Apply the same rules to your car as you do your home

It’s your home on wheels. No, we aren’t referring to your RV, we’re talking about your vehicle! We spend quite a bit of time in our vehicles between commuting to work, taking the kids to ball practice and going on weekend trips. Or, these days, mostly going to and from the grocery store.

However, are there times that your car is less than flattering? You’ve probably found a seven-week old nugget under the car seat, removed a sucker that was stuck to the headrest, or taken five minutes to clear a spot out for an innocent passenger, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

You can have an organized car with a few changes and suggestions. Start here:

You have rules for the house, so why not rules for the car? Simple rules such as “pick up your trash” or “take whatever you brought with you” can go a long way. If your kids regularly make a mess of their snacks, go on a No Snack hiatus. You can also confiscate any toys or other items that are left behind.

Provide the materials! If you want your car to stay clean, help your family succeed by keeping tools handy. Keep small trash bags in the compartment on the back of the seats for easy access. Grab one before you get out of the car and make everyone gather trash! Customize a small storage tub for each child to keep in the car with some games, toys, puzzles, etc…this way there is no need to bring extra toys from home into the car! Same goes with snacks…keep a bag or tub of car-friendly snacks readily available, such as crackers, dry cereal, or granola bars, as they are all easy to eat on the go and easy to clean up. Put some individually packaged moist towelettes and an old towel in the console for cleaning emergencies!

Get organized. Put your registration and proof of insurance in a labeled folder or baggie in the glove compartment. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it beats fumbling around if you do. Keep your console organized and easily accessible. Unknot charger and auxiliary cords and use bread-ties to keep them from tangling. Find a spot for your purse. Remember: it’s hard to make your kids stay tidy if you aren’t doing it yourself.

Pay a little attention to the cleanliness of your car, including the outside! Give your car a hot bath every now and then to keep it shiny and clean. Run a small vacuum over the carpet and seats, removing all french fries and playground sand. You don’t have to do a thorough cleaning every week, just a little effort to maintain your car will go a long way!

After implementing these practices, you’re probably still going to find snack crumbs and the occasional Hot Wheel under the seat, but at some point, your efforts will become a way of life. Until then, just sit back, pay attention to the road, and feel good knowing that you are not alone in this battle!