Back to School Minivan Makeover

By Helen Williams, The 15-Minute Mom

Don’t let minivan clutter get you down. Get control of your “home on wheels” with an end of summer minivan makeover. Taking the time now will make life much easier when you hit the road for another school year with the kids. Here’s what you need to do:

Empty

Take everything out. Separate items into three piles: donate, recycle, put away. Deal with the piles right away.

Clean

Go to a local vehicle vacuum centre and get the carpets and upholstery clean. When you return home, use your own vacuum to get into the tight spots. Clean the seats, surfaces, windows and carpeting.

Compartmentalize

Look at the inside of your van as three sections: front (Mom zone), middle, (kidville) and back (cargo or storage). Decide what you need for each section and where it should go.

Use Tools

To keep everything in its place, purchase items that will help keep you organized. Try CD holders, back-of-seat organizers for kids, and collapsible crates/basket for the cargo area.

Stock Up

On tissues, wet wipes, crayons and paper, CDs & DVDs. Remember, only items needed when the van is in use should be stored in the vehicle – nothing else!

Maintain

Devote time to keeping your vehicle clean. Remove items, garbage and recycling EVERY time you return home. Assign a space for each family member to help keep tidy. Vacuum and clean as needed as part of your regular cleaning routine.