Car trunk organizer
Car,  Home Management

Car Detailing & Organization 1-2-3

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Every spring and fall my car needs a thorough cleaning and detailing to get rid of the winter or summer debris. Usually, I would take it to someone else to do, but this year I decided to do it myself. Last year I was forced to buy a carpet cleaner when, because of the healthcare crisis, the store wouldn’t rent one to me. Since I recently semi-retired, I had more time to do this. My needs have also changed with my new found freedom. I am able to help out more with my grandkids and I don’t need all the items I did before.

Car Detailing console before
Car detailing center console
Car detailing
Car detailing before

Step One...Remove everything.

Like all decluttering and organizing projects, the first step is always to remove everything that can be removed. Shake the dirt out of the mats, get rid of the garbage and recycle out-of-date fast food coupons. 

Step Two... Clean/Detail everything.

After a quick vacuum to get all loose dirt removed, I used my Hoover steam cleaner to clean the seats and floor carpet. (It has an upholstery tool that makes it easy.) My Norwex enviro cloth and window cloth are the best for getting the windows clean and streak-free. Finally, I used the Armor All protector for the dashboard and plastic areas.

Norwex Enviro & Window cloth
Norwex enviro cloth and window cloth
Hoover Steam cleaner - life changing home item
Hoover Pet Pro steam cleaner
Armor All
Armor All protector

Now the fun part...Step Three...Putting things back in and organizing.

There have been a few minor changes in the organization in my car.

What stayed the same…

  1. Zippered cases in my console for medical, tech and personal items.
  2. A zippered case with my gas receipt log and pen in center side pocket.
  3. Car manual, notebook and GPS in glove box.
  4. Mini-trash can in passenger door.
  5. CDs, dust mitt and wipes in driver side door.
  6. Umbrella in backseat door.
  7. Emergency and First aid kit.
  8. Booster cables, lug nuts and wrench, jack and trailor hitch in trunk.
Car organization purse hooks
Purse or bag hooks

New items to organize...

The change in my work status and the pandemic have lead to a few changes in the things I need in my car.

  1. Booster seats for my grandchildren.
  2. Binder clip to hold mask.
  3. Hand sanitizer readily available in center console.

Other new things:

  1. New navy stripe trunk organizer with cooler bag.
  2. Purse and bag hooks for back of seat.
  3. Emergency window breaker with flashing light.
Emergency Hammer
Window breaker
Emergency strobe light hammer
Emergency Flashing Light

With our lives constantly changing it is important to reassess our needs. For more details about organizing your car please see my new video and previous blog and videos below.