Make a Resolution to Organize Your Car

Americans spend more time in their cars these days than at any other point in history. We work from our cars and sit in traffic in our cars. We take kids from one activity to another in our cars and watch movies in our car. With so much going on in our cars, it's no wonder they have a tendency to become cluttered. In fact a cluttered car is more likely to become more cluttered and cause undue stress on the driver as well as passengers.

With a few organizational tricks your car can be more enjoyable to be in and safer too.

Make a regular cleaning date: If you have let your cars clutter get out of control, you may need to invest a bit of time to get it in tip top organizational shape. Once it's clean, however, keeping it clean will be much easier. Get in the habit of carrying things out of the car and into the house so they don't pile up in the car. Once a week, do a quick check to remove any garbage and bring other items back into the house.

Visor CD Storage
If you listen to CD's in your car, you will want to have a nice selection on hand to choose from at all times. The CD's will take up much less room if they are not in their jewel cases. Try a CD holder than attaches to the visor. Most hold 12 CD's and cost around $15. This is a great way to maximize your space, plus the CD's will always be within reach. Most CD visor storage units come with extra pockets for toll money or other necessities.

Back Seat Organizer
A great catch-all for whatever may be rolling around in your back seat, a back seat organizer attaches to the back of one of the front seats. Most will have room for CD's or DVD's, a compact umbrella, maps, drinks, a camera or electronic game. If you have children in your car from time to time, it's nice to have activities for them to work on and a back seat organizer is perfect for coloring books, crayons, activity books and snacks.

Garbage Bag
Now that everything is picked up and organized in your car, keep it that way by always having a garbage sack in the car. A plastic grocery bag will easily stuff into the glove box or in under seat storage for quick access. Rather than let fast food bags or empty coffee cups multiply in your car, stow them in your garbage bag, then empty it when you have a chance. It will keep your car clean and clutter-free.

Trunk Organizer
A trunk organizer can keep your groceries upright, keep your ice scraper close at hand or corral sports equipment. Available in various sizes, look for a trunk organizer that folds down when not in use. Most will have several compartments including outside pockets for instruction manuals, maps or even a small first aid kit. A few trunk organizers will even come with Velcro strips on the bottom that will securely attach it to your carpeted trunk.

Glove Box
Don't cram your glove box with lots of unnecessary items. Items to keep in your glove box are the manual for your car, a log book of repairs, proof of insurance, a tire gauge, a multiuse tool like a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman Tool. Consider including a disposable camera so pictures can be easily taken in the event of an accident. By keeping your glove box free from clutter you will be able to find just the right item at the moment you need it.

Emergency Kit
A good emergency kit in your car will give you peace of mind as you drive. You can purchase different emergency kits with just a few items, or hundreds of items. You can also make your own using a plastic tub or old duffel bag. Items to consider including according to the Red Cross are: Battery powered radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, blanket, booster cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), first aid kit and manual, bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter, maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, and flares.
Whether you're spending hours in your car on a road trip, 30 minutes commuting to work, or 15 minutes running the kids to soccer practice, an organized car will be a car that is more enjoyable to travel in.