Since I’ve been living in Barcelona the last five weeks, I haven’t missed driving my car. I’ve walked miles upon miles, and I’ve taken public transportation. It’s been such a pleasure. Yet, when I’m in the United States, I spend quite a bit of time in my vehicle. It’s important to me that my car remain clutter-free. I want it to be a sanctuary where I can think, if I’m actually alone.

I’ve had every size vehicle: from small sedan to an extra large SUV. With three kids heading in multiple different directions, I’ve driven through it all: the food, the gear, the vomit, the screaming, and the smells. I even used to drive my kids around to help them fall asleep when they were much younger.

Therefore, I see my car as an extension of my home. It’s everyone’s responsibility to help keep it clean, not just the driver’s, so I encourage you to invite others to hold your same standard. Here’s a step-by-step guide to declutter and organize your car.

Get Set Up:

• Open the car doors. Take a “BEFORE” snapshot or quick video of the front seat + back seat.
  Don't skip this step!

• Set a timer for 30 min. Giving yourself a time limit will lessen the overwhelm in your brain.
  You’ll be more likely to stop procrastinating + get started, if you know that there’s an end.

• Bring a garbage bag, wet wipes, glass cleaner, dry cloth, a hand vac, etc (whatever you have) out to the car.

• Turn on some music. (You have permission to make this fun.)

• Trash what's trash. 

• Take out whatever doesn't belong, and put it away (where it lives) in the house.
  Don't forget to check the console + trunk! If you know putting items away will distract you (and lead you away from the project), set them in a bin by the door or have your helper follow through for you.

  • Make a mental note of the kinds of items that were left behind.

  • Do you have an excess trash habit? Does one family member always forget their stuff?

  • Don’t judge, just notice. Awareness is a game changer for changing habits + starting conversations.

Clean the Car’s Interior + Exterior:

✨Feel free to stop here and take the car to get detailed. Did you know? There are actually mobile car detail services that will come to YOU. I’m all about outsourcing work that you don’t want to do, or work where your time is more important than the task itself. This is not an excuse, nor is it selfish to outsource.✨

• Spend 15 minutes to clean the car yourself:

  • dust the dashboard + other hard surfaces

  • wet wipe down the console + cupholders (be careful of your electronic screen)

  • use glass cleaner + wipe the interior windows + rear view mirror

  • vacuum it out as much as possible

• If not, treat yourself to an interior vacuum at the car wash.
  This isn’t about perfection, it’s restoring order.

• Take the car for an exterior car wash + full tank of gas. Feel the joy!

Easily Missed Details:

• Look in the glove compartment. Remove any items that are outdated or don’t belong.

• Double check that your registration + insurance cards are up-to-date and easy to access.

  • Take a photograph of them for easy reference. Do the same with your driver’s license.

• Look at your windshield sticker. Double check when your next oil change / car service is due.

  • Make an appointment as needed or put an alert on your calendar for a future reminder.

• Take a moment to consider your emergency roadside assistance plan.

  • Do you have emergency gear in your car? Do you want roadside assistance?

• Restock any essentials you like to keep in your car: napkins / tissues, masks / sanitizer, an umbrella, band aids/first aid, phone charger, quarters for parking, etc. Use a trunk organizer to secure reusable grocery bags and other items in the trunk.

• Open the car doors. Take an “AFTER” snapshot or quick video of the front seat + back seat.
  Compare + CELEBRATE 🎉 Save these photos as a reminder of what you're capable of.

  Our brains often make straightforward tasks into enormous projects. We procrastinate. Let this be a reminder that you’re in charge, not your brain. Break a task into smaller chunks, if needed. Clean the inside of the car one day, refill + wash the next, check the documents + make a service appointment on the third. Embracing an organized life isn’t about reaching the end of the to-do list (it’s bottomless, BTW), it’s about making powerful decisions, trusting that you can accomplish both the big and small things, and feeling lighter now not later.
  

  Are you a visual learner? Download my directions and check off the steps.
  (Or share the PDF with your kiddo and have them take on the task.👏🏽)

  Join my email list today, and let’s connect!