5 Amazon Products to Elevate Your Car Experience
Life feeling messy? Look around – your environment could be contributing. While you may keep a decently clean home, what does the inside of your car look like?
Cars are something that most of us are fortunate enough to have in common; Some of us spend a good portion of our days in them, so why do we often neglect their upkeep?
It’s not uncommon for people to have a little bit of ‘this and that’ floating around their car. With full schedules and busy routines, it’s understandable that tending to the car - an often unseen, personal space - can slip through the cracks. However, the cleanliness of your car can absolutely affect your mental state and overall confidence, so if your goal is to elevate your lifestyle and environment, this is a small but powerful area to address.
I’ve heard people say, “I don’t really like my car, I’ll take care of it when I get a new/nicer car, no point in wasting my energy on this one”. Unfortunately, this way of thinking leads to the formation of bad habits. Taking pride in what you currently have can give new perspective on it.
There is one, quick way to self-check if your car is truly clean: If a friend, family member, or colleague asked for a ride somewhere, right now, would you be nervous about them seeing the state of your car? (Unless you truly don’t care but I assume you do if you’re reading this!)
If you’ve ever found yourself apologizing “my cars a bit of a mess, sorry!” as someone hops in the passenger seat, or if you’ve had to run to quickly clean your car, knowing you’re about to give someone a ride, perhaps stuffing things in the trunk for the time being, you’ll want to keep reading.
It’s empowering to have a beautifully clean car, and what’s more, you deserve it! But the only person who is going to hold you accountable is you. So, I’m here, not to tell you how to keep yourself disciplined, but to convince you that prioritizing the cleanliness of your car is worth it, and share aesthetically pleasing items that will help you keep your car tidy, and bonus – they are adorable, affordable, and all on Amazon. I currently use all of these products, have been for years now, and they’ve changed my life <3
A small upgrade that makes a surprisingly big difference. These simple, sleek hooks attach easily to the headrest of any seat, giving your purse, backpack, or shopping bags a secure place to hang instead of sliding across the floor. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes to match your interior. While I’ve linked the pair I personally use, a quick search for “car hooks” will reveal many highly rated options to suit your style.
This compact trash attaches neatly behind the center console, making it effortless to keep your car tidy and clutter-free. Gum wrappers, receipts, and empty bottles no longer compete for space in cupholders or door pockets. The one I use is linked above and has been a game changer, but there are plenty of beautiful, functional options available - choose one that fits your vehicle and aesthetic and you’ve instantly elevated your ride.
Originally designed for playing cards, these small cases are perfect for storing charging cords and audio cables. When I leave my car, I unplug my cord, wrap it neatly, and store it inside one of these cases in the center console. It takes seconds, and instantly makes the interior feel more orderly and intentional.
We track in more debris than we realize - sand, crumbs, dust, and tiny bits that quickly accumulate. Keeping a compact vacuum in your car makes it easy to tidy up floorboards, seats, and cupholders in just a few moments. Even a quick, 2-minute clean every few days keeps mess from building and helps your car feel fresh and cared for. The one we use is linked above, holds a charge beautifully and works very well.
I’ve used my trunk organizer for over five years, and it continues to bring my organization-loving heart genuine joy. From picnic blankets and paper towels to an extra sweatshirt or my mini vacuum, I'm able to store ‘just-in-case’ items without cluttering my car - everything has a designated place. I’ve linked mine but these are a ton of amazing options on amazon. The key when shopping around is to look for one with a Velcro bottom, this keeps it secure and in place even on bumpiest or drives. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
For the ultra motivated: Take it one step further and get on a car washing schedule. You’ll love walking up to a clean exterior; dirt and grime is never a good look, and whether we choose to accept it or not, people notice. Sometimes, they even draw stuff in it. If a picture can be drawn in the dirt on your car, it’s time! On the flipside, this doesn’t need to be excessive. If you drive a lot or especially if you park your car outside for a good portion of your days, one car wash per week should do the trick. If you park your car in a garage most of the time, you can probably get away with 1-2 washes per month. Find what works best for you. There are other perks to car washing too - besides the obvious wash, almost every carwash offers free vacuums. Take 5 minutes before or after your carwash to give your car mats and seats a quick vacuum and your ride will instantly feel refreshed.