Keeping your car clean and organised is difficult for everyone, but when you have kids, it becomes even more challenging. But just because you’re a mum doesn’t mean you’re destined to have a car that feels like a moving landfill. With these helpful tricks, you can keep your car clean and organised despite all the forces seemingly working against you!

1. Keep a small trash bin in your car

If you keep finding trash like used tissues and crisp bags bursting out of your car’s door pockets and cup holders, this tip will make your life on the road much nicer: keep a small trash bin in your car. It’s so simple, yet few people actually go to the trouble of getting one. 

Any small trash can could be repurposed for this, or you can find a purpose-built “garbage can” to contain the mess. I suggest using liners to make changing the trash easier.

2. Use a storage pocket on the back of the front seats

An over-the-seat organiser is something that can make a big difference in your car. And if you already have one of those shoe organisers with clear plastic sleeves laying around, you won’t even have to spend money. These are great for placing all manner of bits and bobs kids need on the road, from snacks, books, stuffed animals and crayons to spare tissues, nappies and hand sanitiser. My one used to hold all the non-perishables there daily.

3. Make it a habit to clean out the car once a week

All the tips in the world won’t help if you don’t do a quick but regular clean out at least once a week. I like to do this on the day when the trash is due to be picked up, so I can quickly go around my car, see what needs to be picked up, close up the trash bag, and put it on the pavement to be picked up. This also gives me an opportunity to see if there’s any clutter I want to get rid of.

4. Choose snacks carefully

We’d all like to have a no-food policy, but on longer car excursions with hungry kids, that isn’t always practical. So, make sure you choose snacks carefully and keep things on hand that your kids can grab to eat in the car without making much of a mess. The sticky-style granola bars (but NEVER the crumbly ones!) are good for this. Dried fruit and nuts are also good choices. Yes, they have a lot of small pieces, but they’re big enough that you can usually find them and pick them up pretty easily if they go astray.

This said, my daughter’s favourite snack up till about when she was 5 years was spelt cereal. It’s not sticky, but it’s tiny and it used to go EVERYWHERE 🤪 I never denied her her favourite snack because it kept her quiet. Just sayin’ 😂

5. Use a folder in your glove box

If you have to warn people before they open your glove box that an avalanche of papers is about to occur, you’re doing it wrong! A small button folder is ideal for things like your car registration, insurance paperwork, and anything else you need handy.

6. Use short containers for under-the-seat storage

If you spend a lot of time using your car as a base, such as frequent kids’ soccer matches or trips to the beach, invest in some small containers that fit underneath the front seats to help you contain necessities like nappies and wipes for babies, tissue boxes, your first aid kit, and even car chargers.

7. Keep cleaning wipes and a foam brush in the glove box

If you store a pack of cleaning wipes and a foam brush in your glove box, you’ll be able to make the most of downtime in your car and give it a quick clean. Whether you got to school way ahead of dismissal or you’re sitting in the car while your husband runs in the grocery store, you can quickly wipe down the car’s surfaces, like the dashboard, with the wipes. Use the foam brush or a paint brush to get into narrow areas that need cleaning, like your AC vents.

8. Always take something from the car with you

If you thrive on habits, make a point of taking something with you each time you exit the car. Whether it’s a kid’s toy that has been lodged under the passenger seat for weeks or a crumpled-up food wrapper, you’ll keep the clutter from getting out of control.

There are lots of tricks and useful items to keep your car clean and organised, and if you take just a few minutes to implement some of these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to less stress on the road!