Cars have a way of collecting clutter. Sure, you want to be prepared for any on-the-road emergency, but do you really need a bottle of antifreeze and an ice scraper in the middle of summer or a trunk full of softball equipment when the snow is knee-high? Take inventory each season: Swap out what doesn’t need to ride around with you and leave the rest in the garage. Here are some tips:

IN THE CAR
Stock the car with these supplies and you’ll be ready for any emergency. Ideally, you won’t need to call on them, but keeping everything together in a durable storage boxes ensures you’ll be able to access it quickly if you do.

Year-round: First aid kit

• Jumper cables or battery-powered jump starter
• 1-gallon gas can and self-priming siphon hose
• Flares
• Flashlight
• Rags, wipes, paper towels
• Basic tool kit
• Power bars, bottled water

Autumn/Winter: Lock deicer

• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Antifreeze
• Windshield-wiper fluid (winter formula)
• Deicing salt
• Kitty litter (for traction)
• Small shovel
• Thermal blanket and extra clothes

Spring/Summer: Coolant

• Windshield-wiper fluid (summer formula)
• Sunblock, bug spray, and extra clothes

IN THE GARAGE
Store supplies for cleaning the car and basic maintenance at home in the garage, and you won’t have to run to the automotive store again and again. A rail system with open shelves and baskets lets you keep supplies off the floor—plus it’s easy to add to if you need more organizing space. Put dangerous liquids (antifreeze, cleansers) on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet.

• Car cleaning supplies (cleaners, wax, rags and chammy cloths)
• Motor oil
• Hand vacuum or shop vac
• Extension cord
• Toolbox and tools
• Extra antifreeze, windshield-wiper fluid, coolant