Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 2 - Automotive Organization (and a link party)

Hooray!  It is the end of week two of the four week <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">"Wait No More Challenge!"</a>  Are you still organizing full speed ahead?  I am really loving the challenge and checking off some much needed projects from my list.  We are not talking about dramatic room makeovers or major DIY improvements.  These projects are the projects that are impacting our day to day lifestyles.  The ones that slow us down, cause us frustrations and make us shake our heads in confusion.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O_VwkC8hEG28hQ5mmoKwSUtV3cgq4z5ptKrVwHAA4UDMjW0T4wmD5J8EqT6JPdfI_gjYfAHkq37DC88NqdQtk-0hbvr47mEcst7z1DdRezU7CZqSIbWzetWj4JOKdS9HaMjyRrqo_1Nc/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O_VwkC8hEG28hQ5mmoKwSUtV3cgq4z5ptKrVwHAA4UDMjW0T4wmD5J8EqT6JPdfI_gjYfAHkq37DC88NqdQtk-0hbvr47mEcst7z1DdRezU7CZqSIbWzetWj4JOKdS9HaMjyRrqo_1Nc/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header+copy.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week I tackled our vehicles and I went into the project thinking it would be a walk in the park.  Boy was I in for a surprise!  It would be a miracle if we could pull off a successful <i>drive</i> to the park with the condition of our vehicles.<br /><br />In my making excuses defense, it is nearly impossible to clean our vehicle for about 6 months out of the year due to our cold climate.  Truthfully, I don't think either of our cars have been touched in over a year though, so I really don't think that my excuse holds that much weight.  The funny thing is, I can't stand a dirty car because I just love the feeling of a fresh clean car so much more.  But I had some major goggles on or something, because they both just got progressively worse and worse to the point where I didn't even realize how bad they really were.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1p7gI_xN6IRTN0My_Fh96Djg6WkfJq7E733PRk1tGkRfhQjYtpNLar8F0dRTdGFyFJNCGRBOT0LQZVdY-bD8aE_ADrKJ0EDc51bxVl-KEBuNeNT9DUH873eMAJllD_HlvO_n3s95wJHk/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1p7gI_xN6IRTN0My_Fh96Djg6WkfJq7E733PRk1tGkRfhQjYtpNLar8F0dRTdGFyFJNCGRBOT0LQZVdY-bD8aE_ADrKJ0EDc51bxVl-KEBuNeNT9DUH873eMAJllD_HlvO_n3s95wJHk/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />No joke guys, I went out this week to clean out the cars and had a minor panic attack in the middle of the day, in the middle of our driveway, in the middle of our neighborhood.  I knew the cars were bad, but the back of the vehicle that we primarily use to travel as a family, was in far rougher shape than I realized or even could have imagined.  Remember, this is a judge free zone friends.<br /><br />Toys, crumbs, dirt, coloring pages, books, water bottles, clothing, sporting equipment, more clothing... You would think we live out of these vehicles.  Wait, we basically do lately!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSsIQh-zdNJ8dnkuI_XFb40cOOcpEOhgz3KF-ZO8Gws7koPDxp1_PS8hCLEHbdKf2QXEtd6TOeZW9ZAnkk7w1gcsxkBA0KaEPkzs1-w80N-9hItX6vrlm0GtGjZB5ZVPqg63JYQd-bvp3/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSsIQh-zdNJ8dnkuI_XFb40cOOcpEOhgz3KF-ZO8Gws7koPDxp1_PS8hCLEHbdKf2QXEtd6TOeZW9ZAnkk7w1gcsxkBA0KaEPkzs1-w80N-9hItX6vrlm0GtGjZB5ZVPqg63JYQd-bvp3/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />The front seat wasn't all that bad.  Just felt dirty and had a lot of disorganization in the cubbies and crannies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6iRyYAsZoNvF03vK_Uil-PIJULekcQqwWhW_zvUcw_pSxhP3J7juQBZslU6z7bZVDu8JRxF_fuyxn73rCIztaKvGbDzMLqeLsAFUbRm6Ml90NzXWe8XSgI9QrF5U0Zmsrh3o0tWRxFFa/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6iRyYAsZoNvF03vK_Uil-PIJULekcQqwWhW_zvUcw_pSxhP3J7juQBZslU6z7bZVDu8JRxF_fuyxn73rCIztaKvGbDzMLqeLsAFUbRm6Ml90NzXWe8XSgI9QrF5U0Zmsrh3o0tWRxFFa/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />I am sure cleaning out a car and organizing it isn't the most thrilling post to read, but my goodness, the outcome sure was thrilling to me.  I completely underestimated the mess, and therefore, completely underestimated the amount of time it would take to clean out and organize both cars.  Here are the steps I took to whip both vehicles back into beautiful shape.<br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 1:</b></span>  Assess (like really assess).  Check out all areas of cars to determine scope of project and potential needs (this is where I failed to realize how bad things really were).  I used <a href="https://app.box.com/s/6ccw426rjtyehhgk4lt9nkrd87842ag7" target="_blank">my project planning printable</a> to come up with a game plan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_73nudX0M1gVCkqu1fiPDpjk80zgglyTjr_BsyQc6cuxIclhyphenhyphenLiSPeTj4pWX36t7mVmqHKSTLO8KHnIhGcyiGAX7ADtV8YM6fO8q1jBQK3Anq0JgQLqiurervkfPT_ydyl1-erJbrjq/s1600/Auto_Organization_Plan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_73nudX0M1gVCkqu1fiPDpjk80zgglyTjr_BsyQc6cuxIclhyphenhyphenLiSPeTj4pWX36t7mVmqHKSTLO8KHnIhGcyiGAX7ADtV8YM6fO8q1jBQK3Anq0JgQLqiurervkfPT_ydyl1-erJbrjq/s1600/Auto_Organization_Plan.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 2:</b></span>  Create solutions for trouble spots.  We were lacking in preparation and organization, so I<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing_16.html" target="_blank"> put together a few kits</a> to be better prepared while traveling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpTe5Vr_DBx4E7DCFbsS5oF4zHPHWeosFoR6XAIxr-ETw0BwLQxdBJCz7kUB5yvU55LdcPCGt1k78YpIXUBQEeBFCDn1_y7z2z47K0kaS1-CdwEykuzpraX_q0VmWhc043-O6hGWD2q7L/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpTe5Vr_DBx4E7DCFbsS5oF4zHPHWeosFoR6XAIxr-ETw0BwLQxdBJCz7kUB5yvU55LdcPCGt1k78YpIXUBQEeBFCDn1_y7z2z47K0kaS1-CdwEykuzpraX_q0VmWhc043-O6hGWD2q7L/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 3:</b></span>  Sort and purge!  Just like any organizational project, I got out some bins and started the sorting process.  You can download your free sorting signs <a href="https://app.box.com/s/6anxypu95du1d7cjlanpz2fo5t9y79yj" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XtfqBVXZTRggIL3NV8H6Lm1ub1S7-K8JV6OeydACUfAI1oZrnAhsZ1QlTiuTaApLCcfbw-pHp8788eYaoS6N2DPXVilvz6z-4BWVTcyQGdv4QdAAcXeeGRsE-kbkDcBxYq2aaJ7FC5_H/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XtfqBVXZTRggIL3NV8H6Lm1ub1S7-K8JV6OeydACUfAI1oZrnAhsZ1QlTiuTaApLCcfbw-pHp8788eYaoS6N2DPXVilvz6z-4BWVTcyQGdv4QdAAcXeeGRsE-kbkDcBxYq2aaJ7FC5_H/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />The goal was to empty the cars 100%.  