The Little Pouch
I Move Between Every Bag

One of my most-used travel items is also one of the simplest: a small clear pouch. It holds the little things I always want within reach, moving from my personal item on the plane to my day bag once I land. It comes with me at home, too.

Instead of transferring a handful of loose essentials every time I change purses, I move one pouch. It’s a small habit that makes it much easier to leave the house without forgetting something.

What I keep inside

• SPF lip balmthe one I use
• Hand sanitizer
• Hand creamthe one I use
• Individually wrapped wet wipesthe one I use
• Bandages
• Feminine products
• A Tide stain remover penthe one I use
• Hair ties and a mini claw clipthe mini clip I use
• Mini scissors^*the one I use
• A small bottle of ibuprofen

My pill organizer is separate. I bring that for my fuller travel medication kit, while the little bottle of ibuprofen stays in this pouch for days when I don’t need the whole organizer. You’ll find the same list as chapter VI of the Master Packing List.

Why it keeps coming with me

Each item has a simple purpose: cleaning my hands, pulling my hair back, dealing with a small spill, or having a bandage when I need one. Nothing particularly exciting, until it’s exactly what I’m looking for.

The clear pouch lets me see what’s inside without emptying everything onto a table. Keeping the essentials together also means I’m less likely to leave my lip balm or hand sanitizer behind in yesterday’s purse.

An easy habit to borrow

Start with the small things you regularly reach for and a pouch that fits comfortably in your everyday bag. You don’t need to copy every item in mine; the useful part is having your own essentials ready to move with you.