Hence modular bugout boxes. Just need to spend a night or two at a hotel or friend's place? Box #1 with spare clothing, toiletries, deck of cards.
Class 5 hurricane heading straight for Houston? Time for boxes #1 & #2 (always ready) plus #3-#5, who's contents were assembled following checklists when the hurricane's cone of uncertainty touched Houston.

One might not know what will hit but it is possible to assign the likelihood of happening to different scenarios and plan accordingly.
-Blast