If you spend time in your car, either traveling for work or car-pooling children, you will appreciate products to help store, file and organize all of the "stuff" that ends up on, and under, the seats and in the trunk. If you think of your car as another room in your house, you are one step closer to keeping it presentable and organized each day. 

Here are some ideas that will help you store printed materials, product samples, files, sports gear and groceries. One caveat, though: if you want to be ULTRA organized, write a list of what has been placed where as you go through this process so you don't have to spend time searching for items in the future - and then keep it in a handy place in your car for quick access.

Step One: Remove everything from your car.

All of those little storage slots and pockets, and even the glove compartment, become catch-alls for items that you even forget you have. Remove all of it, vacuum the interior and dust and polish the dashboard and upholstery.

Step Two: Return the essential items to your car first.

Put your car insurance information, vehicle registration and AAA card (if you are a member) in the glove compartment, then maps, and first aid and tool kits in the side pockets where you can find them quickly.

Step Three: Take care of the little items.

Little items like rubber bands, bobby pins, and paper clips can be put into plastic zip lock bags (what did we do before THEM?) if you really need to keep them in your car. If you don't need these items daily, they don't belong in your car.

Step Four: What's on your agenda?

Consolidate your notes into a spiral notebook, daily planner, calendar, or small wipe-off board. Carry a spare calendar in your car to take notes if necessary, then consolidate them daily on your master planner so you won't forget important dates and appointments.

Step Five: Be prepared to wait.

Carry a folder of items you can read while waiting for an appointment or to look at during stopped traffic. This will reduce your stress and save time.

Step Six: Make yourself an office-to-go.

Fill a zippered pencil case with office supplies and store basic items such as: letterhead and envelopes, brochures, business cards, calculator, pads of paper, pens, pencils, postage stamps, stapler and staple remover, scissors, tape dispenser, sticky notes, rubber bands, paper clips, and change for parking or tolls.

Pens, paper, sunglasses, and loose change can also go in a visor organizer. Make a habit of putting your small items where they belong after each use so you can easily find them.

Step Seven: Use a portable crate to store hanging files. These come in all sizes and colors and open or with lids. Place a towel underneath the crate to keep it from sliding around during travel, or place it in the floorboard where it cannot tip over. It's a great way to organize client contracts, memos, or the kids' permission slips. (Be sure to separate business and personal records to prevent surprises in meetings.)

Keep a large sturdy crate (or a collapsible one) or a laundry basket in your car to contain product samples, grocery bags, clothes headed to the dry cleaners, library books and rented videos. If you buy two, you can carry a full one into the house, saving extra trips from car to kitchen or office.

Expand limited floor space by using pocketed organizers that hang on the back of the car seat to hold product literature, business cards, an umbrella, maps, brochures, kids' travel games and snacks for day trips.

Step Eight: Assemble emergency supplies. This can include first-aid supplies, a small fire extinguisher, a large towel or blanket, jumper cables, travel tool kit, rain poncho, and a change of clothes. Always be prepared! Seasoned travelers know how miserable it can be delivering a speech while in wet clothes from a downpour, and experienced parents learn early the value of a change of clothes for their children. 

Last but not least, don't forget the stress ball you picked up at that last tradeshow - keep it in your cup holder so you can grab it during heavy (or stopped) traffic.

Organization goes beyond our homes and vehicles. If your business could use some organization, also, contact our Small Business Manager, Jim Gante, CPA, for assistance. You can reach Jim at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233 or send an email by using the form below.