Most days, walking out the door is something you barely think about. You grab your keys, check your phone, and go. Then your battery dies, it starts raining, you end up away from home longer than expected, or you suddenly need something you left sitting on the kitchen counter.

You don’t need to carry a huge bag packed with things you might never use. A few simple items can make an unexpected situation much easier to deal with.

Whether you’re going to work, running errands, meeting friends, or spending the day out, these are 12 everyday things worth keeping with you.

1. A Form of Identification

An ID is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it.

A driver’s license, passport, or other official ID can come in handy for everything from checking into a hotel to picking up a prescription. It can also be useful if an unexpected situation comes up and someone needs to confirm who you are.

Keeping your ID in your wallet or another secure place means you won’t have to remember it every time you leave home.

2. Cash or a Card

Most of us are used to paying with a phone or card, but there are still times when that doesn’t work.

A store might have a card reader that’s down, you might lose your phone battery, or you could end up somewhere that only accepts cash. Carrying a debit or credit card along with a small amount of cash gives you another way to pay.

You don’t need to carry a lot of cash. Just enough to handle a small unexpected expense can be useful.

3. Your Phone

Your phone does a lot more than let you make calls.

It’s your map, contact list, camera, ticket holder, calculator, weather app, and sometimes your way to call for help. If you’re out for several hours, having your phone with you can save you from a lot of problems.

Before leaving, check the battery level. Forgetting your phone is one thing, but leaving home with a nearly dead phone can be just as inconvenient.

4. A Charger or Power Bank

A phone that drops to 1% battery at the worst possible moment is something most of us have experienced.

A small power bank can keep your phone running during a long day, a delayed trip, or an unexpected change in plans. A charging cable is worth carrying too, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home.

You don’t need the biggest power bank available. A small one that fits in your purse, backpack, or work bag can be enough for everyday use.

5. Necessary Medications

If you take medication on a regular schedule, take it with you when you’re going to be away from home during the time you normally take it.

A quick trip can turn into an entire afternoon or evening, and plans don’t always go the way you expect. Keeping medication in its original labeled container can also make things easier if you need to identify it.

If you regularly deal with things like allergies or headaches, you might also keep appropriate over-the-counter medication with you, provided it’s safe for you to take.

6. Emergency Information

A small card with emergency contacts and important medical information can be useful if you’re unable to communicate for yourself.

Depending on your phone, you may also be able to add emergency contacts and medical information to its emergency settings. That can include allergies, medications, or other information you’d want someone to know in an emergency.

It’s easy to set up and then forget about, but it’s much better to have it ready before you ever need it.

7. A Water Bottle

Getting thirsty while you’re out can mean buying an overpriced drink simply because you don’t have another option.

A reusable water bottle gives you something to drink throughout the day and can be refilled when you’re near a water source. It’s especially handy for long errands, workdays, walks, and travel.

If carrying a full bottle feels inconvenient, a smaller bottle may be enough for shorter trips.

8. A Small Snack

An empty stomach can make a long day feel much longer.

A small snack can help if lunch gets pushed back, an appointment runs late, or you end up spending more time away from home than planned. Nuts, crackers, a granola bar, or fruit are easy choices that don’t take up much space.

It’s also nice to have something available instead of buying whatever happens to be closest when you’re suddenly hungry.

9. Hand Sanitizer

There are plenty of times when you’re out and can’t get to a sink right away.

A small bottle of hand sanitizer can be useful after touching shopping carts, public transportation surfaces, shared equipment, or other commonly touched objects. It’s easy to keep in a purse, backpack, car, or desk.

It’s still a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water when you have access to a sink.

10. Tissues or Wipes

Tissues take up almost no room, but they can come in handy for all sorts of little problems.

You can use them for a runny nose, a small spill, cleaning your hands, wiping a dirty surface, or dealing with a mess in the car. Wet wipes can be useful for bigger cleanups.

They’re one of those things that seem unnecessary until you’re suddenly looking around for one.

11. Personal Care Basics

A few small personal care items can make a long day much more comfortable.

Lip balm, hand cream, feminine hygiene products, hair ties, or a small comb are easy to keep in a pouch. You don’t need to carry your entire bathroom with you. Just think about the things you tend to wish you had when you’re away from home.

Keeping everything together in one small pouch also makes it easier to move between bags.

12. Weather Protection

A sunny morning doesn’t always mean you’ll have the same weather by afternoon.

Depending on where you live and where you’re headed, that might mean keeping a compact umbrella, sunglasses, or a lightweight jacket nearby. You don’t necessarily have to carry all of these every day. Check the forecast and think about how long you’ll be out.

Being caught in an unexpected downpour without an umbrella can turn a quick errand into a very uncomfortable one. A little planning before you leave can save you the trouble.