Declutter Diaries: The Car

By Y.M. Lowy

Welcome back to Declutter Diaries! Today, we’re going to organize the car. Our minivans are where we create the best family memories, but they often turn into overflowing messes. Organizing it more often than just before Pesach helps keep the space feeling good for everyone who rides along.

Organize This:

Empty and Clean: Start by clearing out the entire car, including the trunk, glove compartment, and seat pockets to create the toss-or-keep pile. Use a handheld vacuum to suck up crumbs hiding in small crevices, a damp cloth can help to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, and screen.

Designate Zones for Essentials: Front Seat- Keep only what you use daily like phone chargers, sunglasses, and tissues.

Glove Compartment- Store important documents (registration, insurance), a small first-aid kit, and a flashlight.

Center Console- Great for small items like gum, hand sanitizer, or spare change.

Use Back Seat Organizers: If you have young kids, backseat organizers are lifesavers. They hold toys, snacks, and wipes, keeping everything accessible.

Contain the Trunk Chaos: Invest in a trunk organizer to hold jumper cables and emergency supplies. Use bins or collapsible crates to prevent things from rolling around.

 Did You Know?

The first car glove compartment was for tools! Early cars required frequent repairs, so drivers kept wrenches and screwdrivers handy. The name stuck even after driving gloves went out of style.

 Myth Buster:

Myth: A clean car means an empty car.

Reality: A tidy car with essential items like a phone charger, tissues, and an emergency kit is far more functional than an empty one with nothing when you need it.

 

One Item Purge Challenge:

Do you also have that old reusable bag in your car, gathering dust for months or years and never actually coming to use? Time to let it go. Let’s be honest, this dusty contribution is not saving the planet!

 

How Do You Do It?

What’s your secret for keeping your kids' messes contained on car drives? Do you swear by a trash can in the back seat or is there a strict no-eating rule? Share your best tips below!

Photo: Shutterstock