Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provides organisation and management tips for parents constantly on the go.
Being a parent is undoubtedly tricky, but is there anything more stressful than trying to drive and your car is absolute chaos?
The answer is no! If you find yourself juggling snacks, toys, and the occasional meltdown inside your family car, you're not alone.
In this blog, we'll provide practical tips and clever hacks to transform your car into a well-organised, snack-friendly, and clutter-free zone.
Car Organisation Hacks
First things first, you need to get your house (or car) in order. The best way to do this is to declutter. Here are a few things you can do to keep your car clean:
1. Invest in Car Organisers
Utilise backseat organisers for toys, books, and other entertainment essentials. These typically hang off the back of the front seats, making them perfect for your child to grab whatever they want. Just make sure they put it back!
You can also invest in boot organisers that tuck away to the side of your boot and are perfect for smaller items. There are larger options available that are great for groceries and provide you with a space for each carrier bag.
2. Keep a Multipurpose Diaper Bag Onboard
You never really know when your little one is going to need the toilet, so it's best to keep a diaper bag in your car in case the worst happens. They are also handy for storing other items such as tissues, wipes, and a change of clothes.
Snack Storage Solutions
1. Get a Snack Tray
Snack trays are great for family cars as they prevent spills and make it easy for kids to access different treats. You can keep them in your boot and get them out whenever your kids are hungry.
2. Containers
If a long journey is on the cards, create a designated snack station in the car with containers for each family member. This allows each person to get snacks whenever they're hungry and reduces the chance of spills and arguments.
Remember, you're not you when you're hungry… so get a snack tray.
Keeping the Car Clean and Clutter-Free
1. Rubbish Management
Keep a small rubbish bin in the car for any wrappers and tissues. This can be put in the rear footwell or kept under a seat. Encourage your kids to dispose of their own rubbish to maintain the condition of the car.
Once the bin is full, empty it at a petrol station and return it to your car.
2. Weekly Clean-Up Ritual
If you and your family spend a lot of time in your car, dedicate a few minutes each week to declutter and clean it. Wipe the hard surfaces down with disinfectant wipes and hoover the seats and floor to clear any debris.
Not only will it make your car look and smell great, but it will also make journeys more relaxing and stress-free.
3. Car Seat Protectors
Car seat protectors are a great way to prevent spills and crumbs from staining your car seats. They also make the clean-up ritual a whole lot easier and prevent you having to scrub your seats clean. Make sure the seat protector you go for fits your car and is also machine-washable.
They can be bought for around £20 from Halfords.
Conclusion
Parenting on the go doesn't have to mean chaos in the family car. With these organisation and management tips, you can turn your lease car into a well-oiled machine that accommodates the demands of family life.
Remember, stay organised, keep snacks at the ready, and maintain a clutter-free environment!
Looking for more family car advice? We've produced a range of family car leasing guides, such as The Safest Cars for Young Families and The Cheapest Family Cars to Insure.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals and services to suit your every need.