I enlisted the help of all of the boys, they were partly responsible for the mess after-all.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 4:</b></span>  Clean!  Once we had the cars completely empty, it was time to scrub them top to bottom.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qaUFAYxZHpqQGo-wd-bqx4CPMpPG35hmPccpLen37xwyah7xIVo5z3htun1dbf8j-KYWibzZnL7Z-BAB-kTwjI2y5FPMvWWHQ5OiuY6Bti0Xrqt8OuyfnbUFt1y_s8KQ6Uuz8vcpEEqf/s1600/Automotive_Cleaning_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qaUFAYxZHpqQGo-wd-bqx4CPMpPG35hmPccpLen37xwyah7xIVo5z3htun1dbf8j-KYWibzZnL7Z-BAB-kTwjI2y5FPMvWWHQ5OiuY6Bti0Xrqt8OuyfnbUFt1y_s8KQ6Uuz8vcpEEqf/s1600/Automotive_Cleaning_Collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />This process probably seems pretty straight forward, and it really was.  I used a combination of our shop vac and Dyson attachments to get all of the carpet clean.  A slender attachment worked well to vacuum out all of the narrow nooks, door pockets and cup holders.  I decided to cheat for this project and purchased some Pledge Multi-Surface cleaner (I usually DIY my cleaners).  I was impressed with how well it worked on all of the interior surfaces, including the windows.  Not to mention, it smelled amazing. #notsponsored #justlove<br /><br />A small scrub brush paired with a bucket of warm water and dishsoap removed all of the salt stains from the floor mats.  Once they were dry, I went back over them with our upright vac.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy2js6KilPdA6A5J0TN65NNdt5CZgmWQRhBLnAJ1T4-7LgMjZqgmFANG9bwaDhsKFjdf4txWHFYFwNg-JgWO4AAwqDzQLYYRdhcprgtsvKHM_H5Qu8ddfl1NnwwsOqiWS0rkfbdOoOp5T/s1600/Automotive_Cleaning_Collage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy2js6KilPdA6A5J0TN65NNdt5CZgmWQRhBLnAJ1T4-7LgMjZqgmFANG9bwaDhsKFjdf4txWHFYFwNg-JgWO4AAwqDzQLYYRdhcprgtsvKHM_H5Qu8ddfl1NnwwsOqiWS0rkfbdOoOp5T/s1600/Automotive_Cleaning_Collage_2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 5:</b></span>  Take it all in.  Every last minute!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bgrZPoniaA_zgYQTL_q1dM89HkwBBOI7Wteky6Mq-CD1jeGz1ICn5GQrh-ZKJjJxFXv0JPXp9rImOUXb6EesO38iN-wwXvooyn2rxfPNLKUDVIw7PvXcalu9auPf4M0TFTKioXdHiJ34/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bgrZPoniaA_zgYQTL_q1dM89HkwBBOI7Wteky6Mq-CD1jeGz1ICn5GQrh-ZKJjJxFXv0JPXp9rImOUXb6EesO38iN-wwXvooyn2rxfPNLKUDVIw7PvXcalu9auPf4M0TFTKioXdHiJ34/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_28.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 6:</b></span>  Implement new systems.  I had a chat with the kiddos, and we agreed that majority of the items we put in our car kit, should get them through shorter car rides without the need to bring a bunch of extra coloring pages or toys.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcgSQwKH6Fsleni9tCJZMvHNy8E0cydV0Ps-6EPFsWwbEBTsypZtCzSQY1sRNkEFAx8KyaV0rQzU4a_ItrdjO4ya7PIZRGGpmGsYwRK3Pn3dwD1W8k4dl1LWitbmuy84NzIh3sAv7Y83M/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcgSQwKH6Fsleni9tCJZMvHNy8E0cydV0Ps-6EPFsWwbEBTsypZtCzSQY1sRNkEFAx8KyaV0rQzU4a_ItrdjO4ya7PIZRGGpmGsYwRK3Pn3dwD1W8k4dl1LWitbmuy84NzIh3sAv7Y83M/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_31.jpg" /></a></div><br />We also agreed that part of the problem was not being diligent about bringing things in when we returned home.  Our "keep" bin was full of items that needed to be brought back into the house and put away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXm6dWM0pR84NbKsDaScpVMBZXXZBlr2N7DqLYOEgPqmG6_pgSYc2jj95sGlyLKdrQ4tF6rbW74_OPkLrJXxJDTUtRkSkkJYpWnbaHTP8Cgvn5XEPtlZTBB5SrluooxO5hN6xsHcA7ZNy/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXm6dWM0pR84NbKsDaScpVMBZXXZBlr2N7DqLYOEgPqmG6_pgSYc2jj95sGlyLKdrQ4tF6rbW74_OPkLrJXxJDTUtRkSkkJYpWnbaHTP8Cgvn5XEPtlZTBB5SrluooxO5hN6xsHcA7ZNy/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />I added <a href="http://amzn.to/1BCn26i" target="_blank">a small trash bag</a> to the back of the passenger seat in both cars.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2hhq012VUqOB7c8JGui_orTNedoEv7Xv7LPFkKWD8CPpfc6GIt8jjyz6uJoeavxhDe6Gpp2ar_LIWveqeAeLTYgIO44G1cmUTNJ31Ux1x3QdungpRszLGMEx7VK4O_Tn_htuFtYvt7wY/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2hhq012VUqOB7c8JGui_orTNedoEv7Xv7LPFkKWD8CPpfc6GIt8jjyz6uJoeavxhDe6Gpp2ar_LIWveqeAeLTYgIO44G1cmUTNJ31Ux1x3QdungpRszLGMEx7VK4O_Tn_htuFtYvt7wY/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_33.jpg" /></a></div><br />The sporting equipment was also put away, and replaced with a bin of essentials and our reusable shopping bags.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl4xVUKElaJJWfv_revrwgMxY_X3kF5AJ5fBwggrL0M86KPgc-rF6Y7QKPkWh2LghbPRvDyoZ74gr49t9efbPD_yUM0TJcM5CNn7_06H_PRKznDicSokUGBxsv73vGN0ZfIxLo-HCFfPR/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl4xVUKElaJJWfv_revrwgMxY_X3kF5AJ5fBwggrL0M86KPgc-rF6Y7QKPkWh2LghbPRvDyoZ74gr49t9efbPD_yUM0TJcM5CNn7_06H_PRKznDicSokUGBxsv73vGN0ZfIxLo-HCFfPR/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_2.png" /></a></div><br />I actually divided our reusable shopping bags into two sets of 5 bags each, keeping one set in each car.  In the past, they were stored in the house and they were forgotten for far too many grocery shopping trips.  The woven basket in our car holds our returns, and can easily be moved from trunk to trunk.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw93RarWwh-JeIxi9C9JkrhMEqH6tXcx7iOic61Ly_LaxRw2SAq_oddgolnOrGoCdOYMBnYAflStZOu_6a3IQ1SyHZ_FBI9o8aJmOeqKeo8bIucoruuSwo6M1jbSYrXvdIeRvwCoAw0s8/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw93RarWwh-JeIxi9C9JkrhMEqH6tXcx7iOic61Ly_LaxRw2SAq_oddgolnOrGoCdOYMBnYAflStZOu_6a3IQ1SyHZ_FBI9o8aJmOeqKeo8bIucoruuSwo6M1jbSYrXvdIeRvwCoAw0s8/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_5.png" /></a></div><br />In the front of both cars, I made sure we had a plug and cord for each of our phones.