Tote Bag Essentials: What’s in My Tote?
My tote bag is basically my survival kit.
I don’t know how people walk around with tiny bags that fit only a phone and lip gloss. What if I need a snack? What if my phone dies? What if there’s an unexpected coffee spill? Nope, I need space—and that’s exactly why I swear by tote bags.
Since my tote goes everywhere with me, I’ve perfected the art of packing it with all the essentials—without turning it into a black hole of chaos.
So if you’re wondering what’s actually in my tote (and what should be in yours!), let’s dive into my must-have tote bag essentials.
1. The Non-Negotiables (a.k.a. My Everyday Must-Haves)
These are the things that I absolutely refuse to leave the house without.
✔ Wallet – Because obviously. I use a small zip-around wallet so it doesn’t take up too much space.
✔ Keys – Attached to a cute keychain because I refuse to dig for them in my bag like I’m on a treasure hunt.
✔ Phone – It’s basically an extra limb at this point.
✔ Sunglasses – Because squinting in the sun is not cute. I keep them in a hard case to prevent scratches.
💡 Pro Tip: If your tote doesn’t have built-in pockets, use a small pouch to keep essentials together so you don’t waste time searching for them.
2. Beauty & Self-Care Must-Haves
Listen, I love a minimalist aesthetic, but not when it comes to self-care. My tote bag always has these beauty & wellness essentials:
💄 Lip Balm & Lipstick – One for hydration, one for a pop of color. (Current fave: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm & Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk!)
🧴 Hand Cream – Because dry hands are not the vibe.
🫧 Mini Perfume – Just a small rollerball or travel spray to stay fresh all day.
🪞 Compact Mirror – For quick touch-ups (or for checking if my mascara has betrayed me).
🛍 Hair Ties & Clips – Because the second I leave my hair down, I immediately regret it.
3. The Just-In-Case Kit (Because Life is Unpredictable)
These are the "You never know when you'll need it" items that have saved me more times than I can count:
🔋 Portable Charger & Cable – Because a dead phone = pure panic.
🍫 Snack – A granola bar or almonds because hanger is real.
🧻 Tissues – For sneezes, spills, and unexpected emotional moments.
🫧 Hand Sanitizer – Because public spaces are germ central.
🩹 Mini First Aid Kit – Just a few Band-Aids, pain relievers, and blotting sheets (because oily skin emergencies exist too).
💡 Pro Tip: Keep these items in a small zipper pouch so they don’t float around in your bag!
4. Work & Productivity Essentials
Since my tote doubles as a work bag, I always keep these on hand:
💻 iPad/Laptop – Depending on the day, I carry either my laptop or my iPad with a keyboard case (perfect for working on the go!).
📔 Notebook & Pen – Because sometimes I just need to write things down the old-school way.
🎧 Wireless Earbuds – Whether I’m in a coffee shop or commuting, I need my playlists & podcasts.
📚 Current Book or Kindle – Because waiting in line is way less painful when you have something to read.
5. The "I Didn’t Know I Needed This Until I Had It" Items
These are the random but surprisingly useful things I keep in my tote:
✔ Foldable Reusable Bag – Perfect for grocery runs or unexpected shopping sprees.
✔ Stain Remover Pen – Because coffee spills happen.
✔ Lighter – I don’t smoke, but it’s surprisingly useful for candles, loose threads, or helping a friend out.
✔ Mini Umbrella – Because rain is rude and I refuse to get caught in it unprepared.
6. My Tote of Choice: The Perfect Bag to Hold It All
Since I carry a lot, I need a tote that’s spacious but not bulky, stylish but practical, and durable enough to survive daily life.
✨ Current Favorite: Cuyana Classic Structured Tote
✔ Fits everything without looking oversized
✔ Minimalist and timeless design
✔ Soft but structured leather that holds its shape
(Honorable Mention: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote—perfect for travel and lightweight days!)
Final Thoughts: My Tote Bag is Basically My Superpower
A good tote bag isn’t just a bag—it’s a life-saver, a work bag, a beauty kit, and a travel essential all in one.
The key is to carry what you need without overloading your bag (because we’re not trying to break our shoulders here!).
💡 Pro Tip: Do a quick "tote bag clean-out" once a week to get rid of unnecessary items (because no one needs 20 random receipts at the bottom of their bag).
Now tell me—what’s in YOUR tote bag? Do you keep it minimal or do you carry everything like me? Let’s chat in the comments! 👜✨