| Americans spend a lot of time in the car - | | | | Consider keeping a basic tool set, first aid kit, |
| commuting to and from work, shuttling kids to | | | | flashlight, empty gas can, a jug of water, and a |
| school and sports activities, taking trips, running | | | | quart of motor oil on hand as well. Of course, |
| errands, even driving for pleasure. It's no surprise | | | | there's no substitute for regular auto maintenance |
| that our cars become disorganized. So if you're | | | | but it's nice to have the peace of mind that |
| wondering what that funny smell is coming from | | | | comes with being prepared. |
| the back seat or you can't see the floor any | | | | Beyond storing the basics, the trunk is one of the |
| longer, it's time to take action. | | | | most useful and versatile areas of the car. It can |
| Start by removing everything that's not nailed | | | | hold the groceries, or double as a traveling office. |
| down. This includes the contents of the trunk, | | | | When you need to haul large or messy items, the |
| glove box, doors, visors, under the seats, and | | | | trunk is the answer. |
| wherever else you've managed to stuff things. | | | | If you're out shopping the trunk will keep your |
| Get a trash bag and throw out the junk. Toss the | | | | purchases hidden from passing "opportunists" who |
| outdated maps, expired registration receipts, | | | | might be tempted by what they see through |
| paper wrappers, junk mail, fast food containers - | | | | your windows. |
| with or without food still inside, and anything else | | | | To keep groceries or small items from sliding |
| you don't want or need. | | | | around try a collapsible crate or mesh container, |
| You may find important papers and other items | | | | which can be compressed and moved out of the |
| you've been searching for. Set them aside so you | | | | way when not in use. One advantage of the |
| can sort through them later. Get your kids to go | | | | crate is its sturdiness and strength when it comes |
| through the toys and other kid-stuff you find. | | | | to holding heavier items. |
| Next, gather your vacuum cleaner, leather or | | | | The Mother of Invention |
| upholstery cleaner, window washing solution, and | | | | If there's a problem, someone has come up with |
| rags, and clean your auto inside and out, or make | | | | the solution. I'm talking about gadgets for the car's |
| a quick trip to the local car wash. You can't beat | | | | interior. These include visor organizers, cup |
| the feeling you'll get from seeing your car sparkle. | | | | holders, sun shades, litter bags, CD organizers, and |
| Now that you're able to start with a clean slate | | | | more. |
| you can selectively return the things you need for | | | | You may have seen back-seat organizers which |
| your day-to-day travel. | | | | contain of a variety of large and small pockets, |
| The Car's Interior | | | | some see-through mesh, others solid. They |
| Since every vehicle has different built-in storage | | | | generally attach to the headrest using Velcro or |
| areas, you'll have to decide what to keep, where. | | | | adjustable straps that fasten or stabilize them |
| Some items to consider are maps, sunglasses, | | | | against the backs of seats. |
| tapes and CD's, loose change, something to write | | | | You might also come across some unusual |
| on, a place to hold food and drinks, sun visors, | | | | inventions. For instance, a doggie booster seat |
| your cell phone and other essentials. | | | | that allows your small pet to see out the car |
| If you've got kids, you probably keep toys, moist | | | | window. According to the ad, it also helps prevent |
| wipes for quick clean ups, snacks, games, movies, | | | | motions sickness! Maybe you prefer an air purifier |
| books and other items to keep them entertained | | | | which will plug into your car's lighter. |
| during long trips. What about Fido? Have you | | | | If you travel for work and need a portable office |
| considered a doggie car seat, a harness restraint | | | | at your fingertips, then check out the mobile |
| system, and seat protectors? More on that, later... | | | | office that attaches to the passenger seat. |
| The glove box, which rarely if ever contains | | | | (Search the internet using the phrase "auto mobile |
| gloves, is a good place to keep your current car | | | | office.") But please, please, don't conduct business |
| registration, owners manual, map and perhaps a | | | | while you're driving! |
| tire gauge. You'll probably have room for a few | | | | For those with neck or back aches look for neck |
| other items. I keep a travel toothbrush and | | | | and lumbar support pillows for improved comfort |
| toothpaste in mine, along with sun glasses, drinking | | | | during long drives. |
| straws, plastic cutlery and other useful items. | | | | And last but not least, don't forget the outside. |
| The Trunk | | | | Need more room for passengers when vacation |
| Some trunk essentials include the spare tire and | | | | travel season begins? Consider a roof mounted |
| jack. It's a good idea to periodically check the air | | | | cargo carrier. Enjoy bike riding? Attach a rack to |
| pressure in the spare to be sure it's usable in case | | | | the roof or the back of your vehicle and you're all |
| of an emergency. It's also helpful to keep a set of | | | | set. |
| jumper cables handy in case you or another | | | | Happy motoring! |
| stranded motorist need a boost. | | | | |