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkbOpdzj2u1CrHWB6a2pCrgbdJ_JkYifSMl_tZ7hqTglWGO4fGO3oSv1Al1kOuTN6J_hntfHY0ETMqd7v6C0SiRFRDQ_zx-zcieEo7BvXX8eKmXcgRfJwVD_2jkWaBWaGeKalrOTD8Sr9/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkbOpdzj2u1CrHWB6a2pCrgbdJ_JkYifSMl_tZ7hqTglWGO4fGO3oSv1Al1kOuTN6J_hntfHY0ETMqd7v6C0SiRFRDQ_zx-zcieEo7BvXX8eKmXcgRfJwVD_2jkWaBWaGeKalrOTD8Sr9/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_26.jpg" /></a></div><br />At this point, it is probably not a surprise that the glove compartments were also a smidge on the messy side...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUm9HxL8rZ7FlchJ-mZDUvlBzOiF34Uzrhrb6ZwtN_06BhyNt8QgtAIVvN2lwGH7MUU5vQ9E9FQjDV36dkzcNCSB8kq1C-4RRBYPDbjJ9Y4AggVncMuD7K_UcKzkrLglikpAPdFVkNeRm/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUm9HxL8rZ7FlchJ-mZDUvlBzOiF34Uzrhrb6ZwtN_06BhyNt8QgtAIVvN2lwGH7MUU5vQ9E9FQjDV36dkzcNCSB8kq1C-4RRBYPDbjJ9Y4AggVncMuD7K_UcKzkrLglikpAPdFVkNeRm/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_4.png" /></a></div><br />We keep spare fuses in both glove compartments.  Our car had a nice divided case, so I mimicked it for the SUV.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-s5gFZBzxBr7BUR7F2ZfvUKBgBokedtDBkicVMQiuXpds6pD7R91CcUwvpWIdsAHxK2q1da_mkGOppLqoFpku4obKc2VsfEvHDc8Ipv-zZEKbTMNlSNpAeLwq6ctaxGL_ZcJYQ_Xv4bW/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-s5gFZBzxBr7BUR7F2ZfvUKBgBokedtDBkicVMQiuXpds6pD7R91CcUwvpWIdsAHxK2q1da_mkGOppLqoFpku4obKc2VsfEvHDc8Ipv-zZEKbTMNlSNpAeLwq6ctaxGL_ZcJYQ_Xv4bW/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_25.jpg" /></a></div><br />I also added a small container of money for tolls, parking meters or an emergency gas stop.  I don't typically recommend leaving money in your vehicle, but I wanted to add a small back-up fund in both cars just in case.  Does iced coffee count as an emergency?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNysjU4WLLvRJBz0rWJke3UfPBXb44jOfB7Ibuh5osh2dejiZEnXrL-ZxSWF-IrMTYYXO1kQrzB1APyoDx3csZFhkeUFfL__3QVoQP7RIhmcNwhiLbGVI6DF32oU5lIVe6dbpGyQTO8r0i/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNysjU4WLLvRJBz0rWJke3UfPBXb44jOfB7Ibuh5osh2dejiZEnXrL-ZxSWF-IrMTYYXO1kQrzB1APyoDx3csZFhkeUFfL__3QVoQP7RIhmcNwhiLbGVI6DF32oU5lIVe6dbpGyQTO8r0i/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_24.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't want to continuously purchase Swiffer refills, so I upgraded each vehicle to <a href="http://amzn.to/1GpvYaD" target="_blank">a reusable duster</a> instead.  They are compact enough to fit in the glove compartments.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPCMLam2cblUwyXPZxhJr71GPTPhd8DCfVsch-_PVa0yafI3SlV6BLiUZyjIG39NB90mwYIJY7gxpZQDvruahLop6sPE8u1UNoz4Rl8HFt0fglUJ6LrIa0ZhogKmgUVDqayGOREm1225j/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPCMLam2cblUwyXPZxhJr71GPTPhd8DCfVsch-_PVa0yafI3SlV6BLiUZyjIG39NB90mwYIJY7gxpZQDvruahLop6sPE8u1UNoz4Rl8HFt0fglUJ6LrIa0ZhogKmgUVDqayGOREm1225j/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_30.jpg" /></a></div><br />We were also lacking in any type of document management in the car.  We didn't always have insurance cards in the car, and have been trying a few different methods for tracking mileage (we both need to track it for business purposes).  To solve the problem, I put together a thin Auto Binder to slide under each passenger seat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ExrsBAnAkvdin2vEaEN5xXMqQX_9vDkRpXYRnZbk_J7vBnbonTzJgMhuMeC57iBSMzkYzHBS7ViiJBUt95ST0pQXKKkLsETYa38kgajgW5lDnfLL3aez-ep7KqNeE2sh_WuM7NS2Qxo_/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ExrsBAnAkvdin2vEaEN5xXMqQX_9vDkRpXYRnZbk_J7vBnbonTzJgMhuMeC57iBSMzkYzHBS7ViiJBUt95ST0pQXKKkLsETYa38kgajgW5lDnfLL3aez-ep7KqNeE2sh_WuM7NS2Qxo_/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_37.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />How about a quick look inside?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRzLicQhcvBEaUrIaNwN4iLLt9ldhjIkcyBFQAQLlvj9FoIQ5aq7nJDgSp962pDOafTXRNa3y-e63SbnSIe1CPZUvUhFdPu7VHWP-ZJWPSoKBqwr1TbIDwLQpOVwWfiUPjcFS1ABu3ZyP/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRzLicQhcvBEaUrIaNwN4iLLt9ldhjIkcyBFQAQLlvj9FoIQ5aq7nJDgSp962pDOafTXRNa3y-e63SbnSIe1CPZUvUhFdPu7VHWP-ZJWPSoKBqwr1TbIDwLQpOVwWfiUPjcFS1ABu3ZyP/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_41.jpg" /></a></div><br />I used a generic white 1/2" three ring binder and dressed it up with some decorative paper and a label.  Inside, I used tabbed binder pockets, which are great for holding miscellaneous documents and receipts.<br /><br />Right inside the cover, I added our insurance card and proof of vehicle registration. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LF6gp28R6KhMmgugFhrgDo_AOUAvdbM43JMHPJ84WMZkY-LvvZMB79DxtyXht9graNE_0yZb0UL6MsxCH559RAo0TVaYU_uBwP94PUaGQfpxu_eJCyu12ApXTi-DbDhb6tAomcA8Tv2L/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LF6gp28R6KhMmgugFhrgDo_AOUAvdbM43JMHPJ84WMZkY-LvvZMB79DxtyXht9graNE_0yZb0UL6MsxCH559RAo0TVaYU_uBwP94PUaGQfpxu_eJCyu12ApXTi-DbDhb6tAomcA8Tv2L/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_42.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Behind another tab of more insurance docs/details, I printed out a new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/72259322/personalized-automobilevehicle?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank">auto maintenance log</a>, and filed away the previous one which we had been keeping in our Household Binder.  The pocket is great for holding maintenance statements and receipts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw2kgBJNO9mzWWgqUulbERdlXSreVaufGiIirLyE84MQMpW9FNQIdKe5KWbZDD2D9kyUVhK1XkqWVsPBr_n7YGmVIcx9bdQMNEYsEW2ak9qNraNQNU6Jxs12yLRNef2ArKLuiEOfXqS6X/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw2kgBJNO9mzWWgqUulbERdlXSreVaufGiIirLyE84MQMpW9FNQIdKe5KWbZDD2D9kyUVhK1XkqWVsPBr_n7YGmVIcx9bdQMNEYsEW2ak9qNraNQNU6Jxs12yLRNef2ArKLuiEOfXqS6X/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_43.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next tab is a Mileage tracker, which I created for this project.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFCzBeILxnhaJvF1Q5Zjm58C9BCCuqdQKM0ysYKTtwh5mQJh62xVuB9ONwlZnoWDtzIkL6R790zX0_m3JadP8VeF_TjrR6CMOd6AwFVUYNFTxZKuhqjqbXVigwdqvIdtnBScnk3a2pBMl/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFCzBeILxnhaJvF1Q5Zjm58C9BCCuqdQKM0ysYKTtwh5mQJh62xVuB9ONwlZnoWDtzIkL6R790zX0_m3JadP8VeF_TjrR6CMOd6AwFVUYNFTxZKuhqjqbXVigwdqvIdtnBScnk3a2pBMl/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_44.jpg" /></a></div><br />Would you like one too?  