Buzz
For many suburban and urban residents, a car often feels like an additional room in their home, making it a common spot for extra storage. While it’s practical to keep essentials like jumper cables, a spare outfit, and comfortable shoes in your vehicle, not everything belongs there. Here’s a list of seven items you should never leave in your car.
Plastic Water Bottles
Getty ImagesMost of us could benefit from drinking more water, and having a case of water on hand might seem like a practical solution. However, this isn’t ideal. A 2014 study revealed that when plastic is heated, it can degrade, allowing harmful chemicals to seep into the water. Additionally, warm water isn’t particularly refreshing.
Rather than carrying multiple plastic bottles, consider using a durable aluminum bottle, such as the Stanley Adventure To-Go Bottle, which is designed to keep liquids cool. Reusable bottles are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective over time.
Non-Emergency Food
While it might be tempting, especially if you lack storage space at home, storing non-essential food in your car is a bad idea. Leslie Kilgour, a professional organizer and founder of Get It Straight, warns that even canned or boxed food can spoil if left in a car for extended periods. Bulk food purchases should always be stored in a pantry or another suitable area of your home.
If you must store emergency food in your car, place it in a sturdy, sealed container to prevent pests and ensure you regularly rotate the supply to keep it fresh.
Electronics
Getty ImagesElectronics and heat don’t mix well. A car left in direct sunlight can quickly reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while Apple recommends keeping iPhones and iPads in environments between -4 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing these devices in your car when not in use is ill-advised, as it can shorten their lifespan. Additionally, leaving electronics visible in your vehicle increases the risk of theft.
Aerosol Cans
Many of us rely on our cars for quick touch-ups, like using dry shampoo. However, keeping an aerosol can in your glove compartment is risky. High heat can cause these cans to explode, posing a serious hazard.
That Giant "Donation" Bag
Getty ImagesCarly Adams, a professional organizer and founder of Tidy Revival, advises against storing items you’ve decluttered and plan to donate in your car. These belongings shouldn’t remain there while you wait to drop them off.
“A common habit I notice is people storing donation items in their cars after decluttering, intending to drop them off later. However, these items often stay in the car for weeks or even months. Instead of letting them occupy your trunk indefinitely, I recommend placing donations in your car only when you’re on your way to the donation center,” she explains.
She suggests identifying nearby drop-off points and scheduling a specific time for the task. “Add drop off donations to your calendar and combine it with another errand. This approach increases the likelihood of clearing out those items promptly,” she adds.
Storing mail in your car might seem harmless, but it’s not ideal. “I understand the urge to check your mail while leaving your driveway, but it’s crucial to bring it inside. Many of my clients lose bills, important documents, or even forget about their mail entirely when it’s left in the car,” says Kilgour. “If you sort through your mail, ensure it’s brought inside and placed in a designated spot near your most-used entrance.”
Used Gym Clothing
After an intense gym workout, you might be eager to head home, but leaving your gym bag in the car is a mistake. The combination of heat and forgotten sweaty clothes can quickly lead to unpleasant odors that even the strongest car air freshener can’t mask. Additionally, allowing sweat to linger on your clothes can result in stubborn stains.
