As a mom, you probably spend a lot of time in your car.

Unfortunately, all that hustle and bustle (not to mention the kids) means that it’s easy for your car to get messy or disorganized. There’s also always the possibility of a flat tire as well.

Keeping some key items on hand will make dealing with messes and emergencies alike much easier. Here are several items every mom should keep in her car — both for every day life and for emergencies.

ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR CAR

Cell phone charger

Chances are you already have this in your car, but if you don’t, get one! A dead phone battery is more than an annoyance; your cell phone allows you to call for help in an emergency.

Car organizer

There are a lot of different versions of these. Organizers that hang on the back of front seats are great for storing items that you’ll need to have on hand quickly, like diapers, napkins, blankets, snacks, and toys. The organizers for your trunk are great for groceries and items that you may not need as often, like a change of clothes or emergency items.

Extra plastic bags

Having a small bag to throw away garbage quickly will make messes a lot easier to handle, especially because you can tie off the top of the bag and throw it away when you get to a garbage bin. Small dog poop bags are ideal because they’re so compact, but you can use any kind or size that you like.

Tissues and/or napkins

Messes, spills, and runny noses happen. Having some of those small purse-sized containers of tissues and some extra napkins in the car can help with all of those issues quickly.

Hand sanitizer spray

Keep your hands and your kids’ hands clean on the go with a hand sanitizer spray. It’s smaller and less likely to leak than a bottle, so you can stash it in your glove compartment or in your vehicle’s center console.

Wet wipes

Even if your kids aren’t in diapers, you’ll want these around. Wet wipes are great for cleaning up messy hands, faces, car seats, your car’s dashboard… the list goes on.

Loose change and single bills in a coin purse

Believe it or not, some places still don’t take credit cards — including some toll booths. It’s always a good idea to have some loose change and cash in small increments on hand just in case.

An extra blanket

Whether you take an impromptu beach trip or picnic or if you or your child gets cold, having an extra blanket on hand can be really helpful. There are many versions made specifically for cars that are easy to roll up and store in the trunk.

A lint roller

This can be great for clothes, but also for cleaning up crumby and dusty messes without a vacuum on the fly.

Pen and paper

Sometimes you just need to write things down. You may not think you need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it!

Seasonal weather items

In the summertime, keep a bottle of sunscreen and bug spray on hand, as well as an umbrella for rainy weather. In the wintertime, make sure to keep your snow/ice scraper and a bottle of de-icer on the floor of your backseat or in your trunk.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

A roadside assistance kit

You should have a small bag in your vehicle that has jumper cables, mylar thermal blankets, a flashlight, emergency warning signs, and a portable air compressor if possible.

Small first aid kit

You can buy the supplies yourself or buy a pre-made kit at almost any grocery store. It’s a good idea to keep it tucked away in your trunk.

Bottled water and snacks with a long shelf life

In case you are stuck somewhere for a longer period of time, having some bottled water and snacks like granola bars on hand can be lifesavers.

Extra clothes and blankets

This is especially handy in the wintertime. If your vehicle is stuck in the snow for an extended period of time, you’ll want to make sure you and your family stay warm. The mylar blankets in your emergency kit will help, but having extra clothes and blankets will also be handy.