We have a habit that developed quite a few years ago.
We aren’t always exactly perfect in it, but we’ve done it long enough that it is, well, a habit.
When we arrive home from town or an outing, I try to clean everything out of the Suburban that isn’t supposed to stay in our vehicle and carry it into the house. Library books, trash, groceries, empty cups, jackets, you name it!
If we arrive home late at night, we will wait till the next day. Sometimes the kiddos forget or we relax too much about it. For the most part this is what we do and it has worked well. I read once that you should do your best to keep your vehicle clean inside and out, even if you had an older vehicle (that’d be us), because it will give you a much better feeling about yourself to drive around in a tidy vehicle than one where stuff is threatening to overwhelm you. Really not that different than our homes, just much more manageable.
I have a first-aid kit, some blankets, and wet wipes that stay in the Suburban. We also have a reusable trash bag hanging on the back of a seat, and a bag for putting things in that need returned to other people or to use as a place for things we’re taking along. I also like to keep scissors, nail clippers, and phone chargers in the console. Some vehicles don’t have room for much extra stuff, but I’ve found that keeping small things in my vehicle comes in very handy. The less I have to remember when I walk out of the house, the better.
Our Suburban isn’t spot-free by any means. It often could use some sweeping and shining. But having it fairly neat inside is just a nice thing. When I do forget to carry my empty water-glass in, it always annoys me to find the cup holder full the next time I go to leave.
This works for us! What works for you?
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That’s a great habit – one I should start. Our van is often a pigsty with library books, clothes/jackets, and trash. Ugh!
I found that it didn’t take that much more time to cart everything in. Especially, now that my kiddos aren’t toddlers and can be responsible for their stuff and help me. {And could be more responsible than they are at times. 😉 }
Our van doesn’t stay as tidy as I’d like. Mostly it seems to always need a good dusting across the dashboard. But I don’t like stuff left in it and try to carry it inside when we get home. We had a long standing joke with my sister that when they couldn’t find something, they would usually find in the car. Obviously it wasn’t their habit to carry things in with them every time!
I know. Our vehicle often needs dusting, especially with our roads! But as long as it’s not cluttered and not tooooo dusty, I’m happy.
Uuugghh! I can’t see the bottom of L’s carseat now between the goldfish, granola bars, pretzels, and the rest of the things are UFO’s! I dread cleaning out this car when we get home…OR it sounds like I have a neighbor that might like to do it! Her cars are never dirty! {ahhhemm} 😉
That sounds like your mother-in-law to never have a dirty vehicle. I bet she’d be glad to help you! Or would the neighbor be an aunt who has a sparkling refrigerator? 🙂 I’m thinking about using that example in a blog post.(Course, I think of lots of things I’d like to write and the time is simply not there for everything.) Ever since we talked about it, I have been paying more attention and wiping things off better before I put them in the fridge. There is power in suggestion!!
Oh honey… My car is a disaster on wheels. Hahhaha. Maybe I’ll clean it at lunch today. . . I will say… It is pretty annoying to have a full cup holder when you are holding hot coffee in the mornings.
Yes, I like empty cup holders when I’m ready to fill them up again! 🙂
I like our vehicle to stay neat too – and for the most part it does. Remember our Aunt who always stored stuff in her car?!!!
Mother mentioned that! 🙂 I don’t think I remember it like you guys do. If I had a small house and several children, I might resort to that too! Although, a vehicle full of stuff that doesn’t belong really bugs me.
I really like to keep my vehicle neat, but always make sure that I have the essentials we may need while we are away from home. 🙂
I so agree! It has taken me a while to round out what I like to keep in my vehicle. I definitely like having wet wipes and scissors.
I wish I was as disciplined as you with my car! I believe that what you’re saying is true, but I always forget about my car! Stopping by from the Harvest of friends hop.
Michelle
Heartfelt Balance Handmade Life
I do really like a {fairly} neat vehicle! Don’t get me wrong-we have our messes! And I certainly don’t feel disciplined. 🙂 I think everyone has their areas of priority.
Thanks for coming by!