OK!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44dwaX3GnBecWrOeT6gIkuR9arPmIw7pjINaAqlu6pCpgDwn9WYMqhxIAGKSeaJt6wpOOsiBRrhe4b_1fyWXNeY6CP18e8YYVHYQIyrrQ8-y44fe2r7q0_eKfZOyJ-mLXAK2SJwoQzOGB/s1600/MileageTracker.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44dwaX3GnBecWrOeT6gIkuR9arPmIw7pjINaAqlu6pCpgDwn9WYMqhxIAGKSeaJt6wpOOsiBRrhe4b_1fyWXNeY6CP18e8YYVHYQIyrrQ8-y44fe2r7q0_eKfZOyJ-mLXAK2SJwoQzOGB/s1600/MileageTracker.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://app.box.com/s/gqakiwncsbtgl128m105wx0r0zjryldn" target="_blank">download your FREE mileage tracker here</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />For the final tab, I decided to take my own advice and keep a donation tracker in each car.  We are always dropping off a small box of items at local donation facilities, and I find myself jotting down notes at the last minute in my phone or on random scraps of paper.  Now, I have a much more organized way of keeping those details straight.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZR0YwC3bQl3GFOl2MhwZwWCt_QTpXG_xwnmTKEfEp-QMp7SNPf5ZtzQoALim1Tf-u-DhBWEl26dyg9742IXD9gak4B4UTah6lJK72z8tR8cCjzWaz0K078gjEemuASHrpcra3SKE3Yx9p/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZR0YwC3bQl3GFOl2MhwZwWCt_QTpXG_xwnmTKEfEp-QMp7SNPf5ZtzQoALim1Tf-u-DhBWEl26dyg9742IXD9gak4B4UTah6lJK72z8tR8cCjzWaz0K078gjEemuASHrpcra3SKE3Yx9p/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_45.jpg" /></a></div><br />The one shown above is from my shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235619769/donation-printable-guide-instant" target="_blank">here</a>, but you can also download another version for free <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/free-printables.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />A pen fit perfectly inside each binder, and the cover provides a hard surface to write down all details while on the go.<br /><br />And that is that my friends!  Our cars are no longer embarrassing or gross or dirty!  Although I may be hiding under a rock in shame, I am doing so with a smile!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdGeeMLzpujYJ6JoUxODETTf-cDLeXLg5Lc9y0SL5hb6-5l6qiSego-Po7IAFhxPDp058MF8FYaYJGlmlAK1elewepjjpWvlANAQKRwYS8B8BWhvrqS23YaAlJ3T3-YNy9ytqtdWFwYWr/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdGeeMLzpujYJ6JoUxODETTf-cDLeXLg5Lc9y0SL5hb6-5l6qiSego-Po7IAFhxPDp058MF8FYaYJGlmlAK1elewepjjpWvlANAQKRwYS8B8BWhvrqS23YaAlJ3T3-YNy9ytqtdWFwYWr/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_1.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzDxPMX2rXSrUofBY5Ulfc_7TSc7E_1qFgB4F3fo7gmpf2K7w490Tpwe9TJle-d5BCQ3WtR_sMA-ezxToVriAJw94-c5oMw71ISpSnWixPUpXH58B3FzPoGjrwZyDaNm_4pDdlI3_E8vQ/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzDxPMX2rXSrUofBY5Ulfc_7TSc7E_1qFgB4F3fo7gmpf2K7w490Tpwe9TJle-d5BCQ3WtR_sMA-ezxToVriAJw94-c5oMw71ISpSnWixPUpXH58B3FzPoGjrwZyDaNm_4pDdlI3_E8vQ/s1600/Auto_Car_Organization_38.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y5c9P-6Mqe-512nxUZzlJrxOOSVcvE7SgGPsRza1qq4IeiaxTKzlxCLZpipZp3A0QpemtzIT6ScIxzctYRzft-7xND-7RIhqQPmylwsZ85bPUpWSAzmZHWYGLX_1bKBiKRvsHqJvM6f4/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y5c9P-6Mqe-512nxUZzlJrxOOSVcvE7SgGPsRza1qq4IeiaxTKzlxCLZpipZp3A0QpemtzIT6ScIxzctYRzft-7xND-7RIhqQPmylwsZ85bPUpWSAzmZHWYGLX_1bKBiKRvsHqJvM6f4/s1600/Automotive_Organization_Before_After_3.png" /></a></div><br />I am sure I am a bit more excited about the before and afters this week than 90% of you, but that is what these organizational challenges are all about. Doing something you have been putting off for far too long and then celebrating your accomplishments. #cheers  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now!  Who wants to win a $50 Gift Certificate to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>!?  The majority of the items I used for this week's task, were purchased from Amazon (flashlights, umbrellas, tire repair kits, roadside flashers, fire extinguishers, collapsible pet bowls (thanks for the recommendations), dusters, trash sacks, etc...).  These days, I do the majority of my shopping on Amazon because it is convenient and typically less expensive than driving to surrounding bigger cities to shop.  You can find just about anything for just about any project.  Using <a href="http://random.org/">random.org</a>, one link party participant will be selected to win the gift card at the end of this week's challenge <i>(no need to participate each week to win)</i>!  Time to share your Week 2 stories and projects with me!</div><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="537522"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=537522" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script --><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->I was so overjoyed to see how many of you joined in with me last week!  Let's keep the organizing momentum going this week!<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #a20067;"><b>UPDATE!</b></span>  Congratulations to this week's winner!  #16 has been selected by Random.org as the winning participant of Week Two!  Keep an eye on your email, I will be contacting soon to coordinate your Amazon.com gift card winnings!    </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ceqLdyzlN0u4AKWFFXlslvcFQzd384ZpyOJtRH4rqAXrFFW64iflgZcq4YxrJIy8-ywGoMjgE7iEIzIiCUoFXOrLxRqHl-fEvmV-k6GUh58CTls_m-lp-MILR5HRp9w0blC7O4e5OHE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-30+at+10.21.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ceqLdyzlN0u4AKWFFXlslvcFQzd384ZpyOJtRH4rqAXrFFW64iflgZcq4YxrJIy8-ywGoMjgE7iEIzIiCUoFXOrLxRqHl-fEvmV-k6GUh58CTls_m-lp-MILR5HRp9w0blC7O4e5OHE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-30+at+10.21.51+AM.png" /></a></div><br />You can find all of the challenge details in this post <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and also download some FREE project planning printables to help you get started!<br /><br /><i>Have a great weekend everyone!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 2 - Automotive Organization (and a link party)

Hooray!  It is the end of week two of the four week "Wait No More Challenge!"   Are you still organizing full speed ahead?  I am r...

