Our cars need organizing too!  It’s scary when we need to give someone a ride and they might see the inside of our car.  In the fall we start back on our regular routines of school and work.  In the summer you are traveling and spending time with your kids in the car. Your car is your office on the go and your home away from home! Whether you are a professional going to work or a busy mom or dad carpooling, having an organized vehicle can make the difference in your travels.  Organizing your car takes a few extra minutes that are well spent!

Think about what items you will need as you travel. We all need tissues, first aid kit, car insurance, and a flashlight just in case. What is needed for other travelers? Busy families may need books or toys. Travel for work may require business products and files. Take a few minutes to plan and write a list of needs for you and your family.

If you car is your mobile office, organize for stocking, storing and traveling with business tools.

• Carry some basic desk items such as business cards, calculator, stapler, scissors and tape in a zipper case or small tackle box.
• Store files in a hanging file case with a cover.

For kids on the go, being organized makes every trip more fun.

• Place an organizer in the back seat or over the seat with a place for a water bottles, electronic games and books.
• For movies and technology, add a CD holder on the visor.
• Place a basket with small fun “just in the car” games and puzzles to keep them entertained.

Every day items require storage too.

• The leak proof trunk organizer keeps all sorts of items from milk to soccer balls from rolling around your trunk.
• For tools, purchase a durable canvas bag to contain all the tools including jumper cables.
• A pop up trash can made of durable mesh can fit by the driver’s seat.

What about paper?

• The glove compartment or center console is a great spot for this!
• Use a check organizer and group the papers by category, such as maps and directions, insurance, warranty/instructions and emergency phone numbers.
• Be sure to label each pocket for easy retrieval.

Finally, keeping your car organized requires maintenance routines.

• Each time you stop for gas, empty the trash.
• Restock the items for your business on a weekly basis.
• Assign the responsibility of vacuuming your car regularly to one of your children or have your car cleaned monthly at the big car wash.
• Be vigilant about your registration sticker and use a reminder on your paper or tech calendar. You can also use this to remember when to change your oil or rotate tires.

Learn more about organizing and productivity at www.professional-organizer.com, Facebook Professional-Organizer.com, twitter @TexasOrganizer or Pinterest Ellen Delap