Road Warrior Checklist: 30 Things to Keep in Your Car

Whether you're traveling between showings or picking up supplies for an open house, your vehicle acts as your de facto second office. And like any office, it needs to be well-stocked with the essentials you need to do your job. When you're on the road, that means being prepared for anything!

So, intrepid road warriors, here are 30 ideas for on-the-go supplies to keep in your moveable office:

The basics

When you're facing a long day of driving around, it's helpful to have these items on hand to keep yourself (and your clients) feeling good:

• Water bottles - Keep a small cooler with bottled water for your clients. For yourself, consider bringing along a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic waste (and expense).
• Snacks - No time to stop for a bite? Stock your car with non-perishables like granola bars, crackers, beef jerky, and other non-messy, shelf-stable snacks. These are also great to have in case you have clients with low blood sugar issues.
• Phone chargers - A portable power bank or car charger will ensure your phone never dies during a busy day. Some larger power banks can charge laptops, too, so look for those if you port your laptop around.
• Hand sanitizer and wipes - These are essential for staying clean and hygienic, especially during property showings.
• Mints and breath fresheners - Always be prepared to leave a good impression.
• Umbrella - You never know when it might rain, so be ready with a compact umbrella.
• Lint roller - Keep yourself looking fresh and pet-hair free before meeting clients.

Showing supplies

Whether you're helping your listing look its best before a showing, or using these items with your buyers to vet a property, these supplies can help any showing go smoothly:

• Shoe covers - Keep shoe covers in your car to protect floors from dirt and debris.
• Wood markers and paint pens - Use wood markers to cover up minor scratches in wood. A white paint pen can do the same trick on white kitchen cabinets.
• Measuring tape or laser measure - A must-have for measuring rooms and helping buyers envision furniture placement.
• Flashlight - A small flashlight is handy for checking dark closets, attics, basements, sheds, or crawl spaces — or for using in vacant properties with turned-off power.
• Marbles - This is one of our favorite ideas we've heard over the years. Use a marble to test for floor dips and floor evenness.
• Compass - Have buyers who want to know which side of the house gets natural sunlight? Keep a physical compass or use a compass app to figure it out. You can also use an app like Sun Seeker (iOS, Android) to chart the sun's exact path at any time of the year.
• Dog treats - Although homeowners are supposed to remove or kennel their pets before a showing, things don't always go as planned. Keep dog treats on hand to help befriend any canine you may encounter.
• Cleaning supplies - Not all sellers are great at keeping their home showing-ready. Having basic cleaning supplies like paper towels, plug-in air fresheners, a Swiffer, or even a portable vacuum cleaner can help you quickly clean up any messes.
• Rain boots - Rainy days, muddy yards, flooded basements, distressed properties — you never know when you need hardier footwear at the ready.

Emergency essentials

No matter how well-maintained your car is or how safe a driver you are, there's no predicting what can happen on the road. Keep these items in your vehicle to ensure your safety when the unexpected happens:

• Jumper cables - These can be a lifesaver if your vehicle's battery dies. A portable car battery charger can also be super helpful for when there's no one nearby to jump your car.
• First-aid kit - Be prepared for minor cuts, scrapes, or headaches.
• Blanket - In the event that you're stranded, a blanket can keep you warm until help arrives.
• Tool kit - Keep a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, a wrench, and a hammer handy for unexpected repairs.
• Emergency roadside assistance - Consider subscribing to a roadside assistance service for peace of mind.
• Road flares or reflective triangles - These are essential for staying safe and visible during roadside emergencies.
• Ice scraper and snow brush - If you live in a cold climate, these are must-haves.
• Spare tire and jack - Ensure your vehicle has a spare tire and the necessary tools for changing a flat.

Bonus items

• Marketing materials - Brochures, business cards, and flyers are a great way to promote your business on the go. You can also keep short, printed reports on hand. For example, if you have access to RPR in your market, print out these reports: Mini Property Reports for each of your listings, Neighborhood Reports and School Reports for each area you serve.
• Gift basket - Have a small gift basket with snacks and drinks to welcome new clients. We've also heard of agents who keep a bottle of wine (and shatter-proof glasses) to celebrate closings.
• 'Just Sold' sign - Speaking of closings, a large "Just Sold" sign comes in handy for social media marketing. Have your clients hold the sign in front of their new home and take their photo.
• Spare lockboxes and lockbox keys - In case you get a new listing or the current lockbox needs to be replaced.
• Lock de-icer - This can be helpful on brutal winter days when a lockbox dial or front door lock freezes.
• Extra signs - This includes yard signs and open house signs.

There you have it — 30 ideas for keeping your vehicle stocked and prepared for all your real estate adventures!

Related reading

• What Type of Car Should Realtors Drive?
• 10 Tasks to Cross off Your Summertime Vehicle Maintenance Checklist