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Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 2 - Organized Car Kits

Welcome to Week Two of the <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">"Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge</a>.  To recap, I am focusing on four main areas of our life that need a lot of organizational help.  Instead of biting off more than I can chew all at once (and subsequently becoming quite overwhelmed), I am tackling one space each week. <br /><ul><li><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing_12.html" target="_blank">Time Management</a></li><li>Automobiles</li><li>Master Bathroom</li><li>Master Bedroom Closet </li></ul><br />And many of you are joining in and working on a few of your own spaces, which I totally love!  For this week's organizational challenge, I am focusing on our vehicles.  More and more, it feels like our cars are our second homes.  We are always heading to school and sporting events as well as running frequent errands, trips to the park and taking off for a weekend away.  We live in a small town, so we have to take trips to "the city" quite frequently.  All of those miles add up and the interior of our cars have been feeling the traveling pains.<br /><br />We snack in the car, we sleep in the car, we read and play games in the car.  I am not one to keep strict rules about food, drinks and toys because I want everyone to be happy and comfortable while traveling.  However, my goal is to take back the room on wheels that we spend so much time in, and to find a few ways to better maintain them moving forward.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_73nudX0M1gVCkqu1fiPDpjk80zgglyTjr_BsyQc6cuxIclhyphenhyphenLiSPeTj4pWX36t7mVmqHKSTLO8KHnIhGcyiGAX7ADtV8YM6fO8q1jBQK3Anq0JgQLqiurervkfPT_ydyl1-erJbrjq/s1600/Auto_Organization_Plan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq_73nudX0M1gVCkqu1fiPDpjk80zgglyTjr_BsyQc6cuxIclhyphenhyphenLiSPeTj4pWX36t7mVmqHKSTLO8KHnIhGcyiGAX7ADtV8YM6fO8q1jBQK3Anq0JgQLqiurervkfPT_ydyl1-erJbrjq/s1600/Auto_Organization_Plan.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Above you can see my plans for the cars.  By Friday, I will (fingers crossed) have before and afters of two messy vehicles turned nice, clean and organized vehicles.  Wish me luck!<br /><br />My first step in the process was to address some areas we have been lacking.  We have umbrellas near our front door, but what happens when we are heading to the grocery store and a rain cloud comes out of nowhere?  We keep our sunglasses in our shoe cabinet, but again, what if we forget them at home and happen to be driving into the sun?  What if our oldest gets hit with motion sickness or I happen to get a headache?  When we head to the park, there is a high probability that our accident prone kiddo will scrape up his elbow, forehead or knee.  And after having three flat tires in the past two years, I can't risk not being prepared for another.  All of these things have happened and have left us feeling frustrated that we didn't have some basics on hand.<br /><br />So I decided to put together some kits to help us be better prepared on the road (you all know I love a good kit!).  We are still using some of the pouches we put together two years ago <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/04/happy-travels-auto-organization.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but since then we have ditched the basket and the rest of the system.  The lidded basket was too bulky and we found we didn't move it from car to car (the basket has been working much better in my closet storing off-season items).  This time around, I decided to create two of each kit, so that we don't have to do any moving between vehicles.<br /><br />I started by picking up two large fabric bins (<a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-fabric-cube/-/A-14368500#prodSlot=medium_1_28&term=threshold+cube" target="_blank">similar</a>) from Target.  They are a grey, felt-like material and reminded me of the interior of our cars.  I also picked up two <a href="http://www.joann.com/project-central-8x8/9058801.html?mkwid=UcwU5RKB|dc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+Home+Decor&CS_003=12310478&CS_010=[ProductId]&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkv-rBRDwoMLav-2l9KIBEiQAUTkDU78X_xV7T0PNeFHxBgy9P7mWMQ3Jf4S8LsTYG19IpVIaAs-c8P8HAQ" target="_blank">small craft cases</a> and four <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-clear-storage-tote-transparent-with-blue-lid-6qt/-/A-13794902#prodSlot=medium_1_31&term=sterilite+bin" target="_blank">plastic shoe boxes</a>.<br /><br />Kit number one is a very simple and basic First-Aid kit.  The small craft case was the perfect size for the bandage boxes and medicine bottles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvfAxh1bng1-R64uPQmHg_LT7wSPbZaUNfLMC4wDHmS97ENuFtcclZ2hhDNkQK7gsAJO-5pWO8WxgDfZ-L48lWPfHHx9RuYcnaGvjj6V4-pFXS5R8SWMzWeOBzsR57XQoaTL3sQM-MMm3/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvfAxh1bng1-R64uPQmHg_LT7wSPbZaUNfLMC4wDHmS97ENuFtcclZ2hhDNkQK7gsAJO-5pWO8WxgDfZ-L48lWPfHHx9RuYcnaGvjj6V4-pFXS5R8SWMzWeOBzsR57XQoaTL3sQM-MMm3/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Inside each kit I added the following items:<br /><ul><li>Pain Reliever</li><li>Digestive Relief</li><li>Motion Sickness Relief</li><li>Itch Relief</li><li>Instant Cold Pack</li><li>Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray</li><li>Bandages</li><li>Kleenex</li><li>Athletic Tape</li><li>Gauze</li><li>Scissors</li><li>Tweezers</li></ul><br /><ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZa1wl7S-GWjcXWY9WmWYGL9rmybI6Z7VGLavXZ9h4G2vZqGRZUvE5mN5e9K9U5SmyTmLjtPa2Hz-X8k6pm-BkLXaw9-bMtCifZAhiqeClyUqqZisvHlEZe7KYcjR1dOYHxJvJIC7Voa/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOZa1wl7S-GWjcXWY9WmWYGL9rmybI6Z7VGLavXZ9h4G2vZqGRZUvE5mN5e9K9U5SmyTmLjtPa2Hz-X8k6pm-BkLXaw9-bMtCifZAhiqeClyUqqZisvHlEZe7KYcjR1dOYHxJvJIC7Voa/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />There is still room to add a few additional items if we find we have missed anything, however, we are pretty covered for accidents at the park or ball field.  I used my Silhouette die-cutting machine to create vinyl labels for each lid.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXAMmO-ze0u25OyVoj-7njY2JYS1K-n2st60elWDjnQJavUWVLOFrJlpPF_gXjPY-WiZYz75uV153MzoMR8KEBgRpRehk0RqxP7AyK6x8yNBuHD46GI2_J5fHl4AL9-UC1ke77CIptPgU/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXAMmO-ze0u25OyVoj-7njY2JYS1K-n2st60elWDjnQJavUWVLOFrJlpPF_gXjPY-WiZYz75uV153MzoMR8KEBgRpRehk0RqxP7AyK6x8yNBuHD46GI2_J5fHl4AL9-UC1ke77CIptPgU/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next up I created a kit to keep behind the driver's seat in each car.  My goal is to completely clean out the cars and only keep this single bin of items in each.  I used an <a href="http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software/Templates/Martha-Stewart-Home-Office-with-Avery/Martha-Stewart-Home-Office-with-Avery-Removable-Classic-Shape-Label-2-per-4x6-sheet_Microsoft-Word.htm" target="_blank">Avery Office template</a> to create the labels for each kit.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZhty4mcogK1Rd6VBE6zGC7UdXfHvfR1ZnPV3IZhZrw9aPmUkOeH-Iv2PgUo51ocMlilNkxs_TYM9jEBMPkoIviLfO4y_R1A4ioHhGtve-XqSy4EAle1erwdYdIL-ZVjwczDNuWfU7bLx/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZhty4mcogK1Rd6VBE6zGC7UdXfHvfR1ZnPV3IZhZrw9aPmUkOeH-Iv2PgUo51ocMlilNkxs_TYM9jEBMPkoIviLfO4y_R1A4ioHhGtve-XqSy4EAle1erwdYdIL-ZVjwczDNuWfU7bLx/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />Inside each of these bins I added the following items:<br /><ul><li>Wipes</li><li>Umbrella</li><li>Storage Bags</li><li>Spare Charging Adapter</li><li>Lip Gloss</li><li>Lotion</li><li>Markers</li><li>Notebook</li><li>Pens</li><li>Kleenex</li><li>Sanitizer</li><li>Sunglasses</li><li>Playing Cards </li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLIFLK4D5JRmp5Q6Fg26Vj0Q0UDm6td251B53jDpPD6cfGz2Bs7AXC70DmzE14DTpr6LQxnJbwsvYs5UvWeLa7hwmh0w__shVrTSzijLeg6nDdoX_9azU6IpVYLqLy-wWdxebnX0NoYsA/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLIFLK4D5JRmp5Q6Fg26Vj0Q0UDm6td251B53jDpPD6cfGz2Bs7AXC70DmzE14DTpr6LQxnJbwsvYs5UvWeLa7hwmh0w__shVrTSzijLeg6nDdoX_9azU6IpVYLqLy-wWdxebnX0NoYsA/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Now, if the kids forget their travel bags, they still have activities to keep them busy.  These items are intended to always stay in the car and never go into our home.  