Getting Your Vehicle Organized for Work

The season of spring cleaning is here (thank GOODNESS after this rough winter!) and we bet you’re overlooking one space in your life that needs a refresh this time of year perhaps more than any other… your car! Now that it’s finally starting to warm up, cleaning out and reorganizing your vehicle can make a big impact, especially on workdays! There is more to organizing your ride than the “throw everything away” approach, and this post will tell you all you need to know.

Decluttering and regularly cleaning your vehicle is crucial to getting organized. Take a few minutes at the end of each work week to declutter the space. Remove all trash, old receipts, and any other items you don’t need. Keeping your car free of any unnecessary clutter will make it (and you) feel more organized, which will lead to feeling more empowered and ready to tackle your day come Monday morning. Minimize the number of work-related items in your vehicle at the end of each workday. Avoid leaving a bunch of documents, files, or paperwork in your vehicle on days they won’t be needed.

Vacuum your vehicle and wipe down surfaces to ensure your car isn’t just organized, but also a clean, hygienic, and pleasant space to be in. Washing the outside of your vehicle regularly will also help you to present yourself as more organized, well put-together, and professional – especially if you are meeting with clients or other business executives!

Being organized for work begins the moment you leave your house each workday, and there are certain items you should keep easily accessible in your vehicle to ensure you always start off on the right foot. There are items you likely use daily that should be kept easily accessible. Frequently used items such as your phone charger and work ID should be in a place where they are easy to grab without digging through your car trying to find them. Having a small container or bag for these items and storing them in an easy to access place (like your middle compartment or glovebox) will help you find these items quickly every day.

You also want to have items potentially needed in an emergency within your vehicle. Have a small first aid kit, flashlight, and basic car maintenance tools (such as jumper cables and a tire pressure gauge) handy. Keep these in a designated spot. The trunk is a great space for these items, as is the glove compartment.

Because it is a smaller space, less is more when it comes to adding items to your vehicle. However, there are a couple of organizational products that can be beneficial. Seat-back organizers can help you store items such as notebooks, pens, and small work-related tools. These organizers keep everything neat and tidy while also helping to keep things in one localized spot and off the seats of your vehicle. Storage organizers for the trunk, backseat, and/or center console will also help keep things orderly. Consider items such as a storage box or caddie for these spaces.

In most vehicles, the storage is limited in a glove compartment, so try to minimize what you store there so that you don’t create unnecessary clutter. Try to keep this area designated to only a few necessary items such as your registration, vehicle insurance, and any small emergency items or tools (such as a small first aid kit). Keep everything organized using a zippered pouch, small folders, and/or document holders.

The trunk is typically the largest storage area in a vehicle. If you store lunch bags, gym clothes, or other personal items in your trunk, use appropriately sized bins to keep everything neat and separate. If separated by use, you won’t have to dig around for specific items in a mess – you’ll know where everything is and be ready to go!

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the benefits of having an organized vehicle. It’s a seemingly unimportant space, but an organized car actually increases one’s productivity and time management! A well-organized vehicle allows you to easily access the tools, equipment, and/or documents you need so that you are not wasting time searching for things. It will also help you mentally prepare for your workday by creating a calm, focused mindset as you drive to your workplace. Having an organized car will make the driving experience more comfortable. Stress is reduced when you know you have your essentials easily accessible, and less stress makes your overall commute/travel more pleasant. Also, having a clutter-free vehicle can reduce the mental load and stress that comes with disorganization, allowing you to feel more in control and prepared for your workday.

Not only does an organized space contribute to improved productivity and mindset, but it also enhances safety and long-term vehicle maintenance! An organized vehicle reduces the risk of distractions while driving and prevents items from shifting around while the vehicle is in motion. This lowers the chances of injury or accidents caused by loose objects. Also, trash or other debris can cause damage to the interior of your vehicle over time. Regular upkeep of the inside of your vehicle will help ensure it stays in top condition. Being organized and knowing where to find all the documents needed for appointments or maintenance will help you maintain your vehicle’s condition and keep it in safe, working order longer. A vehicle in top physical and mechanical condition will help you in the future if you eventually decide to sell or trade it in for a new model. While perhaps not as critical as the safety and monetary benefits of having an organized vehicle, it is also worth noting that an organized car creates a professional appearance. Having a neat and clean vehicle conveys professionalism to both clients and colleagues who may see inside or even ride within the space. Whether you’re meeting clients or traveling for work, an organized vehicle gives a positive impression of your work ethic and attention to detail.