Your Car Isn’t the Best Storage Space
Short on space at home? If you've got a roomy SUV or a pickup, it can be pretty tempting to bring everything to your car. But car enthusiasts will know that this is a bad move—from temperature swings to theft, leaving clutter behind just isn't a good idea. That said, there are still some times you should certainly keep handy, but you'll have to be smart about what you choose.
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1. Electronics Can Get Damaged
Often work on the road? As much as you might think it'd be convenient to keep your tech in your car, these devices aren’t designed to spend hours being exposed to extreme, fluctuating temperatures. A car that's too hot or cold can stress the batteries as well, and you'd be lucky if they still functioned normally.
2. Valuables Can Attract Thieves
Even if your electronics survived the extreme temperatures, leaving them in plain sight can still lure in thieves. Your purse or any other bags containing valuables will also be a juicy target. Heck, you could leave an empty bag behind, and it could still lead to a broken window!
3. Medication May Be Affected
Always forget to take your meds? Well, you're not helping yourself out by storing them in the car. Remember: many medications have recommended storage conditions, and in your car where it's constantly hot or cold can severely affect their effectiveness.
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4. Food Can Spoil Faster
You might know not to keep fresh meat or seafood in your vehicle, but any packaged goods are better left stored in your pantry than in your trunk. Let perishable food sit too long without proper refrigeration, and you'll come back to a smelly, smelly mess.
5. Important Documents Can Get Buried
Important documents are pretty valuable items, so that alone means you shouldn't leave them in your car. But even if you find a safe, hidden space for them, they could eventually end up buried and forgotten. Worst-case scenario? Your vehicle is broken into, and you can say goodbye to all those private files.
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6. Aerosol Products Can Be a Problem
Whether it's spray paint or deodorant, aerosol cans and other pressurized products should be immediately brought inside—you definitely don't want to keep them in a heated car. If you're in doubt, you can always check the back label and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions instead.
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7. Clutter Can Become a Driving Hazard
Once you make it a habit to store all your junk in your trunk, or even in the back seat, get ready for all those items to go flying around every time you brake. Even something relatively small can be incredibly distracting if it constantly shifts while you drive!
8. Personal Information Can Be Exposed
Stacks of unimportant paperwork might seem uninteresting to thieves, but you'd be surprised. If they contain any identifiable information about you, even about where you work, those are details you certainly wouldn’t want a stranger to find. Instead of storing it all in your car, it's best to shred any unneeded documents.
9. Clothing Can Develop Odors
Used to leaving your gym bag in the back seat? Well, don't blame us if your date says no to a second one! Fresh as you might keep your clothes, when they’re left inside a warm, enclosed cabin, odor can quickly develop. Worse yet, it could take weeks to fully air out your vehicle.
10. Extra Weight Can Add Up
One forgotten item might not matter much, but a trunk stuffed full with boxes, equipment, and old groceries you forgot to bring into the house? It can all add up. All that unnecessary weight can hurt your car over time, too, so if there's ever a better time to declutter your car, it's now!
Of course, even though there are plenty of valid reasons to avoid using your car as an extra storage space, that doesn't mean you can't ever keep anything handy. In fact, having these 10 items stored within reach might actually save your life:
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1. An Emergency Kit Belongs There
You obviously don't want to imagine ever needing one, but you truly never know if your car might break down on you without notice. Having a basic roadside emergency kit, complete with a flashlight, jumper cables, and other essentials, is one of the best uses of your trunk space. If anything ever goes wrong, you're prepared.
2. Reusable Shopping Bags Are Easy to Forget
Ever gone grocery shopping only to realize you left your reusable bags at home? While you shouldn't keep a bazillion of them in your back seat, it'll still do you well to keep a few handy for those spontaneous shopping trips. They don't take up much space, anyway!
3. A Blanket Has Multiple Uses
It's not only during road trips that you'll need a blanket! Again, if you ever find yourself stranded on the roadside, a compact blanket can keep you from freezing until the tow truck arrives. Just make sure to choose one that's both warm and folds neatly so it doesn’t take up valuable space.
4. Basic Cleaning Supplies Can Save the Day
Parents traveling with kids probably already have a cleaning kit in their car, but this is your cue if you don't have one already. Make sure you include some cloths, paper towels, trash bags, and wet wipes or hand sanitizer. Most importantly, make sure any products you store can withstand your car's fluctuating temperatures.
5. Seasonal Gear Can Be Convenient
Depending on the weather where you live, an ice scraper or umbrella might be essential. The forecast can always change on you, and having these items available means you won’t have to be short on supplies whenever a sudden storm hits.
6. A First-Aid Kit Is Worth Keeping Nearby
Don't forget to pack a small first-aid kit, too! From disinfectant to bandages, your pouch should be able to treat small cuts and minor injuries. Remember to check it occasionally for expired or heat-sensitive contents so you can routinely swap out anything that can't last year-round.
7. Car-Specific Tools Make Sense
If your car is already prone to experiencing starts and sputters, keep a few car-specific tools on hand so you have some equipment to work with when things go awry. Think tire-pressure gauges, manufacturer-supplied tools, or wheel-lock keys. Not sure which ones you need? Flip through your owner’s manual.
8. Pet Supplies Can Simplify Outings
Does your pet frequently ride with you? If so, you'll probably want to keep waste bags, a seat protector, and maybe a spare leash handy so you won't need to repack them every time. Don't make the mistake of keeping any perishable items, though; anything temperature-sensitive should still be brought along separately when needed.
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9. Outdoor Gear Can Stay Organized
Drivers who love to hike and spend time outdoors may benefit from keeping certain essentials in the trunk, too. Whether it's hiking boots or sports equipment, they'll ensure you're ready to go if you ever want to suddenly hit the trail. Invest in a trunk organizer, too—it'll help keep everything secure when you're on the road!
10. Everyday Backup Items Can Be Useful
While you shouldn't let clutter build up, that doesn't mean you can't leave some small items in your car, like a spare phone charging cable or a reusable water container. The key is to make sure you're choosing practical extras; you don't want to gradually fall back into the habit of using your vehicle for long-term storage.
