Best of the Best

I recommend to my clients that they treat their cars just like their homes… once they do an initial clear-out, monthly maintenance is their insurance policy! Keeping your car clear of accumulation will keep it in better condition and make it more pleasant to drive.

Here’s my own maintenance routine: I empty the garbage catcher that is a staple in my vehicle. I unload the collapsible crates I use to carry equipment and supplies to my speaking engagements. I purge the console and door pockets. And I make sure my son’s travel toys are safely stowed. Then, I follow this “pruning” with a good clean. It doesn’t take long – less than fifteen minutes – but that small investment of time provides a big payoff.

In today’s busy world, our cars have become an extension of our homes. Between chauffeuring our children to numerous after-school activities, running errands after our daily commute and driving to weekend sporting events, we seem to spend more time in our vehicles than ever before. And like a family room or office inside a home, cars require a little bit of time and energy to keep them streamlined, efficient, and comfortable.

I’ve found that I can tell a lot about someone’s home environment just by looking at the state of their car. When I see lots of stuff stashed, stored, lost or forgotten inside a vehicle, it’s a good bet that the owner’s house has the same characteristics. This isn’t a 100% foolproof method, but if someone’s car is messy and disorganized, their house tends to follow suit.

Professional organizers are inclined to look at any space, be it a home office, kitchen pantry or bedroom closet, with an eye for how it can be better maximized. We can’t help it! It comes with the territory. We look at cars with the same viewpoint. It’s not just a space on four wheels in which to get from point A to point B. It’s an extension of your home and a reflection of your lifestyle. As such, it should be treated with a little TLC.

We’ve all heard the saying about life being more about the journey than the destination. Imagine how much nicer that journey can be in a well-maintained car, both inside and out!