Update: My one-pouch deposition kit survived a week: what I kept vs what I cut
Quick update to my earlier post about a tasteful, compact deposition-day essentials kit (not a bag). I tried a strict one-pouch system for a full week of conference-room depos plus one courthouse appearance, and it actually worked.
What stayed in the kit (non-negotiable now):
- Two pens that actually write on cheap copy paper, plus a highlighter. I stopped trusting whatever random pen is on the table.
- Tiny pill case with ibuprofen and an allergy med, and a couple of cough drops. Courtroom air is not my friend.
- Mini lint roller. I thought this was optional until I stood up and my black trousers disagreed.
- Travel hand lotion and a hair tie. Dry hands make me cranky and it shows.
- Short spare phone charger cable and a wall plug. Used it more than I expected.
What I cut:
- Full-size legal pad. Switched to a slim notepad and only tear out what I need. Less bulk, less clutter.
- Extra makeup. Kept it to blotting sheets and a tinted balm. Everything else was just stress packing.
Unexpected win: I started treating the pouch like a streaming watchlist. Everything has a category and a reason, and if it does not get used in two weeks it gets removed.
If anyone has a compact, tidy way to handle exhibit stickers or tabs without bringing a whole office supply drawer, I'm all ears.
Quick update to my earlier post about a tasteful, compact deposition-day essentials kit (not a bag). I tried a strict one-pouch system for a full week of conference-room depos plus one courthouse appearance, and it actually worked.
What stayed in the kit (non-negotiable now):
- Two pens that actually write on cheap copy paper, plus a highlighter. I stopped trusting whatever random pen is on the table.
- Tiny pill case with ibuprofen and an allergy med, and a couple of cough drops. Courtroom air is not my friend.
- Mini lint roller. I thought this was optional until I stood up and my black trousers disagreed.
- Travel hand lotion and a hair tie. Dry hands make me cranky and it shows.
- Short spare phone charger cable and a wall plug. Used it more than I expected.
What I cut:
- Full-size legal pad. Switched to a slim notepad and only tear out what I need. Less bulk, less clutter.
- Extra makeup. Kept it to blotting sheets and a tinted balm. Everything else was just stress packing.
Unexpected win: I started treating the pouch like a streaming watchlist. Everything has a category and a reason, and if it does not get used in two weeks it gets removed. Same way I prune random apps I only open in waiting rooms, like mistplay and its cousins.
If anyone has a compact, tidy way to handle exhibit stickers or tabs without bringing a whole office supply drawer, I'm all ears.