Depending on where you live, you may spend a lot of time in your car, truck or van. Is the interior tidy or do you have a growing heap of stuff that comes along for the ride? In either case, do you have everything you need when you need it? Do you know what’s in the glove box? Do you regularly gather and remove all the trash? Or are you traveling each day in an uncomfortable medley of stale french fries and whatnot?
Just as we deserve an organized, well-functioning home to serve our lifestyle, we also deserve to ride in a clean, safe, and organized space. You shouldn’t have to risk your life (and that of others) to search for your charger cord, your toll pass, or your child's toy. Nor should you have to worry about objects sliding under your feet or flying out the window if you break hard or take a corner a little too fast.
Well, we’ve got some tips and a how-to guide that should help you get the interior of your vehicle neatly arranged, whether you like it sparse or filled with comforts.
Driving or riding in a tidy, organized vehicle provides 3 important things:
Preparedness. When our team organizes a vehicle, we don't just think about the convenience and safety of having your phone properly mounted, making the charger easily accessible, and having tissues or sunglasses within easy reach. We also consider what you might need for those unexpected situations that don't occur every day. We think through what would be appropriate for your emergency kit, where it would be best to store your registration to keep it safe from spills, and whether an extra change of clothes for you or the kids would be useful to have on hand. As you make your organizing plan, think about things like the terrain, the weather, and the activities you have planned before determining what needs to be in the vehicle with you.
Safety. In an episode of MythBusters called “Killer Tissue Box,” they tested and busted the myth that a tissue box would kill you in a car crash. However, their tests confirmed sharp or heavier objects could inflict fatal damage. Now, Mythbusters is just a show for entertainment, but this episode is a good reminder that unsecured items in the car can pose a danger in the event of a quick stop or an accident. When organizing your car, always try to place items securely in pockets, glove boxes or other containers to create a safe environment no matter what the situation.
Comfort. When your car is clean and safe, then you may want to consider adding a few items for extra comfort. It might be a pleasant scent (hopefully not to cover up icky smells, just to create a pleasant environment), small blankets or entertainment for the little ones in the back seat, or conveniences like mini trash bags and wipes for easy clean ups. Remember though, that if an item is just needed for a specific trip, take it out when you get home, so it doesn’t become the start of another collection of misplaced belongings.
Having the Right Tools for the Job
Here are a few suggestions for products that can help make your car organizing a breeze!
Animal Waste Bags (Any small bags, even grocery bags, are great to have on hand!)
Want to organize your own vehicle like a professional? The steps are basically the same as any other organizing project: sort, edit, decide, contain, and maintain. Use this as a guide to get you started and let us know how it goes!
Got too many things on your hands to do it yourself? Let us take the wheel! Contact Us to learn how we can help!
This post is part of a series called "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" about spaces outside the home or office that may need organizing attention.