As a result of our fast-paced lives, many people's cars – especially parents' cars – have turned into something like a second home. Many of us spend hours each day commuting or transporting kids to activities, and when you spend that much time in your car, you need a lot of stuff.

Don’t wait until your car floor is covered in crushed pretzels or smells like a dead animal to clean it.

I get it. You need hand wipes, tissues, water bottles, plastic utensils, cushions for pets, pens, a stockpile of chargers, reading glasses, sunglasses, snacks, papers, sunscreen, bug repellent, first-aid kits and sports bags. And so, just like at home, your car needs to be regularly cleaned and organised. A few minutes each day or week will save you time in the long run and go a long way toward ensuring you have what you need and are not distracted while driving. Here are some ideas.

Make it a habit to take rubbish from your car into your home every day for disposal, and ask your passengers to do the same. Or plan to remove all the rubbish from your car every time you fill it up with petrol. Keep each door's compartments clear of rubbish, and remove cans and bottles for recycling. You've heard it before: mess begets mess. Tidy up regularly to avoid having to set aside significant amount of time for a major cleanup.

Keep supplies such as hand sanitiser, wipes, pens, pencils, tissues, crayons and activity books in a designated place. Make sure they're all easily accessible to back-seat passengers so you don't have to help them find what they need while you're driving.

Unless you're regularly hauling large items around in your boot, keep a few bins in the back to contain objects that are always in your car – items such as reusable shopping totes, a first-aid kit, a blanket, a few water bottles and snacks, and sports equipment. It will save space to have these items organised in bins, and you won't have random objects strewn around your car or rolling back and forth as you drive.

Wipe surfaces and vacuum your car regularly. Don't wait until your car floor is covered in crushed pretzels or smells like a dead animal to clean it. Keep some wipes or a microfibre cloth in your glove box for quick cleanings. If you have very young kids and are constantly cleaning up crushed food or dirt, you might even consider a car vacuum. It's so much easier and less time-consuming to do a little cleaning here and there, and you'll also save yourself from having to scurry and clean if you have to transport a friend or family member at the last minute.

Taking care of your car not only makes it more comfortable for you and welcoming to your passengers but also sets a good example for your kids – they get to see you taking care of a valuable possession. And although many of us feel as though we live in our cars, thank goodness they have only one room to keep neat and clean.

Nicole Anzia is a freelance writer and owner of Neatnik/Washington Post.

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