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Preparing the Car for a Trip

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-556 -- More Projects »
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Cut down on vehicular food messes by packing individual lunches in plastic shoeboxes. Use the boxes as a tray to catch crumbs that may fall while you're eating, then wipe them out and store them in the trunk.
Organizing expert Pam Hix offers advice for getting the family car ready for a long trip.

  • Make a clean start when hitting the road. Clean out the car and trunk to free up as much trunk and legroom space as possible. Vacuum up crumbs and dirt from the trunk, floor mats and upholstery. Thoroughly wash the windows, headlights and taillights.

  • A long trip can make for a messy car. Take along a cleaning kit that contains paper towels, window cleaner, disposable towelettes and hand wipes. Fill an empty tissue box with plastic bags to use as trash cans.

  • Make the trip as stress-free as possible by anticipating and preparing for the usual little upsets that can occur. For example, make sure to have change available for tollbooths.

  • Make sure the car is healthy by taking it in to a service establishment for a tune-up. Have the mechanic check the oil and fluid levels and air pressure in the tires, including the spare, before setting off. Continue to check fluid levels and air pressure regularly during the trip.

  • Having a clear destination is an important part of a road trip. Use current road maps and an atlas to plan out the trip before leaving. Don't rely on maps that are more than five years old.

  • Stack maps in the order in which they will be used, and attach them to the car's visor with a large clip or rubber band so that they're handy during the trip.

  • If the passenger in the front is up to the job, assign him or her to be the navigator. It always helps to have an extra set of eyes.

  • Children tend to get fidgety when locked in a car for extended lengths of time. Bring along an empty tote bag for them to put their shoes and sweaters in when they shed them. This will ensure that the items are easy to find when it's time to make stops along the way.

  • Pack a cooler with fun snacks for children. Juice boxes, string cheese and fruit snacks are some favorites. Another idea is to punch a straw through the foil top of a custard-type yogurt. This is an easy, no-mess way for them to have a healthy snack.

  • Not only is a cooler useful for holding snacks, it can also be used to keep the peace. If children begin fussing over personal space, try putting the cooler between them. This sets up a natural boundary and designates individual space.

  • Wrap up a few presents to reward children for good behavior. Ideas include a new T-shirt, a travel game, trading cards or even disposable cameras that the children can use to take photos of their trip.

  • Finally, if the children can't seem to stop fighting in the car, pull out the video camera and film them. Most children will not want to be caught on tape. This will stop the arguing long enough to smooth out the situation and calm them down. They should now be better prepared to settle their dispute without screaming.
Guests
Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail: pjhix@aol.com
Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-556
•Beef Wellington
•Preparing the Car for a Trip
•Seasoning Cookware
•Tip of the Day
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