My guess is the contents may evolve or be swapped out, but I already feel much more prepared knowing that we have some basics on hand anywhere we head.  Because you know, hands get sticky and accidents will happen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpTe5Vr_DBx4E7DCFbsS5oF4zHPHWeosFoR6XAIxr-ETw0BwLQxdBJCz7kUB5yvU55LdcPCGt1k78YpIXUBQEeBFCDn1_y7z2z47K0kaS1-CdwEykuzpraX_q0VmWhc043-O6hGWD2q7L/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpTe5Vr_DBx4E7DCFbsS5oF4zHPHWeosFoR6XAIxr-ETw0BwLQxdBJCz7kUB5yvU55LdcPCGt1k78YpIXUBQEeBFCDn1_y7z2z47K0kaS1-CdwEykuzpraX_q0VmWhc043-O6hGWD2q7L/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />The last kit I put together is in case of a roadside emergency:<br /><ul><li>Fix-A-Flat </li><li>Tire Plug Kit</li><li>Headlamp</li><li>Roadside Flare Light</li><li>Tire Gauge</li><li>Glass Breaker/Seatbelt Cutter <i>(which will ultimately live in the glove compartment once the cars are cleaned out and organized)</i></li><li>Booster Cables</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_312PGtQkt0kc_qb-krOeop8kQviy2_fWnH12rENIE7pa-sap1OAt9GAxk1fB1GaymoOAjWhxmi-qFtJPIDsAwm0gX54N1cLmZZPvJKI7TIXF6HAoJIUdV2DINgkKVpHol4Z4CUzlFiy/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_312PGtQkt0kc_qb-krOeop8kQviy2_fWnH12rENIE7pa-sap1OAt9GAxk1fB1GaymoOAjWhxmi-qFtJPIDsAwm0gX54N1cLmZZPvJKI7TIXF6HAoJIUdV2DINgkKVpHol4Z4CUzlFiy/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />And again, everything went inside one of the small plastic bins.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfISood2qaHLfLc45UgJgk-gvRVsgBRY2bJ7eZEQeU1QLwoyJRGQKRp3-wwbWnv4xyFPj6Mm6sswbknEQNZ_or4b985cNm3R7OsDuPrRSUUG5KYo_M6Wx5gibH94Uc17UV8p6bJQNZ7tTw/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfISood2qaHLfLc45UgJgk-gvRVsgBRY2bJ7eZEQeU1QLwoyJRGQKRp3-wwbWnv4xyFPj6Mm6sswbknEQNZ_or4b985cNm3R7OsDuPrRSUUG5KYo_M6Wx5gibH94Uc17UV8p6bJQNZ7tTw/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />So to recap, each car will be equipped with the following:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAmH1Mf1lQwL5gzUzOwNnCF66njE7wj2Ja6XCWQkeLO2BylAT3txLEIe6vpzd0nODj4wd06O2lzhgMOR4zsqbn4aPeT_oFDba8PqvUamsGPGazanaDrKDJI4xPWwUAT8pY_sn_8H-6r_M/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAmH1Mf1lQwL5gzUzOwNnCF66njE7wj2Ja6XCWQkeLO2BylAT3txLEIe6vpzd0nODj4wd06O2lzhgMOR4zsqbn4aPeT_oFDba8PqvUamsGPGazanaDrKDJI4xPWwUAT8pY_sn_8H-6r_M/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_9.jpg" /></a></div><br />Each container is quite compact, and the shoe box sized bins fit perfectly in the larger canvas bin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiL-8TcYhB7pqeLoAxDFk0o0bOcUebDF-cZYwrtoenwkAvdWL3AALSB3F4-Z1QtCQM_r_AXrJu4veKU7tulqMGCQLZp_PFiqSUYRHBoebn60pIUhH9eIp8TRjZNxFpX6ratKqTBTV08Ii/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiL-8TcYhB7pqeLoAxDFk0o0bOcUebDF-cZYwrtoenwkAvdWL3AALSB3F4-Z1QtCQM_r_AXrJu4veKU7tulqMGCQLZp_PFiqSUYRHBoebn60pIUhH9eIp8TRjZNxFpX6ratKqTBTV08Ii/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_11.jpg" /></a></div><br />The larger tote will sit in the trunk of each vehicle and the extra space will be used to hold a few reusable grocery bags and a picnic blanket in each (the "Happy Travels" bin will stay behind the driver's seat in the car).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUkrnzI51fzkWxdiDoj-k893st32qvdERoygKmIwCS7PmTDfrAVQcYWAjBatWYeZKgzUqHO-jzm7Zcvznr29xXcWgLS-wKy1fZaicpn64Hob5sloxKLf0tgHtRLdDldBvdoCh2PX5Hj5s/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUkrnzI51fzkWxdiDoj-k893st32qvdERoygKmIwCS7PmTDfrAVQcYWAjBatWYeZKgzUqHO-jzm7Zcvznr29xXcWgLS-wKy1fZaicpn64Hob5sloxKLf0tgHtRLdDldBvdoCh2PX5Hj5s/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_12.jpg" /></a></div><br />To prevent the bins from sliding around in the trunk, I added a few heavy-duty Velcro strips to the bottom side of each.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9FHgrZNqYWAS4RLwK9OdlexR9O57Ha1Mr790tr4KbiOxtnHXGtBM4Y-MVJtEEuzZEzHoT3f7tbSk5Muzl5fCpJRYyy0c1TMr2GUNXiZJiSajJoIVOYU4n7UxWTjyTAz9uqpFLRRcwl_e/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9FHgrZNqYWAS4RLwK9OdlexR9O57Ha1Mr790tr4KbiOxtnHXGtBM4Y-MVJtEEuzZEzHoT3f7tbSk5Muzl5fCpJRYyy0c1TMr2GUNXiZJiSajJoIVOYU4n7UxWTjyTAz9uqpFLRRcwl_e/s1600/Organized_Travel_Car_Kits_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />No two families are the same, so what you opt to store in your vehicle most likely looks different than the items I selected.  To prepare, I thought about sticky situations where we didn't have what we needed... And just literal sticky situations.  Plus, I am always digging in my purse for chapstick, lotion, pens and sunglasses, so it is nice to know that the basics are always within reach.   <br /><br />It is a beautiful week for us to get outside and start vacuuming, scrubbing and cleaning out each vehicle, and I can't wait for us to get back that "new car" smell.  In fact, that reminds me, I need a few air fresheners to battle the wonderful aroma of baseball socks. #savemynostrils

Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 2 - Organized Car Kits

Welcome to Week Two of the "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge .  To recap, I am focusing on four main areas of our life that need...

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Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 1 - Time Management Organization (and a link party)

<br />Welcome to the first week of our <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge</a>!  I wish I had some astonishing before and after photos for you, however, I decided that this first week I needed to focus on the area where we needed the most help... time management.  However, I have a feeling a few of you will be able to fill the before and after void.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3CjOI-jhTdK2_DcZ4HJj4CpXuuwfQBxdyk-IBAVvKduzpfpCwZJfPmdDOAE82SvniMCLlsI_m8MjXjZVgYNQVGe-tEYp4eVNac3Ezk8CqjzqB_H2Ky9TaWi-gyPR_D75F6ffI_eZYWUN/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3CjOI-jhTdK2_DcZ4HJj4CpXuuwfQBxdyk-IBAVvKduzpfpCwZJfPmdDOAE82SvniMCLlsI_m8MjXjZVgYNQVGe-tEYp4eVNac3Ezk8CqjzqB_H2Ky9TaWi-gyPR_D75F6ffI_eZYWUN/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't know what it is.  I can tackle a closet and organize it down to the last shoestring, but time management?  It is a whole different ball game.  And with the number of ball games we attend each week...  Managing time effectively is really crucial to daily success, far more so than an organized closet.  It can completely impact day-to-day life, and lately it has been evident around here as our schedules and home have been a bit out of control.  So much so that we are all feeling the negative results of it.<br /><br />I am sure that time management is a far more personal type of organization than most things; what works well for one person may fail for someone else.  Over the years I have recognized that when we have a family "hot spot" holding a cleaning checklist, calendar and schedule, we are far more in-sync than when we have nothing at all (which has been our life for the past six months).  So obviously, we went back to that system this week, and it has been amazing the difference it has made with the kids already.  And myself.  No more need to repeat myself 5,268 times when the kids ask what chores need to be done or what we have going on each evening. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-_uru3KFeypCL8g87RlL881NjjE_StG-B03OkkY9tMs9yWu2WtuFi_jJTmDl_8JnmCIEFD6-p5szfYwX33KArFncEzm0TxD91U2nyFdxyRrOEWrHafN2XzS0PW3uUW52Wtf7hlcktxnn/s1600/Time_Management_Organization_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-_uru3KFeypCL8g87RlL881NjjE_StG-B03OkkY9tMs9yWu2WtuFi_jJTmDl_8JnmCIEFD6-p5szfYwX33KArFncEzm0TxD91U2nyFdxyRrOEWrHafN2XzS0PW3uUW52Wtf7hlcktxnn/s1600/Time_Management_Organization_2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But this entire challenge ran much deeper than just popping up a calendar and schedule on <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/diy-magnetic-memo-board.html" target="_blank">our memo board</a>.  My days are an entirely different challenge.  I love to work and have always been a busy body, and I haven't found that working from home causes me to want to lounge in front of the television all day.  In fact, it is typically the opposite.  I don't know how to stop when I get going on something.  And I don't know how to look past a messy house in order to sit down and focus on my work.  It always seems that when my work flourishes, my home suffers.  