Spring is on the Horizon and with it, the Ritual of Spring Cleaning

Something happens every year around this time when the clocks “spring forward” and the light of the sun is with us longer each day.  Folks feel better and are ready to refresh and step into a new season with a new attitude and perhaps take on some new healthy habits. When we think of the characteristics that bring a sense of new and healthy into our life; clean, disciplined and organized might come to mind.  The spring cleaning phenomenon is a wonderful example of  how good we feel when we are intentional about cleaning and organizing things we care about.  Although spring cleaning most often references our home, it can be applied to all the spaces we occupy and care about, including our body (think cleanse diet), our work space, and of course our vehicles. 

So let’s get ready to bring that fresh spring air feeling into all the spaces and places that matter.  We’ve all heard the saying, “the appearance on the outside represents what’s happening on the inside”.   Translation —  as you create a new habit of discipline around keeping your truck clean (inside and out),  it will spill over into other areas of your life.  You’ll start feeling better about yourself and may improve your diet or start going to bed earlier.  You’ll start taking pride in your job and feel happier more often, you’ll appreciate your home and keep things clean and decluttered.   It’s a fantastic feeling to feel proud of who you are and what you do.  We hope you take on this cleanliness challenge with us as we step into Spring.  Start with your truck and see where it takes you next.

It’s Spring Cleaning Time!

Here are a few cleaning tips to help truck drivers stay organized and operating at their best while on the road. 

1. Toss it.   Make it a part of your daily routine to throw away trash and food on a regular basis.  Even if you only do a little at every stop. Try making it a habit.
2. Pack away. Once we are clear into Spring and the ice and snow are in the rear view, take time to put away any winter gear and tools you may have accumulated over the season.    Lighten it up with Spring gear including sun glasses and sunscreen.  Oh, and don’t forget water and healthy snacks to keep you hydrated and energized as the days warm up.
3. Organize your truck.  Find an easily accessible area where you can store your paperwork and keep it organized. Keep your food and water in spill proof containers.  Neatly fold standby clothing and personal care items.  Stow away items you don’t use regularly. 
4. Wipe it down.  As you perform your pre and post trips, take time to use a damp cloth for a quick wipe down of the cab interior.  Use disinfectant wipes when necessary.  Check your windshield, windows, and mirrors – they may appreciate some Windex and a buff.  A daily quick clean is a great way to remove pollen, dust, and dirt, not to mention the germs – the stuff that can ramp up allergic reactions or potentially cause you to get sick.
5. Freshen it Up.  There’s nothing better than the smell of a clean truck!  Vacuum and deodorize your cab when given the opportunity, you will be breathing fresh clean air in no time.  Lily even provides Ion Sprayers for deep down sanitization.
6. Go for a Wash. Not only do we like a fresh interior, at Lily, we take clean to the next level and aim for our trucks to be shiny on the outside!  A clean truck inside and out is something to be proud of. You will feel better about yourself and your job when you take pride in your vehicle.  Lily has both on site and off site wash options depending upon your location – plenty of opportunities to keep that truck shining like new!
7. Pet Care. Many carriers, including Lily, offer Pet Ride-a-long programs.  If you have a pet riding with you, keep them secured safely in the vehicle so you are both safe while in motion.  Take time to let them out to go to the bathroom, to eat and to hydrate —  the same things you do for yourself.  We sure do love our pets, but they can become destructive, have accidents or just leave their scent in the vehicle if we don’t do our job and give them the necessary attention.  Keep your pet on a regular grooming/bathing schedule, exercise their mind and body daily and feed them nutritious foods designed for their breed.

There are many ways to keep your truck clean and organized.  Do what works best for you, and reference these tips as a guideline.  We encourage you to take on this new healthy habit.  Having a clean truck will enhance your mood and put you on the trajectory to apply this discipline to other areas of your life.  Let the spring cleaning begin!