How to Use Organization to Take Control of Your Life -- Step 4

Car manufacturers are becoming more and more consumer savvy. They are beginning to see that people need storage in their vehicles. People with large families especially need to have areas in their vehicles for much used items. However, a lot of vehicles either don't have the right kind of storage or not enough for an individual's (or family's) needs. Even if the storage areas are just right, it can still be a hassle to attempt to find what you need when things get cluttered.

The Glove Compartment

The glove box is one of the easiest places to reach when seated in the driver's seat. Because of this, it is the best place to house your most important items concerning your car, and nothing else. Items such as proof of insurance, registration, road assistance information, and vehicle maintenance receipts should be kept in the glove box. Your owner's manual, tire air pressure gauge, and a flashlight should be kept there as well. If you add much else to this, your glove compartment becomes cluttered, making finding things a hassle. More times than not, if you need any of the above mentioned items it is in an emergency, so it is important to have easy and quick access to them.

Middle Console

Most vehicles come with a middle console - a storage unit located somewhere between the driver's and passenger's seats. Because of its location, it is a great place to store frequently used items. Things like chap stick, a pen, gum, a small umbrella, a non-perishable snack or two (like snack crackers), and an unopened bottle of water would be great items to put in here. This isn't a great place for important information because if drinks get spilled there's a chance it could spill on your papers. Some consoles have an ashtray located in them. This is a good place to put your extra change for easy access.

Back of the Seat Organizers

These types of organizers are usually made of fabric, canvas, or vinyl. Most department stores carry them, and they come in a variety of different sizes and patterns. I suggest buying ones that have several pockets.. Adding these to the backs of your seats give backseat passengers places to store items. This is a must have for families with children. These organizers usually come with a place to hold a drink and have pockets that store items such as cds, colored pencils, snack items, maps, small game systems, small umbrellas, and books. For long car trips, having these in place really helps make life easier for parents.

Must Have Items

Any other storage compartments in your vehicle can house necessary or useful items that you may need. I keep a blanket or two in my car during cold weather months. They have really come in handy for my children. A first aid kit is especially good to have on hand. I've already been through a box of band aids this year! A small air compressor is a very useful item to have as well. I've used mine countless times and it has kept me out of some very difficult situations. Carrying along an extra book or two is a good idea too. Its nice to have something to do if you find yourself in a situation where you have an unexpected wait - like when you're having your car maintenanced. A box of small garbage bags and a small hand broom are great helpers for keeping your car clean. I also carry a spray bottle of fabric refresher. My car doesn't have any extra storage areas for these items, so I keep a tool box in my trunk that holds these items in their own specific trays.

Of course everyone has different needs, so stock your car with items that you and your family will use. Take advantage of any extra storage space. Give every item its own "home," and you can keep your car neat, organized and well stocked all year long.