How to Declutter Your Car and Keep It Clean

Receipts in the door pockets, water bottles under the seats and a trunk full of bags you forgot about. For many families, the car is a second junk drawer. When you declutter your car, every drive feels calmer, and you stop searching for sunglasses at red lights.

Here is how to declutter your car in six easy steps, plus a simple habit to keep it tidy.

Why Declutter Your Car?

A cluttered car is stressful and sometimes unsafe: loose items can slide under the pedals or fly forward when you brake. It also makes the car harder to clean. When you declutter your car regularly, it stays fresh and ready for passengers.

How to Declutter Your Car in 6 Steps

1. Empty Everything

Bring a trash bag and a basket. Take everything out: door pockets, glove box, seat pockets, cup holders, under the seats and the trunk.

2. Sort and Toss

Throw away trash, old receipts and expired coupons. Put items that belong in the house in the basket. Keep only what you truly need in the car.

3. Do a Quick Clean

Shake out the mats, vacuum the seats and floors and wipe the dashboard and cup holders. Clean the inside of the windows. Our tips on how to clean windows work for car glass too.

4. Build a Small Car Kit

Use one small bin or bag for the essentials:

• Phone charger and a pen
• Tissues and wet wipes
• A small first aid kit
• An umbrella
• A reusable shopping bag

5. Give Each Area a Job

The glove box holds documents and the manual. The console holds the charger and sunglasses. The trunk holds the emergency kit and shopping bags. When every item has a place, it is easier to declutter your car next time.

6. Use a Weekly Habit

Every time you fill up the tank, throw away trash and bring in items that belong in the house. It takes two minutes.

Car Decluttering Tips for Families

• Keep a small trash bag hanging from a seat.
• Give each child one small bag for their car toys.
• Store snacks in a sealed box to avoid crumbs.
• Ask kids to carry their own things inside after every trip.

Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is buying car organizers before you declutter your car. You need fewer than you think. Another mistake is using the trunk as storage for donations “to drop off later”. Book a time to drop them off, or keep them inside until you go. A third is waiting until the car is full. If you declutter your car a little every week, it never becomes a big job.

If your car clutter comes from a busy entryway, our entryway organization guide helps stop it at the door. For the rest of the house, try the 30-day declutter challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I declutter my car?

Do a two-minute clear-out each week and a full declutter with vacuuming once a month.

What should I keep in my car?

Documents, a charger, tissues, a first aid kit, an umbrella and a small emergency kit in the trunk.

How do I keep my car clean with kids?

Use a trash bag in the car, limit toys to one bag per child and do a quick clear-out after every long trip.

How long does it take to declutter a car?

About 30 minutes for a full declutter and quick clean.

Start at Your Next Stop

The next time you park at home, take five minutes to declutter your car. Start with the door pockets and the floor, and you will feel the difference on your next drive.

Download the free Calm Home Reset Checklist, or get The Calm Home Handbook with organizing guides and 15 printables.