So I've lived in New York City for two years now and I've figured out the 20 most important things to have with you at all times. Hopefully you'll use this list and add or take away what fits you.
1. Pepper Spray
— We live in New York City. There is always danger and the fear of what exactly could happen. It's important to be smart about your safety and know your surroundings and be prepared rather than under prepared. Be aware at all times.
2. EOS Chapstick
— I hate the feeling of chapped lips. It's not cute and it hurts a lot when they crack. It's important to take care of your lips. I use EOS which is my favorite thing to have because it's small and adorable. Who doesn't love a sphere of lip balm?
3. Keys
— You should always have your keys with you at all times. How else are you going to be able to get back into your house? You'll end up calling your best friend or your significant to come rescue you.
4. Wallet
— It's so important to have your wallet with you. It holds your identification, money, cards. Without your wallet in the city. Trust me, you aren't gonna last long.
5. Smart Phone
— Any smartphone has GPS, internet, and communication services. It’s great to have when you are lost and trying to figure out the closest train to take home. Also trying to find friends in the city is hard without a phone. There are apps such as Uber or Lyft to be able to take you anywhere in the city.
6. Phone Charger
— Batteries quickly die. I would rather carry a phone charger around than miss any important texts from friends or emails from work. It’s easy to be able to get your phone to the bartender and have him or her charge it while you are having fun.
7. Gum
— You’ll thank me for this more than you know. The next morning from coming home from the night before. Your breath will stink and plus your stomach might even be a little hungry.
8. Tampons
— You never know when mother nature will want to surprise attack you and when girlfriend will need one to because she forgot to pack one. You'll be ahead of the game and be a lifesaver to someone.
9. Contact case
— This only pertains to contacts / glasses wearers. Your eyes will bug you. Contacts are not made to wear all night. Bring your contact case so that you can take them out to let your eyes rest.
10. Small contact solution bottle
— Do not use water for your contacts. It does not clean them out or does the same job as contact solution. They make travel sized bottles that you can keep in your purse and won't take up much room.
11. Glasses
— When you take out your contacts, how are you gonna see? I'm blind as a bat. Pack your glasses a long in your bag so that when it is time to take out your contacts, you can see.
12. Small notebook with a pen
— The city has 8.4 million people. You have no idea who you'll run into and who you are going to meet. It's vital to write down everything so that you don't forget.
13. Agenda Book
— This is how I keep track of everything that I need to do and where I need to be at certain times. I always give myself anywhere between 30 mins to a hour to travel via MTA.
14.Lotion
— I rub lotion on my dry legs. It makes them feel smooth and look shiny.
15. Nail Polish
— I always keep the bottle of nail polish that matches my hands because nails chip. I want to be able to touch them up when needed so I look flawless.
16. Water Bottle
— Especially now when it's so hot outside. It's nice to have a water bottle with you so that you don't dehydrate because of the sun. Also water is free. Water bottles from delis are not.
17. Hand Sanitizer
— This is my savior. I carry this around because you never know what will touch you or what bathroom you'll end up peeing in. I want to feel clean and germ free.
18. Hair Ties
— By the end of the night, you'll want to put your hair up. It just feels better to have it out of your face and off your neck.
19.Lighter
— Even if you don't smoke. Someone cute will need a lighter. So keep one on you in case Mr. or Mrs. Right needs you.
20. Travel Size container of advil
— Pack it. You are human. Your body will need to recovery from the night before. You'll be thanking me the next morning when you have a headache from drinking the night before.
