Keeping your trunk organized

Keeping your trunk clean and well stocked is important. Every month you should clean out your trunk. Remove anything that you aren't using. It's really easy to throw something in the trunk of your car and forget about it. It can add extra weight to your car and make it hard to put groceries in there. Remember, the more weight, the more gas you use. It's very easy for me to walk in the grocery store and buy twice as many groceries as I planned to.

If you have a messy trunk it would be hard to fit everything in. If your groceries fall out of the bag, it's a lot harder to find that missing item, especially if you don't realize it fell out. No one wants to find out that they left sour cream or yogurt in their trunk. 

It's also a good idea to have it clean so you can easily find your emergency kit and other things you should always have in your trunk. You don't want to have to take out a bunch of stuff on the side of the road. 

Here's a list of things you should always carry in your trunk: 

First aid kit with bandages, medicines, and creams and ointments. Medical gloves are a great item to include too. 

A plastic zip top bag with snacks like granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks or whatever nonperishable foods your family likes. Don't forget bottles of water. 

A blanket in case it is cold and your car dies. 

An extra car charger for your phone. Keep it in a plastic bag and only use it in an emergency. That way it won't be misplaced from using it all the time. 

A spare tire is very important. If you use the spare make sure you put it back so you have it next time. 

Tools and a jack in case you need them. Some tools you should have are screwdrivers, a tire gauge, socket wrenches. Include a small plastic container with a lid. It's a good place to put bolts and caps so you don't lose them when you are working on your car. 

A gas can with a gallon or two of gas. That way if you run out, you aren't stranded. You don't want to have to push your car to the gas station. Remember to refill it if you use it. 

Flashlights with extra batteries. I know our phones have flashlights but you should save your phone battery. 

Make sure you check your supplies before you go on a road trip. You don't want to need them and end up without these items.