Buy a Better Umbrella

I used to carry one of those small, foldable umbrellas in my bag - just in case it rained. But the problem with those compact umbrellas is that they’re almost always cheap. I’d pay for one, and then the moment there was even a slight gust of wind, it would flip inside out. Sometimes I had to hold it with both hands - one at the handle, one near the top- just to keep it from flying around. Super annoying.

Another issue with small umbrellas is that they’re so compact, I’d constantly forget them. My roommates and I used to have about four umbrellas between us, but during one particularly rainy week in New York, I lost three umbrellas in three consecutive days. I’d leave them on the floor somewhere or forget them at the front of a store.

Fed up, I finally decided to buy a better umbrella. I went to Muji and picked out one of those full-size arched umbrellas. You know, the kind that Penguin from Batman would carry. And it’s been a game changer.

If I know it’s going to rain, I bring it with me. It’s sturdy, reliable, and doesn’t flip inside out, even in heavy wind. Because it’s bigger, it’s also a little obnoxious in a good way: I don’t forget it. If I’m on my way home and I’m not holding my “walking stick,” I immediately know something’s missing. I also feel like I’m packing a weapon when I’m carrying my umbrella which makes me feel extra safe walking in NYC.

Just investing in a slightly better umbrella - and the Muji one isn’t even that expensive - has saved me money and headaches in the long run.