As I’ve been going back into the office three times a week, I’ve noticed I’ve fallen back into my old ways: looking like I’m moving into my office for the 8 hours I’m working there. It doesn’t help that I carry a rather large purse, my lunch box, plus another bag with my running clothes if I’m running right after work on campus.

There are usually a handful of essentials I always carry with me when I leave the house, whether it’s to go to work, run errands, or do anything that requires socializing with others. Obviously, depending upon the situation, I might not have all of the following, but for the most part—aside from the usual phone, keys, wallet—these are the items I carry with me.

Emotional Support Water Bottle

I’ve been carrying one with me before it became cool within the last year to carry one. Most of the liquid I consume is water, and that means always carrying a water bottle with me. My bottle of choice recently is a 32 oz Nalgene that I refill multiple times a day. I’ll bring it with me no matter what because in those few times I don’t, I feel incredibly parched and in desperate need of water.

Fitbit

I also have a similar dependency issue with my Fitbit. I’ve had one since 2017-ish, and I don’t think I could ever live without one. I currently have a Versa Lite that I really like; I’m able to track my steps, the app gives me a reading of my sleep, and I can see texts and incoming calls on the screen. I’ve opted for a Fitbit instead of an Apple watch because I don’t need all of the fancy stuff; what data I have access to now on my Versa Lite is good enough for me.

Snacks

Any time I go on a road trip longer than an hour, you can bet I’m putting together a road snacks bag. When my parents and I went to pick up Lucy last summer, my mom and I made a special trip to the grocery store to get a variety of snacks for the trip. (It ended up working out pretty well because it took us 2 hours to get there and 4 hours to get back.) I usually bring snacks to work—and often forget to eat them—but it’s comforting knowing I have snacks around if needed.

Books

This is one of the ways that I’m able to read a bit more during the year. In my big bag, I always carry my current book. Normally I read at lunch on my break at work, but if I have an appointment, I’ll read while I’m waiting instead of scrolling on my phone. When I worked at the ice cream shop, I’d bring a book with me to read on the days when it was slower or during bad weather. I always carry a book with me because I don’t want to be caught without one.

What are some things you can’t leave the house without?