Having a neat and tidy car may seem like a dream to some, but it’s possible. I’m going on 10 years in our van and it still looks clean and stays organized most of the time. I have rules, though – and mostly everyone follows them! It’s important to me that my van stays organized and clean but it’s not an obsession.
I’m all about preventing the cleaning. I’m not saying you need to get your car washed weekly {I’m lucky to wash mine once every other month} BUT, what I can tell you is that you can prevent your car/van from looking downright nasty inside with trash, trinkets, and stickiness. Here is what I do to keep my van from getting that way on the inside:
1. Who’s car is it?
My kids have been told since the day I bought my 2005 Toyota Sienna brand new that it’s MOM’s car. I want them to be respectful of the things we have — it’s ALL of ours together to use, but it’s still my car. They have the privilege of getting to use it but I like a clean car and so they have rules. No kicking the backs of the seats. Only water to drink in my car. And no eating – except on the occasions that we’re on vacation or mom is feeling extra nice. Honestly, we try not to over do the activities but we’re in the car a whole lot more than I’d like! But, even still, we rarely eat meals in our car.
2. If you sit, organize
If you’re sitting in your car or van scrolling through your phone looking at updates while waiting on a kids to get out of school or an activity, I say put that phone down and clean up. Organize, pull trash out, wipe down sticky stuff {with wipes I talk about below}, make a pile to go back in the house, etc.
3. Â It’s about time
So, in my van I have a rule that they have to take their stuff with them when they get out. Of course they don’t always follow that rule. So, I tell them that if their “xx” thing isn’t out by “xx” time, it’s mine! Now that they’re older they can go in my van and get it out themselves and bring it inside. But even when they were little, we made sure whenever we got out of the van that everyone took their things with them that didn’t belong in there. I let them keep a small box in the van with DVDs and a few things to do {which is different than dragging their entire set of Legos or American Girl trinkets every time they came and left}.
4. Get the right products
A few products I use to keep the car looking so nice ten years later are:
- Rubber Floor Mats
- Trash cans {hanging ones are best} for front and back
- Wet Wipes in front and back
- Two Large Towels – similar color as interior carpet
- Trunk Organizer
- Smart Phone Organizer
- Document Organizer
With these organizers and products, I’ve been able to keep my car organized even better. Plus, having those rubber mats and large towels keeps the inside from getting a mess. I use my van like a truck somedays – loading with bags of dirt or bark or flowers in containers and they are dirty and wet. I will put down my towels over the back and it has definitely kept the back from being super dirty. Plus, I can just shake them out and wash them after I’m done unloading.
5. Eating in the car
It’s unfortunate, but many of us wind up feeding kids too much in the car. I’m not judging what you’re doing, but most kids don’t need to eat every time they get in the car. If you MUST have them eat a snack, find snacks that aren’t crumbly or messy. Pick things that stay together and are easy for them to keep fairly contained. Have them drink WATER only in the car. That has always been my rule with my kids and they are fine. We also keep a trash bag in the back of the van and up front and empty it every time we get gas.
How’s your car looking right now? Do you like to have it looking organized and clean? Or have you given up? I’d love to help you stay motivated to keep organized. Come over to Organizing Made Fun and get more inspiration!
Angry! says
Bit harsh to delete my comment!
Melissa_in_NJ says
What’s a smartphone organizer?