How to Organize Your Car

If you spend a great deal of time commuting in your car from day to day, you know how quickly your car can become a mess. Between hauling the supplies you need for your commute to bringing along snacks and coffee, your car becomes an extension of your house. If you treat it like another room in your house, you’ll find it much easier to keep your car organized and presentable on a daily basis. Here are some tips for keeping your car tidy:

Strip The Inside Down

Begin by taking everything out of your car. Empty the glove compartment and all of those little side slots and pockets. You’ll be surprised at how much you have in your car that you don’t even know about. Once everything is evacuated and your car is empty, vacuum it thoroughly and clean the upholstery and dashboard. You’ll be starting with a fresh, clean interior.

Put The Essentials Into Your Car First

There are certain things every car needs to have. These include vehicle registration, AAA card (if you belong), car insurance information, maps, a tool kit, and a small first aid kit. Put these into your car first. Vehicle registration and insurance information is best placed in the glove compartment while maps can go in the side slots and pockets. Make sure these items are readily accessible in the case of an emergency.

Package Small, Loose Items

Chances are you’re going to find lots of little items such as rubber bands, bobby pins, and paper clips. Organize these into plastic zip lock bags. Decide whether you really need to carry these with you. If you have no use for these items on a daily basis, take them into the house. Most people carry far more items in their car than they need on a daily basis.

Use Plastic Storage Containers

You can buy plastic storage containers at your local hardware store that will easily fit on the floor in the back seat of your car. Place any essential items you’re going to need that day into a plastic bin so they won’t roll around or slide under the seat. They can be used for holding such items as books, magazines, papers, or CD’s. It will be easier to move items in and out of your car on a daily basis if you have them organized in a plastic bin.

Other Essentials For The Backseat

Place a plastic bag into a small plastic bin to serve as a trash container. Cars quickly get disorganized when trash is carelessly tossed into the back of your car to be picked up later. Also add a container of Handiwipes for emergency spills or other disasters.

Reorganize Your Car At The End of The Day

Each evening when you park your car for the day, reorganize your plastic bins and take out any items you won’t need for the following day. Don’t allow items to pile up. Empty the trash bag promptly and make it a point to remove the plastic bins and thoroughly vacuum on a weekly basis. It’ll feel good to have a clean car on a daily basis.

You’ll be surprised how much more pleasant a commute can be when you keep your car free of clutter and distractions. Why not make a clean car your next project?