It never ceases to amaze me how much stuff you have to pack when travelling with kids. Even a simple trip the park required checklists, more checklists and still you end up at your destination forgetting no less than 5 things. A picnic in our family is not complete without leaving the matches behind in the junk drawer and where are those much needed scissors when you are out in the wilderness trying to cut off that sleeping back tie that is all knotted up. Not only are car kits nice for those instances it may also be necessary in cases of emergencies.
I wanted to create a car kit that would take care of emergencies as well as convenience. I used a plain plastic tote with a lid and started adding the basics and have since added and removed many items to suit our needs and most of all the seasons.
My summer/fall kit normally has the following tucked away:
small travel blanket (for picnics or dirty seats)
candle
matches
small bottle of sunscreen
small bottle of bug spray
screwdriver (the one with the various bits in the handle)
extra diapers and wipes ( I forgot this once...Big BIG mistake, lesson learned)
small jar of hand sanitizer
maps
all in one knives (Gerber type brand that has numerous attachments like scissors and utensils)
a few small toys (in case we forget some and end up in a restaurant)
pad and paper
granola bar or other non perishable snack (for when the kids gets restless)
WD-40
mini first aid kit
water bowl for the dog
Once we head into winter I add the following
Lock de-icer
extra mittens and a hat
travel shovel
small container of kitty litter for traction (I simply fill a small ice cream container)
ice scraper (in addition to the regular one in the backseat)
wind up flashlight
This tote sits in the trunk of our vehicle and although we rarely need anything, the one time I take it out I would need something. For the amount of space this container takes up it more than makes up for in peace of mind knowing I have a back up should I forget or need anything. I love creating kits for different spaces, I have several around the house and the one for the car has proved itself especially handy.