or other people.
4. FOOD & WATER
The last thing any of us want is to become hangry while stuck in the car. There seems to always someone who wants a snack or forgot their water bottle, so I have loved having these items in my car! Crackers, jerky sticks, trail mix, dried fruit, etc. Easy to grab, easy to store, great to have on hand! You could even store a meal like this one from Mountain House.
5. HAZARD TRIANGLES
These are the hazard triangles that I keep in my car. They are super easy to set up, but because they are weighted, they aren’t just going to topple over!
6. COLLAPSIBLE SHOVEL
Keeping a shovel in your vehicle is a great idea, especially in the winter. Trunk space can be limited, so getting a collapsible shovel will take up much less space, but will be a useful tool if needing to get a car unstuck from the snow.
7. ICE SCRAPER
Have you ever used your bare hands to wipe snow off the windshield? Brrrr! This snow brush and detachable ice scraper will be one you will want to keep in your car all winter long.
8. PORTABLE CHARGER & LIGHT SOURCES
Keep your phone & kid’s tablets charged using a portable charger. Having a flashlight, solar lantern, headlamp, or other light source can also come in handy if it’s dark out.
9. FIRST AID KIT & MEDICATION
This is one of those items you want to keep in your vehicle no matter the season. Welly is great for small cuts and scapes, and My Medic has some incredible options that cater to different situations and scenarios.
Keeping medication on hand is important too. Whether you carry it in your purse, or keep a couple days worth in your car – it’s something you’ll want to have. Homeopathic, prescriptions, and over the counter medicine are things to consider when thinking through medicine you’d like/need to have on hand. Here are some of our favorites.
10. PORTABLE URINAL & WASTE BAGS
Have you ever been stuck in traffic for a long period of time and get the urge? Or what about when the little ones need to go? AH! It’s the worst, huh?! Going to the restroom in your car might not be ideal, but you’ll be grateful to have these items in a pinch. Just don’t forget the wipes or toilet paper! Also, if you are a mom with young children, store extra diapers!
Tip: Keep some kitty litter or sawdust in a ziplock bag in your car. Should you need to use the restroom, the kitty litter or sawdust will help absorb the moisture and will also keep the smell down. Just do your business and then cover it with a scoop or two of the kitty litter or sawdust.
STORAGE TIPS
When it comes to storing these extra winter car items, we suggest keeping them in a bin or tote in the back of your car, and utilize any hidden storage compartments, or keep items in your blueprint!
BONUS TIPS
- Keep your car filled at a half tank or more! This one is probably pretty self-explanatory, but here are a few reasons anyway:
- First snow storms of the season often lead to an increase in car accidents, slide-offs, and traffic
- Getting stuck in the snow and having to wait for someone to come tow you out
- An emergency or evacuation that needs you to get as many miles down the road as possible
- Gas shortages
- 2021 Virginia snow storm that left hundreds of people stranded in their cars for 24-hours – that half or full tank of gas sounds pretty important now, huh?
This list could go on and on. Fill up at a half tank. It’s a good habit to get into.
2. Have an activity bag that you keep in your car. An activity bag is a lot like the comfort kits we talk about in this post. Choose items for you and anyone who routinely travels with you (kids, spouse, etc.) to keep activities for. Here are some of our favorite comfort kit items!
3. Jumper cables. Hopefully you already keep these in your car. If not, be sure to add them! 🙂
