Having a system for In Car Organizing means you’re more likely to keep your sanity on the road.
This is especially true when you spend a ton of time in your car, to and from work, carpool, errands or before you head out for a road trip vacation! Before you hit the road, give your car a quick clean out with these In Car Organizing Tips.
Estimated time needed, 30-45 min’s.
Zone by Zone In Car Organizing
- Doors (interior pockets)-Keep a small umbrella and items you need frequently like coupon a caddy.
- Center Dashboard-All cars are different, most have some small storage compartment, for glasses, chap stick, gum, hand sanitizes and your charger. Just the basic’s here folks.
- Corral the cords-Use a cord organizer to keep your chargers untangled.
- Center Console- Go Vertical! Group small items in small bags bins and line them up vertically so you do not have to dig to the bottom to find what you need. Keep toiletry items, a note pad, pen, wipes (hand & car), change for meters (in an old Rx bottle), pain reliever, first aid etc.
- Glove Compartment-Store extra napkins in a plastic envelope or ziploc to keep tidy. Keep your car manual with insurance card and registration/inspection, a copy of drivers license, and maybe your coupon caddie? Other possibilities if you have room, a lint roller, fold up extra bags.
- Tidy Toss-A plastic cereal storage bin with a flip top (with or without a bag) is a great trash “can”. Other options a trash bag (hang from hook on back of passenger side) or place on floor in back.
- Back Seat– Reusable bags, hang behind driver or passenger seat (folded inside a bag).
- Kid Tip-keep an empty cleaning bin (like supplies are stored in) in the back seat to hold snacks and drinks and prevent messes-just brilliant!
- Constant Clean-Wipe down all surface. Do this while pumping gas or waiting in carpool (safe times when you are not moving). Keep a small duster (fuzzy microfiber or even a paint brush!) for light cleaning in a door pocket or console.
- Trunk/hatch back– An elastic trunk net keeps things from sliding out and creates extra vertical storage. Use collapsible fabric bins, either cubes or a hanging sweater “shelf” that expands. These are great to hold items like grocery bags and sport gear. The can be folded up when not in use. Keep a towel or small blanket for warmth, protect seats etc.
- Caddie or organizing bin-Keep this in the trunk for other essentials including a tape measure, plastic trash bags, rope/bungees, flash light, tire pressure tool and optional pet supplies.
- Safety Kit – Include a multi-knife tool, matches or lighter, thermal blanket, hand/foot warmers, window scraper, flare light, first aid kit, emergency food (bars), water in glass or metal (won’t go bad as quickly). Also keep a life hammer (window break tool) in a door pocket or your center console. This can be mounted with velcro or command tape. Be sure it’s easy to access in case of an flooding-not in trunk!
If you can pull it all out and sort it on the driveway, in the garage or even in the street!
Once it’s empty, take your car for a Spa Day! Get it cleaned, detailed, feeling and smelling great before you return only what you need.
What did I miss? Everyone’s different, this list covers the basics for In Car Organizing, including safety but you might need other essentials. If you have tips or questions please share them in the comments below!
Looking for more kid-friendly organizing tips? Check out how to create a Practical Command Center.
