Car Organization 101

I keep each client's showing sheets in a clear plastic folder that goes into the car with me to show and out of the car at the end, back into the main office file.  Key is to keep it clean day to day.  I used to keep document blanks in the car, but now just fire up the laptop if i need to do paperwork in the field. Docusign rocks!

I do the same thing in my 4 Runner that I do in the house. I keep things in large plastic tubs. Basically, I orgainzed the stuff I might need on a moments notice into large storage bins. It's a 70 mile round trip to my office. So I did what I thought would make sense, acknowledge that your car is your office. And the tubs are easy to pull out and put back quickly. Also, I keep cleaning stuff in there. I travel mostly dirt roads so the car is always dusty. And somethings having cleaning stuff like Fabreeze is handy walking into smelly houses. Hope this helps!

Probably not a fair comment for me to make - but since I'm into real estate auctions only - I never have clients in my car.  However, I do have a plastic box on wheels that I keep many items in for virtual officing (ie paper, biz cards, stapler, sissors, tape, tie strings, contracts, presentation items, map).

I keep a plastic tub in the back with marked folders for each document. I don't keep a big supply back there just enough. I also have Hagstrom street maps.

I have a large plastic file box with contracts, brochures, maps, and all kinds of stuff that I think I might someday need.

I clean it after each use. I never leave anythng in my car overnight. I also have it detailed every other week.

I'm curious as to what everyone is doing, and it sounds like the plastic tubs are handy for organizing files and such.  My trunk is the hardest part of my car to keep clean and organized, because of putting in signs and taking them out, it gets kind of dirty.

Laurie,

 As long as we are blogging about what we keep in our cars. I keep a cooler in the back of mine. Even if I don't know that I'm taking people out to see houses that day I can fill it quickly with water bottles and juice. It cheaper than stopping at the quick mart and spending money on people who may be out just for sight seeing.

I try to keep a lot of "real estate" stuff in my car....otherwise, it's all over my home office.  I have two plastic file boxes with attached lids in the back of my car.  One holds lock boxes, business cards (in a box) for quick refills, hanger ties or metal clips, a roll of paper towels (for the inevitable messes), bottle of Fantastic and other misc. real estate stuff.  The other has hanging files in it.  I keep showing files for my active clients in there.  At the end of a tour, I just drop all the listing printouts in the file.  (The government does audit periodically to verify that we are treating all our clients the same and this way I have complete records of all showings for all clients).  When a client writes an offer, I start a seperate transaction folder.  The only listing sheet in there is the one they wrote on.  Showing files go from the box in the car to a cardboard filing box in the basement.  If showings turn into sales, then the transaction folder ends up filed in the basement with the showing folder.   I also keep one of those "pop-up" type dispensers of Windex wips on the floor behind the drivers seat.  Yes, it rolls around during showings, but is rarely in the way.  And I can give the car quick clean ups while waiting for clients, sitting in traffic or even at a really long red light :-)

Wish I could get Ken to keep things organized. After a showing there are papers everywhere.

LOL...my car is always clean on the outside, with listings directions stuffed in map pockets and on the floor and the rear.  I found one the other day from March!

I'm very good at cleaning my vehicle.  Of course, that depends on what you call "clean".

If someone needs to sit in the passenger seat, I put everything from the front seat/floor in the back seat/floor.

If someone needs to sit in the back seat, I put everything from the back seat/floor to the cargo area.

About once a month I go to the dump and all I have to do is empty the cargo area.

Works for me.

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com.  http://www.homefinders.com.  Serving home buyers in Maryland and Virginia real estate markets.

I'm very good at keeping my vehicle clean and organized, if you have lots of papers to carry, just bring along a folder with inside pockets, or just put a paper clip your papers with the folder covers. And also everytime you get home  or at the office try to bring everything you are not gonna need anymore back with you, never leave things for later, because even though you thinks you're going to do it, you gonna end up not doing it and your car it's gonna be a mess again.

So have you decided how to keep the car organized?

I use a large plastic tub for files, and a couple of smaller plastic boxes that fit inside for things like batteries, laser measure, basic tools, extra office supplies, etc.

And always carry some spray lubricant and duct tape. Many times one or the other will do the trick in a pinch.

I am not a Realtor, but I am an organizer / closet designer who has to carry displays and samples when I call on clients.  My system: four collapsible bins are in my trunk. Two of the bins stay folded up, with the other bins open and nesting on top.  The left bin contains my small closet display sample, doors, and components. For a Realtor, it could contain all your miscellaneous materials that are not paper-related, arranged neatly.  The right bin contains two file boxes that fit perfectly inside the bin. Behind those boxes and inside the bin I have a small phone book and a first-aid kit. The front file box contains my brochures, calling cards, sales agreements, and basic operational materials.  The back file box contains all my melamine samples and edge samples. There is space for my notary soft-sided attache to sit beside the right bin. There is also enough space in front of the bins to place 50 pound bags of bird seed!

The bottom collapsed bins allow you to have a place to put items you may collect during the day.You may not need as many bins as I have.

If you have signs that are being moved frequently, the plastic bins will keep your items from getting so dirty.  You may want to find a large commercial (trunk sized) doormat on which to lay your signs. A mat can be taken out and hosed if necessary.

Before I see a client, I prepare a folder with the client's name and any related information, and place the files in a briefcase (that is rigid and stands up nicely). Also in the briefcase is a clipboard, so measurements can be recorded. You can have a briefcase sitting next to a client without fear of looking disorganized.  Just make sure to always remove it when you arrive home at the end of the day. Take out each day's files and your client information will be automatically separated and ready to be accessed.

I understand the difficulties of having to carry a lot of materials, and having my car look organized. It really does not speak well of an organizer / closet designer who does not have an impeccably neat car!