INSTANT SURVIVAL TIP: The Always-Ready Toiletry Bag

Posted in: Evacuation, Instant Survival Tips

image by kafka4prez

Could your family pack for a vacation or evacuation in an hour or less? I think with just a little caffeine, mine could! We have two secret weapons: individual packing lists and toiletry bags.

You can read about the packing lists here, but what speeds up the process even more are the small zippered toiletry bags that are always packed and ready to go. Each family member has one of these. Mine contains make-up samples, a contact case, tweezers, sample sizes of shampoo and hairspray, etc. Daughter’s has a hairbrush, deodorant, some hair scrunches, her toothbrush and toothpaste. You get the idea. I stocked a family bag with various types of over-the-counter medicines and first aid items.

This is a huge timesaver, and could really come in handy in an emergency evacuation or just a quick weekend trip for Mom and Dad!

(11) Readers Comments

Red Icculus
March 9, 2010 at 1:24 am

My man purse has my handgun, extra clip, first aid kit, knife, water, food, tarp, rope, TP and fire. This is one creature comfort that I hadn't even considered, albeit absolutely necessary after about 2 days.

Reply
- TheSurvivalMom
  March 9, 2010 at 2:24 am
  
  OMG! At first I thought you wrote, "My MAIN purse…"!!! I knew you were a guy so that was a little weird! LOL
  
  Reply
  - Red Icculus
    March 9, 2010 at 2:35 am
    
    The wife loves to mock my EDC, although it has come in handy in a pinch. And I don't deny being a little weird.
    
    Reply
    - TheSurvivalMom
      March 9, 2010 at 2:39 am
      
      I'd love it if my husband carried a man purse! Then we could kind of share the load, so to speak.
      
      Reply
LizLong
March 9, 2010 at 3:21 am

When you go to theme parks like Disneyland, they often sell those little hair brush / mirror combos that fold in half – the mirror is on the "handle" side and the hairbrush goes inside out when you put it away. Once you've seen one, you get it, but they're a good space saver for something like this. Although you may have to put up with Mickey Mouse or Buzz Lightyear on it.

Reply
- msbossyboots
  January 23, 2011 at 9:11 pm
  
  I've bought those little hairbrush/ mirror combos at the Dollar store many times. They are great in a purse or glove box too.
  
  Reply
rightwingmom
March 9, 2010 at 3:38 am

Bought the Cabela Ripcord Shower Kit (magnum size) about a year ago. Search the name at Cabela.com. It holds all toiletry items for our four member family . It is very well designed. I've used it camping, in hotels, and staying with family. Highly recommend it! It stays packed and ready, next to our B.O.B.s.

Reply
TheSurvivalMom
March 25, 2010 at 2:34 am

That's a great plan, Tricia! Frequent family travel requires some degree of organization, and your plan sounds very well thought out.

Reply
Morris TN
March 27, 2010 at 11:57 pm

Also, you need your "bug out" important papers folder. I have mine hidden in my desk with copies of the following: driver's license, birth certificates, SS cards, credit cards front and back, car titles, house titles, car/house insurance, life insurance, medical insurance, will, cash, extra safe deposit box key, passports and current pictures of my children and other love ones.

And, just in case, I showed my trusted sister where the folder was and showed her what was inside.

If this is all I can grab It will be a life saver.

Reply
- TheSurvivalMom
  March 31, 2010 at 1:14 pm
  
  Morris, I agree completely with this. You might check out my lists of important documents in an older post called The Grab-n-Go Binder for more ideas. Also, if you can scan the docs and put them on a CD or two, you have a back-up if the paper copies are lost or destroyed.
  
  Reply
Linda
April 19, 2010 at 12:55 pm

How funny! I have one for our family of 7, just makes it easier for those last minute weekend getaways. Silly me, I never thought of it as a prep!

Reply