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From road trips to daily commutes and even quick errands, our cars often become second homes. Whether we’re using them for work, eating meals on the go, or waiting to pick the kids up from gymnastics practice, we tend to spend a lot of time in our vehicles.
So when it’s finally time to go inside, it’s easy to forget a few things or just not feel like bringing them in. While some items can stay in your car until the next day, certain, seemingly innocuous things can not only attract criminals but also cause other stressful and expensive problems. Here, experts share eight things you should never leave in your car overnight.
Registration and Insurance
While keeping your registration and insurance information in your glovebox isn’t something most of us think twice about, according to luxury car collector and content creator Manny Khoshbin, bringing these papers inside when you come home for the night is a smart move, especially if you park on the street.
“Don’t leave your registration and insurance in your car overnight because it has your home address,” he explains. “If your car is stolen, you don’t want criminals showing up at your house or using that information to steal your identity.”
Sunglasses
Sometimes we drive from day into night and end up leaving our sunglasses in the car because we forget to take them inside. But Khoshbin says it’s crucial to be conscious of this, because “it’s an invitation for thieves to break in,” especially if it’s a designer pair or recognizable brand.
Food
Did you stop on the road for lunch and eat in your car? That almost empty French fry box can come back to haunt you the next day, warns Khoshbin. “Food will smell up your car.”
This may also attract critters or vermin if your window is cracked open. So, don’t forget to throw it out.
Water Bottles
“One random thing I’ve seen a lot of people store in their car is water bottles,” says Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. “I know, it seems odd, right? They keep water bottle cases in the trunk of a car, especially after a Costco run.”
While she notes it might seem harmless, drinking that water can actually make you very ill. “Plastic can break down in the heat or cold, and that water can quickly turn gross, not to mention potential chemical leaching,” she explains.
Electronics
Your laptop is very important—and likely expensive. Like sunglasses, Duckworth says, leaving these things in your car attracts thieves. “Not only are laptops, chargers, and headphones a theft risk, but extreme temps can mess with the batteries and wiring,” she says.
Receipts, Invoices, and Mail
You might leave those bills you need to pay in your console overnight as a reminder to mail them the next day, but it’s not a good idea. “It adds to the clutter fast and leaves you vulnerable to identity theft,” Duckworth says.
Sunscreen
During the warmer months, it’s tempting to leave beach supplies—like chairs, towels, and sand toys—in your car overnight, especially if you’re planning to go back soon. But don’t forget to bring that bottle of sunscreen inside. If your car gets very hot (and it probably will), the heat can seriously reduce the product’s effectiveness. After all, you don’t want to get burned.
Gym Clothes
Did you shower after that sweaty spin class? Don’t forget to bring in your gym bag with those damp, smelly clothes. While it might not seem like a big deal, the moisture can intensify odor and even lead to mold or mildew forming on your clothes or inside your sneakers.
