Published May 30, 2025

Why I Now Travel With WD40 and a Flashlight

Written by Brittany Boyles

Why I Now Travel With WD40 and a Flashlight

When I first got into real estate, I thought all I needed was a nice blazer, a smartphone, and a smile. Fast-forward to today, and my trunk now resembles a cross between a mobile cleaning service and a survival bunker.

Over the years, I’ve learned—usually the hard way—that home showings and open houses don’t always go as planned. And that’s how I found myself quietly spritzing Febreze in a guest bathroom at 8:43 a.m. and using a flashlight app to guide clients through a power outage like a flight attendant on an emotional red-eye.

So here it is: The Real Estate Emergency Kit, aka Why I Travel With WD40 and a Flashlight.

1. WD-40: The Unsung Hero

I never thought I’d need it—until I did. Stuck lockboxes, screeching doors that make buyers jump, or sticky gates that won’t budge… WD-40 handles it all like a champ. A couple spritzes and suddenly you’re the magician who fixed a decades-old problem in five seconds. It's oddly satisfying.

2. Febreze: Because Life Has Smells

You’d be surprised how many homes are filled with… character. And by “character,” I mean wet dog, last night’s dinner, or that one mysterious scent you just can’t quite place.

One time, I walked into a showing and immediately knew someone had “forgotten” to take out the trash—or had stored a ghost in the pantry. A few discreet sprays of Febreze later, and suddenly the home smelled like a meadow in spring. Or at least not like a gym sock in August.

Moral of the story: buyers use all five senses, and smell is not one you can Photoshop in the listing photos.

3. Flashlight: For When the House Has Other Plans

You’d think lights would work in a house. You’d be wrong.

Whether it’s a vacant home with no utilities, a storm that knocked out power mid-showing, or motion sensors that forgot how to sense motion, I’ve learned to always bring a flashlight. Not the one on your phone either (though that works in a pinch)—I’m talking a real flashlight, the kind survivalists would approve of.

Because nothing says “buy this house” like leading clients through a pitch-black hallway like a haunted house tour guide.

4. Shoe Covers: Because Mud Happens

Rainy days? No problem. Until the buyer walks in with hiking boots and the seller texts 12 seconds later asking why there are footprints on their white carpet. Enter: the trusty shoe covers.

Stylish? No.
Functional? Absolutely.
Reusable? Depends on how brave you are.

They’ve saved many a flooring situation and at least three agent-seller relationships.

5. Lint Roller: For Pets, People, and Mystery Fluff

You’d think lint wouldn’t be a major player in home sales. But here we are. Whether it’s pet hair on the couch, fuzz on your blazer, or the couch cushions attracting every loose particle within a 10-mile radius, the lint roller is your silent hero.

I’ve used mine to clean furniture, window sills, my pants, a client’s pants… and once, a cat that wouldn’t stop shedding mid-showing. (Don’t ask.)

6. Paper Towels + Multi-Surface Spray: The Dynamic Duo

Just when you think the house is perfect, someone spills coffee on the countertop or the dog knocks over a plant. Having quick-clean tools on hand can turn a near disaster into a “no big deal” moment.

Also great for: dusting, fingerprint removal, impromptu mirror shining, and wiping tears of stress. Multi-purpose, baby.

7. Bottled Water + Granola Bars: Because Hanger Is Real

You wouldn’t think snacks would be a necessity—until you're six showings deep and someone’s stomach starts growling loud enough to echo off the tile floors.

Pro tip: Keep a couple emergency granola bars in your bag. Bonus if you share. Double bonus if they’re not smushed beyond recognition.

8. Zip Ties + Screwdriver: For… Whatever Comes Up

I don’t know why, but zip ties solve 80% of real estate problems. Curtains falling down? Zip tie. Loose outlet cover? Screwdriver. Door won’t stay open? Use a screwdriver and zip tie something. I don't make the rules.

Final Thoughts: Your Trunk is Your Toolkit

The glamorous life of real estate isn’t just contracts and coffee shop meetings. It’s surprise smells, flickering lights, last-minute cleanups, and solving problems you didn’t even know existed 10 minutes ago.

So yes—I now travel with WD-40 and a flashlight, and I wear that badge with pride. Because when chaos inevitably strikes during a showing, I’m not panicking. I’m already in the trunk, pulling out a zip tie, a granola bar, and a lint roller like a real estate MacGyver.

Your agent may not wear a cape, but you can bet they carry a stain remover pen.
Got questions about buying, selling, or what else we keep in our emergency kits? Let’s chat. Preferably in a house that smells like fresh linen.