Car Clutter

Susan Hansen, Extension Educator Colfax County

 

If it seems like your car is your second home, you are not alone.  Just like at home, our cars can collect clutter if not periodically cleaned out.  For some people, “periodically” can mean every day; for others it is once a week or once a month.  With the cold winter we have been having, cleaning out a car is not always the highest priority but once the weather gets warmer, set aside some time to really clean out the car.

 

In the meantime, control the clutter by following one or more of these hints.

 

Stuff some plastic grocery bags into an empty paper towel tube and store under the seat.  Not only are you recycling these items but they are also handy for you to use as garbage bags for fast food containers and coffee cups.  Use the bags to cover items to protect from rain or snow when leaving the car.  Or put a wet umbrella in one of the plastic grocery bags.

 

Keep a container of baby wipes handy for cleaning hands after pumping gas as well as before and after eating.  Dashboard dining (eating while in the car) is a way of life for many people.  Whether it be whole meals or just snacks, remember to wash hands before touching food.  Remember those plastic grocery bags?  Throw the trash in them.  Or, have a small trash can in the car – remember to dump out when full.

 

The glove compartment should not be a catchall for items.  Save that location for quick access to the owner’s manual, tire gauge, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, small flashlight with working batteries (check periodically), notepad and pencil.  Very few people store gloves in a glove compartment.

 

Consider having a small plastic crate (a box will do) to hold things like library books that need to be returned or recyclable bags ready for the next store visit.  A collapsible crate works best.  When not in use, tuck it away in the trunk or back of the vehicle.

 

If you have children, consider buying or making an organizer that hangs on the back of a front seat.  This can hold books, crayons, toys and snacks.  For those without children, the organizer can hold umbrellas, maps and cd’s.

 

Keep a change purse or small ziplock bag handy to corral the coins instead of having the coins ending up all over.

 

If you have to play the waiting game – picking up kids at school, waiting for an appointment, waiting for sports practice to end, keep items such as magazines or books in the car to fill up the time.  Reduce car clutter by having these magazines or books in a file or appropriate container.