Electronic spares are essential.

Everyone has a large box or drawer to which they send their electronic spares, cables and other technological extras.

It’s a good idea to sort through yours at least a few times per year. It might lead to the discovery of a few things you’ve forgotten about – and this box can be your first rescue in times of tech-related terror when you need something small and it’s an emergency event.

It’s also a good idea to stock up on a few electronic spare essentials. Emergencies aren’t exactly predictable, are they?

Here are some of the most important electronic spares to have.

Replacement Batteries

If you own a smartphone, own a replacement battery for it.

There aren’t all that many hardware-related issues that can hit the average smartphone during its lifespan. One of the most common ones includes the death of the battery – and it doesn’t have the mean the death of the device if you have a backup already waiting.

It’s better to have it and not need it…

Power Banks

Never underestimate the power of a power bank – especially in the event of a power outage.

Routine power outages are more common in some parts of the world than others. Sometimes, you’re just somewhere away from home and need to charge your device away from an outlet.

Power banks can save you a lot of time, and a lot of panicking.

Multi-Plugs

Imagine that you have a charging-related emergency that could be solved if you could just plug in your phone somewhere – but behold, you don’t have the right plug, and nobody else around you does, either.

It’s possible, and I’ve been in the same situation more times than I can count.

Since then, I’ve learned to carry adapters for any devices or chargers by default. So should you.

A Universal Charger

Ordering the right charger to match up with a laptop can take days to weeks.

The best precaution you can take is ordering a universal charger ahead of time.

USB Hubs

A USB hub is a handy thing to have.

I’d call it an essential.

Laptop USB ports are notorious for wearing out over time. Using a USB hub instead is likely to extend the lifespan of the ports attached to your device – especially if you’re a heavy user of USB-powered devices.

(The Right) USB Cables

USB-to-phone cables happen to be one of those things that you can never have enough of.

Least of all, they can be used for charging, data transferring, USB-tethering and likely a couple of other things. Just like laptop ports, they tend to wear out: You’ll notice that older cables tend to disconnect (and might lead to devices that refuse to charge).

Always have spare cables around the place.

When you need them, you’ll be glad you do.

A Wired Mouse & Keyboard

Always have a keyboard and mouse that connects the old-fashioned way: With cables.

Why?

A computer displaying issues with booting up and issues with the keyboard at the same time is completely stuck when trying to boot from a Bluetooth-keyboard.

A wired keyboard gets you out of the loop.

More than this, you’ll be glad you have a wired keyboard if you ever run out of batteries for a Bluetooth kit before realizing that nobody in the city sells a spare or two.

Never say never: It’s happened to me at least twice.