For many families, the car is where life takes place. If you have small children occupying the backseat at all times, the interior can take a real beating. Keep things neat, clean, and organized even with toddlers and kids on board with these smart tips.
Select Toys for the Car Only
Instead of allowing your kids to bring whatever they're playing with into the car, keep a separate set of toys for this space. Don't allow car toys to migrate into the house or vice versa. This ensures that there's always something fun and a little novel to entertain in the car.
Designate a Space for Everything
Clear out the car completely and start fresh for this one. Install organizers throughout the car. Try pockets that hang over the back of the front seats for kids' toys and a small accordion file in the glove compartment for maps, insurance information, and registration. Make use of all the storage nooks and crannies in your car giving each its own purpose so you always know where to find essentials.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Stock a small box or bag with essentials for emergencies on the road. An empty wipes box makes a good candidate for this. Items you might want to keep in the box include:
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Batteries for toys kept in the car
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A small screwdriver for installing batteries in said toys
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Hair ties
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Napkins
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Wipes
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Extra straws
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Plastic bags for soiled clothing
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Stain removal pens or wipes
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Burp rags
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A spare pacifier
Keep a Trash Can in the Car
Trash accumulation in the car is a given, especially if you eat in the car from time to time. Place an empty plastic shopping bag in a small container like a plastic cereal or pasta container. Empty your miniature trash can regularly and you'll never have to worry about overflow.
Facilitate Easy Eating on the Road
If your kids eat on the road a lot, make sure that you have the right tools for the job. A small organizer or basket like the kind used for shower supplies in college is a great fast food holder for your burger and fries. If your kids have a stable place to put their snacks and beverages while you're on the go, they'll be less likely to spill.
Clean Up Often
Even with the best of intentions, you can't completely prevent messes in a car with children. Take the time to vacuum out the car every few weeks to take care of stray Cheerios and cracker crumbs. Wipe down hard surfaces with a damp paper towel. You don't have to detail the vehicle perfectly, but a little effort will go far with this task.
When your car is neat and clean, you'll naturally want to improve it in other ways, such as comparing Autoinsurance.us rates by state to get the most out of every penny spent protecting your vehicle. A well-maintained car is an invaluable tool for getting your family around comfortably and efficiently.
