It’s time to take the “family vacation!” If you go by car on this adventure, you’ll want to prevent it from becoming a rolling dumpster. Here’s how to make your car a safe, lean, mean “organized” travel machine.
First, check out your car’s mechanical condition. Schedule a service and safety inspection.
Next, take two to three hours to organize and make your car safe while traveling.
Glove Compartment:
1. Empty the glove compartment completely and stock with:
• Current insurance and registration
• Owner’s manual
• Emergency phone numbers
• Accident forms
• Disposable camera
Place in a zip lock to keep them separate from other items. Include your cell phone car charger.
Door/Seat Pockets:
1. Empty all pockets then:
• Stock driver’s side with updated maps and flashlight.
• Invest in a safety escape tool for breaking windows and cutting seat belts in an emergency.
• Stock passenger pockets with trash bags, paper towels and moist wipes.
• Include a small fire extinguisher with other safety items.
Music:
1. Sort CD case and replace old items with current tunes.
For Little Passengers:
1. Create a surprise box for each child with a new color book and crayons; a travel game that can be played alone, a couple of new short story books and a new small toy. The new items should keep them occupied for a while.
2. You may want to check out books on CD and invest in a CD player with headphones for each child. If you have a DVD player for the passengers, check out movies from the library.
3. Get a book of car games the whole family can play and have an “old fashioned” road trip playing games from your own childhood.
Maintaining Control During the Trip:
1. Place a trash bag by each row of seats.
2. Have a bin in the back area to hold sweaters, shoes, etc., that are discarded as you travel. It will keep the car neat and eliminate the wild hunt for items at each stop.
When You Return:
1. At the end of your trip immediately clean out your car.
Don’t give in to the temptation to let things go because you’re tired; it may take a month to get your car back to daily working condition!
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO). If you need assistance to simplify, declutter & organize, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-433-7263.