Clear the Clutter in the Car
A family vehicle wears many hats. Sure, it’s primarily a source of transportation, but it also functions as an office and restaurant-on-the-go, a mother’s room (for breastfeeding and changing dirty diapers), a time-out station and a dressing room between kids’ activities. With so many jobs, it’s only a matter of time before the family car begins to take on the look of a dumping ground. Here are some ways to ensure that your vehicle stays tidy, despite the miles you put on it this summer season and beyond!
In and Out. Verse your family in the golden rule of car care: if it goes in, it also must come out. This is the most effective habit everyone can adopt to prevent a major mess from occurring in the car. If a change of clothes or some toys are brought along for an outing, make sure that each item also is taken out of the car when you return home. The easiest way to put this rule into practice is by doing it every time you pull back into your driveway. Require that everyone look around his seat, grabbing items that don’t belong, before exiting the vehicle. It might take a while to get into the groove, but this little practice can reap huge dividends long term!
Get Organized. A place for everything, and everything in its place applies just as much to the car as it does anywhere else. Figure out what your family needs in the car full time and ensure that it has a proper place to be housed. If you prefer your kids take leak-proof water bottles with them on outings, make sure they are stored in the car seats’ drink compartments, the car’s cup holders or a bagged organizer that can be attached to the back of the front seats. Doing this ensures kids can easily grab them and put them back when not in use. Car organizers abound in shape, style and price point but are readily available at most retailers for good reason: They do a great job of keeping items easily within reach and prevent those items from rolling around between or under seats. Look for ones specially designed for storing baby gear (especially handy if a quick diaper change is necessary but the diaper bag is not handy), groceries or sports gear. Better yet, repurpose fabric or plastic storage bins you already have on hand for an economical solution.
Create car kits. Most of our vehicles fill with clutter when we attempt to be over-prepared. Avoid the overhaul by designating kits with basic necessities. For instance, by keeping a stack of diapers, wipes and a spare outfit stowed away in a car compartment at all times, it ensures that you and your little one are golden whether or not you brought the diaper bag. By placing an accordion-style file folder in the glove compartment with all your current car paperwork, such as insurance, registration and emergency contacts, you avoid a scramble when you need it. A simple store-bought first-aid kit and flashlight aren’t a bad idea to have on hand either.
Eat with care. In an ideal world, we would never eat in our cars, and the mess that comes with it would never materialize. But the reality is sometimes it’s a necessary evil. Keep messes at bay by designating sectioned art caddies for kids to place their meals in or use non-spill bowls for toddler snacks.
Establish a long-term cleaning habit. Determine how often your car needs to be washed and schedule it on your calendar. After washing down the exterior of the car, thoroughly vacuum the interior. Purchase cheap rubber floor mats to prevent carpet stains and use Q-tips with a gentle cleaning solution to wipe away grime stuck inside cupholders. Keep grocery sacks on hand to use as trash bags or storage bags for dirty clothes and shoes. Utilize carpool lines and red lights as mini-cleaning opportunities, giving the steering wheel, front panel and middle console a good rubdown (baby wipes work just as effectively as specially designed car wipes and have fewer chemicals).
With three little boys of her own, Olathe freelance writer Lauren Greenlee never quite knows what she’ll find when cleaning out her car!