JESSICA MAXINE

- Tightly roll your clothes when you pack them instead of a standard fold. This is what I always refer to as “military packing”, because it’s how my dad learned to pack in the army. It allows you to fit more in your bags. 

- Do not forget toiletries, those who have periods make sure you grab your products as well, you do not know how long you’ll be gone or if you’ll have the availability to get more. Unscrew the lids to things like shampoo or anything that might leak and place plastic wrap over the opening (ziplock bags work as well), then screw the lid back on, this will prevent any leaking. 

- Grab all prescription medication and EPI Pens, it is also a good idea to pack any NASIDs (ibuprofen and other anti-inflamatory mediciation),and allergy medication like claratin, zyrtec, or benadryl. Grab any emergency medical kits in your house and make sure they have bandages, gauze, sanitizing wipes, and neosporin. If your box is big enough, pack a small sewing kit, a lighter, a ball of steel wool, a 9 volt battery, a swiss army knife, and small food bars like protein bars or granola bars. 

- Grab all personal documents, IDs, passports, SS cards, birth certificates, insurance cards, including car insurance, legal documents including marriage licences and tax papers. If available place these in large ziplock bags to keep them safe from getting wet or dirty. 

- Grab all family heirlooms, photographs, gold and other valuable jewelry, diplomas, and other irreplaceable items. 

- Pack power banks and charging cords 

- Most shelters only allow service animals, please find lodging for your pets, make sure collars and name tags are secured and that you’ve entered your information on their chips, pack food for your animals as well. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR ANIMALS 

-  Withdraw cash from your bank, grab check books, take your wallets and purses and make sure your cards are in them. 

- It is getting colder. Pack hats, gloves, scarves, water proof coats, lots of socks and underwear, water resistant boots. 

- Pack plenty of water, non perishable and ready to eat foods, manual can opener. Also bring flashlights 

- if you have infant children pack baby formula, even if you normally breast feed

Watch: Kristen Bell opens up about the mental health double standard and how she manages her own struggle.