Deal with that Box of Car Clutter!

​Sooner or later, with just about every client, we come across a box of old car stuff in the garage. You know what this looks like: a dusty, neglected, cardboard box full of things that came out of an old car. Maybe it resulted from cleaning out a current car. This stuff languishes sometimes for years. As a result, people go without sunglasses, snow brushes, coupons and other favorite items because they forget that the box exists. Eventually these necessities are replaced out of desperation.
 
It’s only one box! Hopefully! Don’t be afraid of it! Sort it out right now. You’ll feel better knowing it’s done. You might even find those favorite sunglasses or a missing check! Begin by sorting things into two piles: 1) RELOCATE elsewhere and 2) REPLACE in the car.

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​1) Relocate –
 
Trash can be thrown away. Broken items should be thrown away. Other people’s belongings can be returned. Non-car items should be returned to their proper locations in the home. Papers are sorted, filed, shred or thrown away.
 
2) Replace in the car –
 
Keep only the essential items that you use on a regular basis plus car and emergency supplies, as well as a first aid kit. These include:
 

• vehicle manual and registration
• paper maps
• convenience items like tissues, sunglasses, hand wipes and a trash bag
• spare change, store gift cards, and store loyalty cards
• coupons
• car care items
• electronic accessories
• kids’ paraphernalia

 
 
More on organizing car contents later this month.