What to Keep In Everyday Carry Bag
An everyday carry bag is so important to have in order to not lose track of those items that you’re always reaching for as you leave the house. I thought it could be useful to share a round-up of items that you may want to consider for your everyday carry bag.
An everyday carry bag is so important to have in order to not lose track of those items that you’re always reaching for as you leave the house. I keep my essential items in my handbag at almost all times, so when I’m heading out the door, all I have to do is grab my bag and go! When I’m running late – which is more often than I’d like to admit – this system is a lifesaver. I try to keep everything I need for my daily tasks and routine, sometimes switching the items out depending on my schedule. I thought it could be useful to share a round-up of items that you may want to consider for your everyday carry bag.
What to Keep In Everyday Carry Bag
An everyday carry bag can look like so many things, but typically it’s your everyday bag featuring essential everyday items. These easy access items may be your keys, gum, a portable charger, etc. But ultimately, what you keep in your everyday bag is dependent on the size of your bag and dependent on you! The contents of your bag can really vary based on your job, if you have little kids, if you’re in school, the seasonal climate etc. The contents of my EDC bag can vary through the year especially because there are things I may need in the hotter months versus the cold. These are just some ideas of things that may come in handy for you to keep in your everyday carry bag!
What Is An EDC Bag
An EDC bag stands for everyday carry bag! It’s your go to tote bag, backpack, purse, etc. Typically, my edc bag always stores my go-to items for while I’m out and about, and when I switch bags I typically move most things over – depending on the size difference in bags. For example, edc backpacks can store a lot more than over the shoulder handbags so you may omit some bigger or less essential edc items.
What To Put In An EDC Bag
1. Your Wallet
Keeping your wallet inside of your go-to bag is a sure way to not forget it when you leave the house! It can be really stressful when you realize you don’t have your wallet – for safety issues and convenience! It’s important to keep your wallet in a quick access location in your bag.
2. Sunglasses
Keeping a pair of sunglasses in your bag is another essential. Sometimes you may forget them, or the sun comes out while you’re gone, and not having them can be such an annoyance – especially if you’re driving.
3. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a must for my personal bag. It comes in handy if you’re touching a lot of things in public – such as a gas pump, or clothes while shopping. And it’s especially important to sanitize your hands before eating.
4. Portable Charger
A power bank of some sort can really come in handy in your EDC bag. Sometimes I leave the house not realizing just how low my phone battery is, or I end up being gone longer than I think I’ll be. My charger really saves me in those times! I use a little iWalk charger and keep it in its case in my bag. A regular charging cable can be useful instead if you don’t have a portable power bank.
5. Lint Roller
A lint roller can be such a fashion life saver, especially if you have a pet that sheds a lot!
6. Purse Cleaning Ball
Similar to a lint roller, this little cleaning ball can roll around your bag and keep it clean! It picks up dirt, crumbs, etc.
7. Air Tag
Keeping an Air Tag in your everyday bag – or in your everyday wallet, or attached to your keys – is such a great way to avoid losing your bag!
8. Medicine
I like to keep a travel-sized Advil container in my bag in case I get a headache, for example, and you may find carrying Tums helpful, if you suffer from acid reflux. A travel pill container is super great for storing and separating a few medications.
9. Feminine Products
Tampons and pads are another great just-in-case item to keep in your bag as well.
10. Water Bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated, so I always take a water bottle with me everywhere I go. A smaller – leak proof!!! – bottle is the best to keep in your bag.
11. Gum or Mints
Whichever way you prefer to refresh your mouth – you can store the items in your bag! Even floss or mouth wash on-the-go can be kept in your EDC bag.
12. Stain Remover
A stain stick or stain wipes are essentials in my everyday bag. Messes and accidents happen, so I find this really useful on those occasions.
13. Lip Balm
It is so frustrating when you need lip balm but don’t have it. Dry lips are just inevitable so it’s always a good idea to keep one in your bag.
14. Hair Clip & Hair Ties
I like to keep both options in my bag because depending on the day, I may want one over the other.
15. Fragrance Mist
A travel size body and hair mist or mini perfume can always be found in my bag!
16. Portable Hair Brush
Keeping a little hair brush in my bag has proven to be useful many times! Whether it’s a windy morning or a beachy afternoon, I find myself reaching for my hair brush at least once a week. I like to use one with a cover so you don’t get hair all over your bag.
17. Wipes
Tissues or wet wipes are another EDC item that I think is essential for all of the obvious reasons. Again, this may be a specifically useful idea if you have little kids.
18. Deodorant
A mini deodorant or deodorant wipes can also be beneficial to store in your bag, especially on hot summer days or if you go from a workout to other errands or plans.
19. Multi Tool
A multi tool is a little gadget that has a few tools attached, usually mini scissors, a pocket knife, etc.
20. Personal Safety Gadget
A personal alarm and pepper spray are just a couple ideas of safety gadgets to keep in your everyday carry edc.
21. Planner
If you like to keep a physical planner for your schedule, you may keep it in your edc bag if it’s small enough! If I pack my planner, I make sure to pack a small pen pouch as well.
22. Makeup
To touch up your makeup on the go, it may be useful to keep some items in your bag, such as face powder, blotting sheets, or an eye lash curler. I love that this touch up pen is so small and compact.
23. Hydration Packets
I always keep a few electrolyte packets or hydration packets in my bag at all times. If you often forget to drink water, this is a great way to get some quick hydration.
24. Blister Pads
In case you’re breaking in new shoes – or just wearing uncomfortable ones for too long – these blister pads can be so useful.
25. Hand Lotion
Dry skin is hard to avoid, and sometimes a hand lotion is just a must. I try to keep a small hand lotion in my EDC bag just in case.
26. Band Aids
If your bag isn’t big enough for an entire first aid kit, storing some items like band aids and Neosporin can be very useful – especially if you have small kids.
What To Put In An EDC Bag – In The Cold Months
- Umbrella – a small umbrella can really come in handy, especially during the rainier months, which may be the warmer months for you
- Waterproof poncho – for certain occasions, this can be very helpful
- Hand warmers – electric hand warmers are so great in the colder months
What To Put In An EDC Bag – In The Warm Months
- Handheld fan – if you’re on a long walk, doing a fun excursion, or just simply outside for a while in the heat
- Sunscreen – face sunscreen is the most important to reapply throughout the day
- Face mist – a refreshing face mist can really make a difference on a long, hot day
Look Inside My Bags
I’ve become somewhat of a packing master of the years, and I love to share travel and organization advice! I’ve given packing tips for a beach day, pilates, travel, an emergency bag etc. I hope these tips can be of use to you in one way or another.
(Click the pictures to shop the pictures!)
