A Disorganized Auto Can Drive a Person Wild
The same rules apply to organizing a car as organizing any other space: Make a place for each thing and build good work habits. For some people, the car is a symbol of elegance; it looks as if it has just been driven out of the showroom. To others, the car is the object that takes them from place to place, and the space serves the same purpose as the high school locker: It’s where they keep extras that might be needed throughout the week as they pass between events.
For some, the car is a visual to-do list, gathering books to be taken back to the library, clothes for cleaners and cans for the recycling center. It’s the holding tank until there is time to put everything away. Whether your car is for “show” or “go,” it can be organized.
Where do you put a candy wrapper or tissue? It’s nice to have a container for trash. I prefer a little bag that hangs from a knob. Empty trash containers often. It helped me to put a trash barrel in the garage near my parking spot. Before I get out of the car, I take a quick scan and do a little pickup.
Children Are Offenders
When my children were little, they were forever leaving their stuff in the car. They would leave books, swim gear, sweaters and papers of all sorts. When you stop the car, have everyone gather all their belongings. It’s the same type of work habit you create when you insist on a five-minute pickup before lunch.
I believe in the Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared.” Do you need a spot to collect change for parking meters or toll charges? Every vehicle should have a spare tire and jack, but it’s also smart to carry an emergency pack with flares, first aid kit and blanket. Don’t forget a flashlight, screwdriver and pliers. It’s smart to have some water and a little emergency food. Store these things in a box or tote bag so they don’t roll all over in the car.
When I bought my new car, I promised myself I would wash and vacuum it at least once a month. My deadline is the day I mail the payment. It takes such a big hunk out of my salary, I need to have that car look like it’s worth my efforts.
You will want to organize papers. Do you keep warranties for batteries and tires in the house or in the car? Most people put them in the glove box. You could get a small, half-size expandable folder for car-related papers.
Keep Records Within Reach
Where do you keep the registration and proof of insurance? Some people stick them in the visor; others buy a small plastic holder with a long string to secure them on the steering column. They need to be where you can get them quickly.
When was the oil changed? When is it due again? Many mechanics put a sticker on the inside edge of the driver’s door. A smart owner will keep a complete dated record of all maintenance and service performed on each vehicle. This may be kept in the house with other financial information or in the individual cars. A little order can save a lot of money.
If the vehicle serves as a mini-office on wheels, you may have business-related papers you need to keep track of. Use a briefcase, folder or small file box. The object is to have a place for them and keep them together so it’s easy to find what you need and it looks fairly neat.
Two young boys decided to do their dad a favor for Father’s Day and clean out his truck. They tossed out all those yellow and pink papers on the floor, under the seat and behind the visor. Dad had a hard time verifying equipment purchases for his heating business that month.
Survey needs and look for solutions. If you charge gas purchases, where do you keep receipts until the bill arrives and you can compare them? I have a miniature clipboard in my car on which I write a daily mileage log. Each time I stop the car in my driveway, I take a second to make entries.
Locker, Not a Junk Drawer
The way you organize the car depends on how you use it. A car can be used like a locker and still not look like a junk drawer. Use boxes, bags and baskets to organize things.
When you’re riding in the car for long periods, you need extra things available. Occasional straightening will help. I made a pocket caddy (much like a pocket shoe bag) that slips over the back of the front seat, making pockets available in the back seat for the children to store their books, tapes, games, tissue, pencils and tablets.
Take care of things in the car promptly. It’s one thing to carry a bag of kitty-litter in the trunk in case you get stuck in the snow. But it’s a poor work habit to leave the bag in the car for three weeks just because you haven’t taken the time to put it in the garage.
When we return from a trip, our family rule is that everyone stays around to help unload the car and put everything away. No TV or other projects until all the dirty clothes are in the laundry area, suitcases are back on the shelf, sleeping bags and tent are hung, cooler is cleaned out, etc. After vacation, re-entry is hard enough without a lingering mess.
