How to declutter your car in five simple steps

We talk a lot about home organization and decluttering our living spaces. But have you ignored the mess inside your vehicle and the need to declutter your car?

If you Marie Kondo your home but drive around with donation bags in your trunk for weeks, is that success?

If you Marie Kondo your home but drive around with donation bags in your trunk for weeks, is that success? Click To Tweet

I’m guilty of using my car as a storage facility. Before I learned how to declutter my car properly I had all sorts of things in there I neither needed nor used.

So do yourself a favor and declutter your car at the same time as you organize your home. Here are five steps to help you through.

1. Clear out the garbage

Toss all the wrappers, take-out bags, and anything else that belongs in a garbage can rather than the inside of your car.

Remember to check the trunk, glove compartment, door pockets, and under seats. My kids used to be experts at hiding gum wrappers in the slots inside the rear door armrests.

2. Take house items inside

Now that you’ve tossed the garbage, it’s time to take what belongs in the house inside the house. Remember, the first rule of car decluttering is that your vehicle is not a storage facility.

3. Organize

Now that everything in the car belongs there, it’s time to organize the items in a way that makes sense to you.

There should be few if any items not secured in the glove compartment or trunk. This reserves space for passengers. And ensures those items don’t endanger you when they fly through the air during an accident.

There should be few if any items not secured in the glove compartment or trunk. This reserves space for passengers. And ensures those items don't endanger you when they fly through the air during an accident. Click To Tweet

You may keep jumper cables and a first aid kit in the trunk. You’d keep a pen and notepad in the glove compartment.

4. Clean

Now that your car is organized with only necessary items, it’s time to give it a good clean.

Most gas stations have a coin or card-operated vacuum and it will take you only five minute or so. After that, wipe down the interior surfaces.

5. Maintain

Much like when you clean out your closet, maintenance is key when you declutter your car. Avoid letting clutter accumulate by toting your items inside after every trip.

Rather than drive around with donation bags that take up space in your car and your mind, drop them off right away.

Pick a day of the week to wipe down your car interior and make sure everything is where it belongs.

Never again feel embarrassed and apologetic when someone enters your vehicle. Enjoy the pride and confidence that comes with driving a clean and orderly vehicle.