And when my home is rockin', I am behind on my work.  Although I do blog, I also run an online shop, contribute to other websites, and ultimately have long term goals for my business that I need to focus on.  I don't plan to rely on a blogging/Etsy shop income long term, so it is important to remain focused on my future business goals as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On top of it all, I always feel like I am ten steps behind and that I don't have the time to focus on items that matter most to me.  But the funny thing is, I have 16 hours in a day!  16 hours you guys!  Do you know how much someone can do in 16 hours?  It is amazing that not having a clear plan or focus each day allows those 16 hours to fly by, leaving me to wonder where the day went.  And why I didn't go for my nightly run.  Or why we don't have enough time for more fun family outings.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it is safe to say I have been struggling, and I was so excited to focus on taking back my days this week.  It was all I could think about and I did a lot of idea jotting and analysis of how we could/should be spending our time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started out spilling so many thoughts on multiple pages in a notebook, I thought I would create a few printables to compile my ideas and to share with any of you looking to make changes to time management as well.  It may seem like a lot of work, or silly to some, but I have to say that in just a couple days I began to notice some difference.  At the same time, I know that consistency while also being flexible will ultimately be the key to long term success.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/bh7g65mfa1mi3fvllpsze22s7xx7rapl" target="_blank"><b>You can download your own Time Management Bundle HERE!  </b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 1 - DAILY TASKS</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLac-RGF3Nxfxz0jLyVRaChqpckn4murRlf_SwMlnH1DEqzh3a1tQA-SgAGCRBX63OMy5TMhbFXEuPjIHg71fsH0XizXqpAdo8shjcqYipjd5EPbO-sDY22Q7SW7ZJe2GZJEe7Jfmjyn8h/s1600/DailyTasks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLac-RGF3Nxfxz0jLyVRaChqpckn4murRlf_SwMlnH1DEqzh3a1tQA-SgAGCRBX63OMy5TMhbFXEuPjIHg71fsH0XizXqpAdo8shjcqYipjd5EPbO-sDY22Q7SW7ZJe2GZJEe7Jfmjyn8h/s1600/DailyTasks.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first step in the process was to list out all of my day-to-day tasks.  Everything from taking a shower to checking emails to chores and exercise.  I listed the items I do without any thought each day, as well as the items I <i>want</i> to make sure I have time for, things like reading and running.  This is not intended to be a "to-do" list.  This is just to recognize reoccurring items that build your day from sun up to sun down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 2 - DAILY SCHEDULE</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqAQAdIxUazxxwAVet3jKAv3vMr2S_XVqlJbdER6YjhPhZIA-jwuDaWD9MgNqWbiCa0UYZ9c6EE9132Ua_U7H3Tw5oho-QQW3eJxZoZp1lIor4rlKkzS-K_vLAEKQqV4pzcxI0S1FhFzj/s1600/DailySchedule.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqAQAdIxUazxxwAVet3jKAv3vMr2S_XVqlJbdER6YjhPhZIA-jwuDaWD9MgNqWbiCa0UYZ9c6EE9132Ua_U7H3Tw5oho-QQW3eJxZoZp1lIor4rlKkzS-K_vLAEKQqV4pzcxI0S1FhFzj/s1600/DailySchedule.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my biggest goals in this process is to get my tush in bed by 11:00 PM each weeknight.  I am a night owl and super slooooow in the morning, so this is never easy.  But the days I am up earlier tend to be the days I am also the most productive.  Being that I never get 8 hours of sleep makes this by far the most important goal of this entire process.  Starting at 7:00 AM through 11:00 PM, I began filling in the tasks I listed in <i>Step 1</i>.   I placed tasks in the time slots that made the most sense, and made quite a few adjustments to how my day was previously laid out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have done this activity in the past, and it is always super enlightening!  This is when I realize how hard it really <i>should</i> be to fill those 16 hours per day.  I am able to put <b>all</b> of my desired daily tasks into time slots and still have a few spaces free while also getting a full 8 hours of sleep!?  Knowing that makes me wonder how many hours I spend lost on my computer with little direction; checking email one minute, working on a printable the next.  Oh!  Hello Instagram feed!  What?  You blogged about that?  Must read it!  I forgot, I have to search Pinterest for dramatic bathroom colors.  Hey!  I wonder if that top comes in my size!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please tell me it is not just me who falls down the Internet trap so easily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By completing the daily schedule, it allowed me to fill in time to work on emails each day.  When my time is up, my email will be closed until the next day.  No more hitting refresh in the middle of writing a post, and no more not even checking in on emails because I never got to them.  I blocked specific times of the day for my daily reoccurring tasks, and other times I just blocked with a generic "work" title (more on that in a moment).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Generally, my biggest problem is transitioning from one task to the next; knowing that I have a cut-off time and that I need to stick to my schedule.  To enforce the blocked times, I set a timer on my oven.  This will require me to get up and out of my seat to shut it off after each given task.  I always joke with Bryan that I am glued to my chair by lunch time (gross right?), so hopefully the action of getting up to shut off a timer will also keep my body moving periodically throughout the day.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, of course no two days are the same.  There are days with sporting events and doctor appointments and travel... The goal is just to fill out a typical day.  And if baseball games are typical, maybe do a second one for those types of days.  <b>My biggest tip while doing this</b> is to leave spots for FREE time!  Do not book yourself solid throughout the day.  I made sure to give myself a lunch hour, free time before dinner and more free time right before bed.  Knowing I have breaks in there is already refreshing and will drive me to be more focused on specific tasks during the scheduled periods of time.  Also, try to over estimate your time whenever possible.  This will ensure that you can have even more free time or feel ahead of the game vs. always feeling behind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxMf5jyCe0klL0jBptceqbl7KzR1FGgQe-wMN_cLm1Ue7rTRZgK6O6NDQ0ov2imPuMlGqzgVDut3fwplBP3kkAx5gphi963RtGOT-Hrpb3w1oWaen7oC9f1MBW-vJpFzsQoTsZGLcJWHo/s1600/Time_Management_Organization_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxMf5jyCe0klL0jBptceqbl7KzR1FGgQe-wMN_cLm1Ue7rTRZgK6O6NDQ0ov2imPuMlGqzgVDut3fwplBP3kkAx5gphi963RtGOT-Hrpb3w1oWaen7oC9f1MBW-vJpFzsQoTsZGLcJWHo/s1600/Time_Management_Organization_6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did two schedules; one for myself and one for the boys.  I popped mine into <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/2015-daily-planner-faqs.html" target="_blank">my planner</a> and I placed the one for the boy's up on the memo board for summer.  School just got out this week, so we will have a lot of adjusting to do and the kids needed ideas for filling their days while I still try and balance working, house chores and quality family time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 3 - DAILY GOALS</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MFep7Lap5fNB5eg8ecOnOsUpdES7ZK98yRm6h7Kbl55wp4mGzJ9UCMolhzdRW1X6M2w_D2McLyXeM_KTwZaxSwqi5_vRID5aoTDbrhcdHRAnZeSjA1cjqA8LpjpmgYxArqgWIseZOhUt/s1600/DailyGoals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MFep7Lap5fNB5eg8ecOnOsUpdES7ZK98yRm6h7Kbl55wp4mGzJ9UCMolhzdRW1X6M2w_D2McLyXeM_KTwZaxSwqi5_vRID5aoTDbrhcdHRAnZeSjA1cjqA8LpjpmgYxArqgWIseZOhUt/s1600/DailyGoals.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I mentioned in <i>Step 2</i>, while I was filling in my daily schedule there were times I blocked specific reoccurring work tasks, like working on emails, and other times I just blocked generic work shifts.  This is where the time to work on my website, my shop, writing posts, evolving/growing, contributing work, etc... comes in to play.  