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18 things every man should keep in his work bag
Chances are you're probably leaving something out, and you'll only realise you need it when that moment hits
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Do you have every thing you need?
Chances are you're probably leaving something out, and you'll only realise you need it when that moment hits.
Whether it's hand sanitizer, an extra pair of headphones, or lip balm, there are at least 18 items we think no man should be without on his way to and from the office.
1. An extra charger so that you can power up your phone wherever, whenever.
Our phones rule our lives. Make sure yours always has enough juice by carrying an extra charger around with you.
2. A portable battery pack for when a wall isn't available.
When you don't have access to a wall outlet, the portable charger will have to do. Just make sure it's also charged.
3. Lip balm is a winter necessity.
Send dry lips packing with Supergoop Lip Balm. This is the best stuff I've ever tried, and it repairs dry and chapped lips in a pinch.
4. A comb to make sure your hair is always cooperating.
A quick stop in the bathroom, a sprinkle of water, and a swipe of your trusty comb and your hairstyle will be as good as new.
5. The city is dirty. Sanitize your hands after touching it.
Sure, there are studies that say hand sanitizer does more harm than good. But the fact remains, you're going to want it sometimes, even if it's only to make you feel better about that disgusting thing you just touched by accident.
6. Tide To-Go for life's unexpected messes.
It always comes in handy in an emergency.
7. A portfolio to keep your most sensitive work materials.
From your work laptop to sensitive documents, a portfolio makes sure it's all secure and within easy reach. Not to mention, the handsome leather will surely impress all who gaze upon it.
8. A mini-umbrella for when you get caught in the rain.
It doesn't matter where you live — the weather can be unpredictable. Protect yourself with a collapsible umbrella that you carry with you every day.
(This doesn't replace your main umbrella, it just ensures you're never caught without one.)
9. Be professional with a card case.
Giving someone a business card? Pro move. Taking a business card out of a business card holder and giving it to someone? Now we're talking impressive.
10. A cheap pair of headphones for whenever you forget your expensive ones.
These aren't the headphones you'll be listening to every day, but $6 is a small price to pay to ensure you're never caught without your tunes.
11. A well-made water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated.
Fill it up once and you'll be drinking in style throughout the day, no matter where it takes you.
12. Something to freshen your breath in a pinch.
A sudden work meeting after you just had Indian for lunch? Don't sweat it — just pop a Listerine.
13. Gum always comes in handy.
A man cannot live on Listerine Pocketpaks alone — sometimes he needs gum to pick up the slack.
14. A journal for writing down important work notes or thoughts throughout the day.
Sure, you could just use your phone for such things, but there's nothing quite like an old-fashioned, high-quality notebook to write on. You'll look more professional too, and not like you're sending off a text message.
15. A pen is also necessary for such things.
Our favorites are the Pilot G-2s, which is the perfect blend of comfort and writability.
16. Be prepared for whatever the day throws at you with a pocket pack of tissues.
Your date will likely be impressed too, should they ever need one.
17. Flash drive to transport large files.
For files too big for email, be prepared with a flash drive.
18. A good book to keep you company in the downtime.
Waiting for a friend at a bar? Entertain yourself with a modern classic.
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Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2015. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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