Purse Essentials for Busy Moms

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My purse is my life-line when I leave the house. My husband jokes that it’s like the Mary Poppins bag — stuff just keeps coming out of it. With 6 kids, I have to make sure that I’m prepared for just about anything when I leave the house so my purse/diaper bag has just about anything you could think of.

Actually, if I’m being honest, stuff tends to get lost in there. One time when it was particularly heavy I cleared it out and found 2 giant water bottles lost in the bottom of my bag. That may be a bit too much.

I try and sort through it every once in a while so I can keep it pared down to the essentials but I definitely make sure I’ve got all the basics covered. Every month or so I empty my purse out completely and restock my back. This month, a trip to Walmart was in order to grab a few essentials.

Purse Essentials

These are a few of the things I try and keep in my purse at all times. When my purse is stocked, it’s like an on-the-go command center and I am usually prepared for most things that pop up.

ChapStick – I hate the feeling of having dry lips. It makes me crazy. I always have a ChapStick in my purse (and usually another one in my pocket). I love the new ChapStick Total Hydration. It’s 100% natural and includes omega 6 & 9.
Hair tie – I always keep a few of these on hand — between me and my daughter, someone always needs one.
A snack – I try and snacks that can hold up to being in my purse so nothing that melts or will be crushed. Nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, and pretzels work great.
Sunglasses – My eyes are super light sensitive so I hate being anywhere without my sunglasses. I keep a case in my purse so they won’t get broken.
A coin purse – I don’t carry a lot of change because it can get heavy but I like having some change on me in case I need it.
Advil – I deal with chronic headaches so I never leave the house without Advil. Just a warning though. I know a lot of moms who pop a few pills into a plastic baggie to keep in their purse but I would not recommend that if you have young kids who could get into your bag. I love the size of this little Advil bottle I found at Walmart. It’s just the right size to fit in my purse but it is childproof so I know my kids won’t get into it.
Vitamins – I am terrible about remembering to take my vitamins but I’ve found if I keep them in my purse I can take them as soon as I remember. With cold and flu season in full force I wanted to make sure I am doing everything I can do to stay healthy because I do not have time to get sick. I just discovered Emergen-C Immune+ Chewables at Walmart. I have used the Emergen-C packets that you add to your drinks for years but I love the conveniences of the chewables. They taste great too so it’s easy to remember to take them.
A reusable bag – I never know when I’m going to need a spare bag so I usually keep a spare. I have one that I love that rolls into itself so it doesn’t take up much space in my bag.
A bandage – I don’t keep a full first aid kit in my bag but a single bandage can come in handy.
Sunscreen – I live in San Diego so sunscreen is a must. I always have a tiny tube of sunscreen on hand.