Leaving the house with one bag and coming home needing three is a surprisingly common turn of events. Groceries multiply, something gets picked up along the way, or the day simply ends with more stuff than it started with. Having an extra tote around is one of those small acts of preparedness that feels particularly brilliant at exactly the right moment.

Market totes have long since wandered beyond the market. They’re useful enough for the regular grocery run but perfectly happy coming along for all the other parts of life that involve carrying things from one place to another. The fact that they can be washed and used over and over only makes it easier to let them get on with the job.

A foldable tote doesn’t ask for much space while it’s waiting to be useful, which makes keeping one nearby considerably more practical. Then, when the inevitable we’re going to need another bag moment arrives, there it is. Not every good decision requires much advance planning.