15 must-haves to keep in your work bag at all times

15 must-haves to keep in your work bag at all times15 must-haves to keep in your work bag at all timesFrom sudden spills to bathroom blunders, you never know whats going to come your way at work. Hopefully, youve got the right bag with mora than enough room for anything and everything you might need at a moments notice. If youre looking to fill the space in that beautiful purse of yours, consider adding these 15 items so you can handle any situation at work like a boss.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more1. PottymintsIf you work in an office with a multi-person bathroom, then these are a must-have (though theyre great for individual bathrooms, too). Pottymints are little tablets that you can drop in the toilet to help eliminate any odor that may result from, well, going to the bathroom. So for those days when Taco Tuesday just doesnt sit well with your stomach, a Pottymint is a must -have.2. PenIt might sound obvious, but you never know when youre going to need to write something down. Plus, if your boss ever asks for a pen, youll be able to lend it to her ASAP, which could help you stand out among the crowd. Even better, pens can be used for so many things, including opening a package and holding your hair in a bun.3. FlossThat salad you plan to eat for lunch sounds delicious, but getting spinach stuck in your teeth right before that pitch meeting does not. Dont let that little speck distract from what you have to say at work. Hopefully, your coworkers will be honest with you and let you know that theres something in your teeth. And when they do, be prepared with dental floss.4. A Dryer SheetDryer sheets can do so much more than soften your laundry. Keep one in your work bag in case you ever need to remove deodorant marks or pet hair from a dark colored shirt, wipe down your computer or phone screen, repel insects, tame static or just make your bag smell wonde rful. Trust us, youll be happy you have one with you at the office.5. TissuesWeve all been there You go to the bathroom only to find that theres no toilet paper left. Tissues to the rescue Theyre also important for when your allergies act up, you spill something on your outfit or you need to fix your makeup before a big meeting.6. Hand SanitizerLike tissues, hand sanitizer can be a lifesaver when the bathrooms out of soap. Plus, between your commutes to work and the very public, very germ-coated office water cooler, its smart to carry hand sanitizer at all times to help reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold. Your immune system will thank you.7. Portable ChargerWhether you use your cell phone for work calls or just need to tackle a few personal things at the office, your battery can die pretty quickly. Dont risk your phone going dark on you when you need it most - carry a portable charger. If you dont have one that can be plugged into your computer or an outlet,keepa car charger in your vehicle so you can juice up during that lunch run.8. geschftliches miteinander CardsWhile you probably dont need to hand a coworker a business card at work, you never know whom you might meet on your commute or during a client meeting. You might even want one for happy hour with your work wife in case you cross paths with your future mentor or boss at the bar. (It could happen) Having a stack of business cards in your purse is a no-brainer.9. CashIf you work in an office with other people, chances are youre going to need cash at some point or another. Maybe its to pay someone back for grabbing you a coffee or to chip in for a retirement gift for your boss. With all of theamazing leistungspunkt card rewardsout there these days, its so easy to want to swipe for everything to rack up those miles. Unfortunately, you cant swipe for those Girl Scout cookies that your coworker is selling. Even if its just $20, youre better off having a little cash on hand than none at all.1 0. Breath Mints Or Mint GumWe love our morning lattes, but the coffee breath that comes with them? Not so much. Breath mints or mint gum are a must for freshening up before that meeting. Plus, mint-flavored candies can helprelieve gas and indigestionwhen lunch just doesnt go your way.11. Sewing KitOne of the worst things that can happen at work? You lose a button on your blouse, find a hole in your skirt or break a zipper on your pants. A sewing kit is a must for fixing each of these situations. Grab a travel-sized kit that can fit in your work bag, butmakessure it comes with a needle and thread, buttons and safety pins. Bonus if it has fashion tape, too12. Lip BalmAnother seemingly obvious one, lip balm is great for those moments when your lips are chapped. However, lip balm can be used for so many other things. Rub some on your hands if youre out of lotion, tame unruly eyebrows or flyaway hairs with it, apply a little to a zipper if it gets stuck orpreventblisters from those new p umps by putting a little lip balm on your ankles.13. LotionDry skin is never fun. Whether its on your hands, arms or legs, moisturized skin will always look and feel more professional. Keep lotion in your work bag and apply it before shaking someones hand (make sure it dries first, though) or use it to freshen up when it seems like your deodorant just isnt working as well as it should. But be careful with the fragrance - no one wants theentireoffice to smell like passionfruit and banana flower.14. Nail File Or ClippersA good, old-fashioned nail file or pair of nail clippers can come in handy when you accidentally break a nail or need to smooth a rough edge. A quick touch-up can also help your fingers look more professional when shaking hands with someone at the office. Even better, both can be used to cut a loose string from a shirt or skirt. Whatever you use a nail file or clippers for, just be sure to do it in the bathroom so you dont bother your coworkers with the sound.15. Stai n Removal WipesSpilling a little coffee on a white blouse is the worst. But with a stain remover wipe, youll look squeaky clean before that morning meeting. Keep a few in your work bag at all times so you never have to worry about one little spot ruining your entire day.While these items are our must-haves, carry whatever you need to put your best foot forward every day. Just be sure to arm yourself with a work bag that can carry it all and youll feel confident no matter what the situation.This article first appeared on Swirled.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people