Top Ten Things to Keep in A Go Bag
What’s a Go Bag?? It’s a bag of necessities you keep packed and at the ready in case you gotta GO in a hurry! Go…to a hiding place. Go…out of the country. Go…to the hospital.
I’m not a panic monger. My friend even told me how unusual it was to see me reacting this way (well, actually reacting at all) to current world events. I usually don’t believe anything. “There’s no hurricane coming,” I said on November 1, 2012, refusing to rush to the market for eggs, milk, and bread (#SANDY). “There’s no snowstorm coming,” I said in December 2010, refusing to procure a snow shovel (#LITERALLYSNOWEDINFOR10DAYS).
You know when I believe a snowstorm is coming? When I see snow.
And folks, I see snow.
I’m not panicked about the virus. For myself. I’m not generally prone to colds, I’ve never had the flu or pneumonia, I’m not that old, and as far as I know, I have no underlying symptoms that would render me a candidate for the coronavirus.
But. If I learned anything in The Cancer Year…it’s that sometimes you can leave home in the morning…and wind up in the hospital in the afternoon (#SURPRISE). For an extended stay. Wishing you had some of the comforts of home while you’re in an uncomfortable situation.
There’s no harm in putting a few things in a bag to leave in your car. Just In Case.
So, what’s in my Go Bag?
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Face cleanser and moisturizer
- Travel size shampoo/conditioner and/or dry shampoo
- Slipper socks
- Phone charger with extra-long cord
- External charger with its charging cord
- Earpods
- Current meds
- Kindle/tablet/books
- Disposable film camera. Cuz I’m a weirdo.
Of course, there are many other things you could take: ways to pass the time, like coloring or game books; manicure supplies; favorite framed picture to personalize your space; a change of clothes, etc. And things like cell phone, ID, insurance card, emergency contact info, lip balm, cash would all be in your purse anyway (you do have “who to contact in an emergency” info on you at all times, right??), so that’s already covered. But if you just want to keep a small bag with you so if you did wind up away from home for a time, these are ten good things to make sure you have. Maybe it’s not you in the hospital; maybe it’s a child or family member. Or maybe you have to quickly travel to be with someone out-of-state.
It’s not panic. It’s a reasonable level of preparedness. At any time, not just now.
Hope you all remain healthy and safe xoxo
Jude
I hadn’t thought of a go-bag because our schools are closed for at least a week (hopefully that’s all because no work equals no pay for me.)
Like you, I’m not a panicker. But perhaps a bag isn’t a bad idea, especially if school resumes. (God forbid, I could end up living in the convent for a time if I can’t go home.) I better add a nice bottle of gin to the list. LOL.
bettyewp
Gin is never a bad idea!
I just heard that all Long Island schools are closed for the next two weeks…we (the administrative staff) still have to report to work tomorrow where we’ll find out what things will look like for us going forward. I don’t want to not get paid…but I also don’t want to keep going where the people are!
Marian
Good reminder! Don’t forget a few pairs of underwear!!!
Your go bag is based on a trip to a hospital. Here in sonoma county (northern California) most of us have 2 kinds of “go” bags and “stay” bags.
Go bag in the car has supplies like toiletries, a towel, underwear, old sneakers and jacket in case the car breaks down far from home and walking and an overnight are required.
Go bags at home are ready in case of fire or flood evacuation. A few duffle bags live behind the bed and include what’s on your list plus family records and irreplaceable heirlooms. We keep photos of our key documents on our phones (including passport, house deed, car pink slip).
Our stay bags are food, candles and other essentials in case of earthquake, power outages and now the virus.
Wow, this is a horrible depressing list.
It’s a lot of stuff and a strange way to live. But I’ve used that jacket in the car numerous times when plans and weather changed and it saved me. And we’ve evacuated twice in 3 years and been stuck indoors due to smoke so it’s not for “if”…it’s for “when”.
Btw, the only nice stuff to read in my inbox these days are you and the bloggers I follow. Thank you so much for keeping the joy and normal going.
bettyewp
“Btw, the only nice stuff to read in my inbox these days are you and the bloggers I follow. Thank you so much for keeping the joy and normal going.”
Thanks for this.
Yeah, you’ve got a lot of bags! Mine is definitely hospital-centric, thinking that’s the only place I’d be going at a moment’s notice. But all yours are good, too. I’ve made “car kits” before, in case of breakdowns, walking, whatever, but I always seem to break into them for something and not replace it.
Donna
Such a clever idea!! We’ve just come out of dastardly bushfires and now there’s this virus!! Always something, so it’s a great idea to be prepared!! Thank you for sharing, your posts are always so entertaining!!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
https://donnadoesdresses.com
bettyewp
Oh dear! You’ve really been getting it from all directions! Is the virus in Australia?
jodie filogomo
It’s like having things out and organized for a fire or evacuation. That used to be a big thing in the mountains around Denver.
It’s smart. But we do need to stop the panic for sure. It doesn’t help our immune system which is our best defense.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
Yup.
Daenel T.
What a great idea! When my middle daughter ended up in the hospital, my youngest brought her a go bag full of stuff that she ran out and bought. We were totally surprised because she did it without asking and the bag was pure genius. What’d she buy?
Coloring books and crayons
Underwear
Sweats because my daughter is always cold
Sports bras because my daughter hates regular bras
Slipper socks
Chargers
bettyewp
Aww, what a sweet kid! Ya done good!