Instead of going into the week and basically winging things, I decided to fill out a general schedule for each day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For example, our kiddos LOVE Sunday brunch so I wrote that in as an important reoccurring Sunday task.  We have to grocery shop each week, so I now scheduled in a specific day to go.  Friday nights should be FUN nights, so I blocked those and told myself no more working or house chores on Friday nights.  When it comes to work, I picked days to write posts, and I selected days to focus on my other work tasks.  Hopefully, by dividing out some of my daily tasks throughout the week vs. working on each one as I have time, I can become more efficient with each one.  Each one will now receive the attention it deserves.  I also plan to schedule meetings, phone calls, appointments, etc... around those blocked times.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 4 - PLAN DAILY</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgsUEc-wK5_8ElQaoggzMadLzgMgAJHSyljsWulSSHkY062lZAPp-9ZER3p8CCAvIDhmdny3QP-suYGDzNLpkomRvZwxtApqIY7Z6eEOZXUcw6aUtfy4w0xPumtV0YMf35W-b_jxuFJAM/s1600/DailyPlan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgsUEc-wK5_8ElQaoggzMadLzgMgAJHSyljsWulSSHkY062lZAPp-9ZER3p8CCAvIDhmdny3QP-suYGDzNLpkomRvZwxtApqIY7Z6eEOZXUcw6aUtfy4w0xPumtV0YMf35W-b_jxuFJAM/s1600/DailyPlan.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the tips I read while looking into the topic of time management, was to take a few minutes at the beginning of each day to make a plan of attack.  So, I included a printable for that within the kit.  I typically rely on my daily planner for this, but now I have it built in to my morning routine to look at my planner, compare it to my daily schedule, and mash them together.  It also allows me to take a few minutes to list a couple specific goals for the day.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 5 - MONTHLY VIEW</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNpYEGxXlC1KbAL-XO50BXZWnAzfBCfhsTZn_3IcyfifHog3XsBELFrobuLr9nyD64CFsiCf0ejs_tWVuHj87cemtMPEumdDOZycCKDbInTqIxMKx5q4XZKW0OOwFi7aFzN4LEJDGMpUD/s1600/CalendarPage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNpYEGxXlC1KbAL-XO50BXZWnAzfBCfhsTZn_3IcyfifHog3XsBELFrobuLr9nyD64CFsiCf0ejs_tWVuHj87cemtMPEumdDOZycCKDbInTqIxMKx5q4XZKW0OOwFi7aFzN4LEJDGMpUD/s1600/CalendarPage.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that I have a teenager, I get asked on a daily basis, "Mom, what do we have going on tonight?  How about this weekend?"  OK, I get asked the same questions by my husband each day as well.  It was time to get a visible calendar back in a central location.  I transferred all family related items to the calendar from my planner, so the entire crew can see what each day holds.  My kids do so much better when they know what is coming ahead of time and have a set routine, so having their chores, schedules and calendars out in the open really prevents meltdowns.  There are no more surprises when I have to tell them, "No" to going to a friend's home if their chores are not done or if we already had something else on the calendar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>STEP 6 - DAILY/WEEKLY CHORES</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdPjcKQD5Uf0vof16iXsqrHzhsM6ExnuAJUB9f2ZDuX5LR6TYutuP-Z1btLQkS3gJBgUyEk5FlnNMDHoOO-wYZCQ7cdb0I5LAYMWGUMpbYs8HvbcmSccfG51mlfVWA5EYJd5R2gv0lxal/s1600/FamilyChores.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdPjcKQD5Uf0vof16iXsqrHzhsM6ExnuAJUB9f2ZDuX5LR6TYutuP-Z1btLQkS3gJBgUyEk5FlnNMDHoOO-wYZCQ7cdb0I5LAYMWGUMpbYs8HvbcmSccfG51mlfVWA5EYJd5R2gv0lxal/s1600/FamilyChores.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of chores... I have really slacked at holding the boys accountable to doing their daily chores.  I felt this sense of mom-guilt about the destruction of our home and the impact it was also having on the boys.  They still helped, but there were so many times I just found myself doing something because it was easier to keep them out of the construction mess or because the lack of main living spaces caused a trickle effect to the rest of the home.  But now that things are finally back to a functional and livable state, they can pick back up where they left off.  We sat down and reassigned daily house chores to each member of the family.  This was a family discussion and they all felt satisfied with the chores they ended up with.  My hubby laughed when he saw his list was shorter than the rest of ours (he said, "Great, now the world will think I don't do anything around the house!"), but seeing that he does most of the cooking and building, we do the rest.  Team work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7r7EKKwdsKvPyFqR61D_0f4SP83woj8I92aPhHnzqhAom4gPeFMu-hHbF3g_cqGcrGHmfNJ9qKPfoMemscQwd_vNeBgGiY7SXR5BXT41C00Ml4u_-F-xkrQ8MiMNOQ9ZddzXf632nhI0/s1600/Time_Management_Organization_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7r7EKKwdsKvPyFqR61D_0f4SP83woj8I92aPhHnzqhAom4gPeFMu-hHbF3g_cqGcrGHmfNJ9qKPfoMemscQwd_vNeBgGiY7SXR5BXT41C00Ml4u_-F-xkrQ8MiMNOQ9ZddzXf632nhI0/s1600/Time_Management_Organization_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So cheers to taking back our days!  I know it won't make everything roses and that we will still have to be flexible, but hopefully there will be a lot more definition and awareness of how our time is spent.  Mostly mine, because as much as I love working from home, it is so easy to get lost in the hours of the day.  And to balance the difference between housework and work work.  I hope that I can now stay focused on both my long and short term goals while also achieving a better sense of work/life balance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/bh7g65mfa1mi3fvllpsze22s7xx7rapl" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/bh7g65mfa1mi3fvllpsze22s7xx7rapl" target="_blank"><b>You can download your own Time Management Bundle HERE! </b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now!  Who wants to win a $50 Gift Certificate to <a href="http://homegoods.com/" target="_blank">HomeGoods</a>!?  I popped in there the other day to pick up the gift, and <a href="https://instagram.com/p/3zEZYEzccX/?taken-by=iheartorganizing" target="_blank">couldn't walk out empty handed</a>.  I managed to cross a few items off of our home wish list.  HomeGoods is one of the first places I turn to for storage solutions when working on organizing projects, so they seemed like the perfect fit for this week's prize.  Using <a href="http://random.org/">random.org</a>, one link party participant will be selected to win the gift card at the end of this week's challenge <i>(no need to participate each week to win)</i>!  Time to share your Week 1 stories and projects with me!</div><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="535519"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=535519" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><!-- end InLinkz script --> I was so excited to hear how many of you were planning on participating in the weekly challenges with me!  I am even more excited to see what y'all have been up to this week!<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #a20067;"><b>UPDATE!</b></span>  Congratulations to this week's winner!  #23 has been selected by Random.org as the winning participant of Week One!  Keep an eye on your email, I will be contacting soon to coordinate your HomeGoods gift card winnings!   </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bItlWOAkcClyX6UdorY6OHGyfchsgdNybykYCqilCZEbDH4GN2vGMIGNXhLMPFIgxdJT4-wNeakoDq4mBsdhv-SCr9qPMJ_KW9qFBzPSzQYY-wurrrSlBi2uBONcH0LD2HVSBIeC11Y8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-22+at+2.19.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bItlWOAkcClyX6UdorY6OHGyfchsgdNybykYCqilCZEbDH4GN2vGMIGNXhLMPFIgxdJT4-wNeakoDq4mBsdhv-SCr9qPMJ_KW9qFBzPSzQYY-wurrrSlBi2uBONcH0LD2HVSBIeC11Y8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-22+at+2.19.40+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />You can find all of the challenge details in this post <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and also download some FREE project planning printables to help you get started!<br /><br /><i>Have a great weekend everyone!</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge! Week 1 - Time Management Organization (and a link party)

Welcome to the first week of our Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge !  I wish I had some astonishing before and after p...

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