Ask Elsa: Organize to Beat Car Chaos

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Dear Elsa…

After a few weeks summering around the state with the teenagers and a dog, the car is pure chaos. From sporting practices to beaches, the small space feels even more cramped and uninviting with 3 people's supplies and clutter.

Aside from sand and dirt, there are napkins and take out utensils in every nook and cranny. Magazines slide under car mats and every cupholder is holding something other than a cup. Don't get me started on bottles of water rolling around or the rogue food smells in our hot summer...These hot mid-summer drives are the pits.

What are some organizational hacks or options for keeping the car chaos under control when so many of us need to use it so often?

Sincerely,
CAR CHAOS

Dear Car Chaos,

I completely understand your pain and you are not alone! As a mom of three plus a pup, our car gets a little wild, too. But there’s no reason for your car to remain a state of chaos. These tips and tricks are tried and true:

  1. Try purchasing some car organization products that will allow for everything to have its own place. In my latest blog post I shared a few favorite products like organizers that hang over the seat back: Seat Back Organizer, or to fill the gap in between the console and the front seats: Seat Gap Filler, or to place in your trunk: Trunk Organizer.

  2. Keep asking yourself “Do I Need This?” Your car does not need to be your storage unit. Keep it simple and only bring with you what you know you’ll need - but make sure that you keep items for emergency. Some *just in case* items such include: jumper cables, flashlights, and if you’re me, a wine key.

  3. Dedicate a small trash can or trash bag in the car and dispose of it right when you get out! Try hanging this one around the console or around the seat back: Car Trash Can. I am in the habit of cleaning out all trash from the car every time I park, that way it never gets out of hand.

  4. If you don’t love the smell of those weird hanging tree air fresheners (does ANYONE love that smell?!), try placing dryer sheets under the seats, or make your own air freshener (I mix water with my favorite essential oils).

Hopefully these tips and organizing solutions can help reign in the clutter.

Elsa

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