When your home is disorganized you can often hide that fact from the rest of the world. You can choose to not invite people over or you can make a mad dash around the house picking up things and hiding the clutter behind closed doors.

But your car is a different story. It’s hard to hide a cluttered car from those around you. Unfortunately, people often make assumptions and judge you based on your messy car.

If this bothers you, there are some very simple things you can do to keep your car clutter-free and the people who see it judgment free.

Designate a time when you can remove everything from your car. Bring a trash can and recycle bin near you while you work so trash can quickly be discarded.

Have a few boxes or bags on hand to sort the other items found in the car. One box should be for those things that will need to remain in the car such as your umbrella and snow scraper. Other categories to consider would be things that belong in your home or items that can be donated. Also, start a bin for your belongings that are for errands like dry cleaning or store returns.

Now clean and vacuum the interior or take it to have it professionally cleaned. Take a moment to remember how it feels to have a clean, clutter-free car. This will help motivate you to keep in this way.

To keep your car clutter-free, designate a place for everything that needs to stay in the car. Return those items to that place each time you use them. Put a trash can in your garage or near the entrance where you enter your home so trash can easily be taken out on a regular basis. Make use of public trash cans as you run errands and go about your day. Trash won’t have a chance to accumulate making it easier to deal with other items.

Whenever you stop for gas, use this time to quickly organize your car. Throw away trash and round up items that need to be taken into your home. If kids are in the car, have them help too.

Make sure children carry in their own items once you arrive home. In my household we have a rule, if you leave it in my car it’s mine. So for example, if they leave the goody bag from a birthday party behind, I have the right to donate it. Of course one of my daughter’s decided to get smart and announce she would be leaving her book bag in the car since the homework inside would become mine. Obviously, the rule needed to be modified.

Getting your car clutter-free that first time may take awhile, but it can stay organized by following these few simple tips. When your car stays organized, you’ll have more time for those mad dashes around the house.