Car Clutter

Peter Walsh
Keeping your home-on-wheels clean, organized and in good working condition is important not only for your mental well-being, but for your safety as well. Peter shares tips and advice for tackling the clutter in your car. He also talks with Jennifer Musselman, author of The Hip Girl's Handbook, about what women should know about car maintenance. Then, Peter chats with Yolanda Clark, managing director of AAA Public Relations, for her tips on how to be a smart driver.

How to Keep Your Car Clean:
  • Sort and store your belongings in bins. Whether you're hauling around stuff for work, school or your kids, Peter says to put items in bins or other containers, which you can then keep in the trunk or backseat of your car. Don't forget a bin for trash, too.
  • Start a cycle and stick to it. Peter says any time you bring something into the car, you should get in the habit of taking it out when you exit your vehicle. "It's about your routines, it's not about the stuff," he says.
  • Overcome your fear of car mechanics. Familiarize yourself with your owner's manual, learn car maintenance basics (like how to check your oil) and set up a regular maintenance schedule with a trusted mechanic, Jennifer says.
  • Prepare for trips before you leave home. Check traffic and weather reports before you head out and carry an emergency kit in your trunk at all times, Yolanda says. Make important phone calls before you get in your car to avoid talking on the phone while driving.
Related Resources
  • The Hip Girl's Handbook: For Home, Car, & Money Stuff by Jennifer Musselman and Patty Degregori