Built into your vehicle's dashboard, right over the front-seat passenger's footwell, is an often under-utilized space: the glove compartment.  No longer used for just gloves, this cubicle has undergone a recent renaissance, being used as a temperature-controlled space, secure safe, and even being 'pimped out' to encase a laptop . (NOT safety approved!).

     My glove compartment is well-stocked and well-organized.  At around 100 cubic inches, it's important to maximize the little space you have (unless you're driving the 2008 Dodge Ram, boasting an impressive, and possibly excessive, 426 cubic inches). Most cars have additional interior storage - center console, side-door sleeves, backseat pockets - and they come in handy.  I recommend using those spots for everyday items; the types of things that you might take in and out of your vehicle on a regular basis.  But items in your glove compartment ("jockey box" to my friends in the Pacific Northwest) are meant to be placed and forgotten about until you need them.  It's sort of like breaking the glass in case of an emergency, only without the glass.

Here's what I stock in my glovebox:
- A bottle of anti-bacterial cream.  I'm not a germaphobe, but I am cognizant of the number of unhealthy particles floating around my door handles and steering wheel.
- Pen. Not just for exchanging information in case of an accident, a nearby writing utensil seems to always come in handy – and is never around when you need it.
- Registration card. Some will make the argument to keep this in your wallet in case your vehicle is stolen, but mine sits in a sleeve next to my...
- Insurance card.  Everything might be computerized, but the cops will still require this information if you are pulled over or require their assistance.
- Flashlight w/ batteries. And make it a decent one, not one of those $.99 cent jobs that wouldn’t even shed light in a black hole. 
- Napkins. You'll probably stuff your center console with these, but I always leave one or two neatly folded...just in case.
- ChapStick.  What can I say, I'm an addict.
- Maps/Atlas. I'm a big fan of my Magellan GPS and AAA Mobile Navigator (), but technology can never be fully trusted.  An old-fashioned map or atlas, on the other hand, can do no wrong (unless it gets wet, of course).
- Gum and/or mints. Fresh breath rules!
- PBA card.  If you're not fortunate enough to be friendly with a member of the regional  police force, it might be worth the investment to make a small donation to a chapter of local law enforcement.  Let's be honest, a police officer might be a bit 'kinder' if he/she sees a token of your support.  Be sure to keep this item visible next to your insurance card and registration, so it will 'accidentally' be seen when you're reaching for those items.  The ‘I Love Cops’ bumper sticker might be a bit extreme.

That's what is in MY glove compartment.  What's in yours?