THL SECTION: C2O WITH KAREN HENKE: ARTICLES:
Transform Your Car

Transform Your Car
by Karen Henke

You may find yourself spending more time in the car this summer as you plan camping or car trips. Even if you don’t have a trip planned, it’s nice to have everything handy as you are heading to soccer or baseball games or other activities

1) Keep it together. Bundle all of the stuff that collects in the trunk or cargo area into one big bag. Ziploc makes some Big Bags that are heavy duty and have handles One bag can hold a soccer ball, Frisbee, baseball mitt, first aid kit, roll of paper towels or blanket. I also have “emergency” snacks or drinks at the ready, for those times when the kids are so hungry they think they “will die!” It’s nice to have everything contained in one place and staying clean.

 2) Create a mini-office. For many years I spent a lot of time driving around because I was consulting in people’s homes. I created a second office for my car. I still have a scaled down family version. Here’s how to make your own:

• Start with a small plastic basket that fits between the front seats.
• Add hand wipes, lotion, Kleenex and gum.
• Select a pencil box that will hold paper clips, rubber bands, pens and a small child’s scissors.
• Keep a small notepad to jot down ideas or reminders Don’t forget the Post-it notes.
• Consider storing non-perishable, non-meltable snacks.

3) Make a Directions Folder. Buy a 2-pocket folder with clasps. Add a few plastic sleeves in the middle clasp section, and keep it in the car. Any time that you generate a computer map or directions to a friend’s house, slip it inside. This keeps you from repeatedly asking for the same directions. On the second trip you’ll probably need a reminder of the exit number or the house number. It’s great to have that at your fingertips. Jot down a phone number in case you’re running late or need help finding the house in the dark. Store maps in the pockets.

4) Put together a Trip Navigating kit. Use the same design to create a travel folder for a trip Include maps, travel brochures and phone numbers for camp sites or hotels. Put your itinerary in the plastic sleeves. Slip the whole folder in the door pocket Everything you need is in one convenient place!

5) Entertainment Look for magnetic game boards that the kids can use on longer trips. Try to find a clipboard or art box that can hold a coloring book or journal and colored pencils (crayons don’t fare so well in hot cars.) If you have a DVD player keep a few movies in the car. Our family loves to listen to books on CD. One of our favorite storytellers is Jim Weiss. He tells a wide variety of stories that everyone in the family enjoys. His CDs are produced by Greathall Productions.

6) Streamline Look for seat organizer that hang from the back of the seat and give kids pockets for their gear. If you have a large cargo area, buy an organizer that is designed to keep groceries from tipping over and other items from banging around in the back. Purchase a trash can. There are quite a few styles and sizes available. It will keep trash contained and off the floor.

7) Have a safe trip!

Karen Henke is the owner of Come2Order in Minneapolis, MN. Visit www.come2order2day.com and request a free Time-Savers Kit which is loaded with time-saving tips and services. And sign up for a subscription to the free monthly newsletter.