car organization Archives

51 Amazing Car Organization Hacks, Tips & Tricks to Use Today (2020 Update)

By Carly Murray 37 Comments | Last Updated: Apr 21, 2020 @ 4:47 pm

Keeping your car organized doesn’t need to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive.

You just need to implement a few car organization hacks, tips, and tricks and you’ll save yourself a whole lot of time and stress!

Today, we have 51 amazing hacks, tips and products that could just change your life (maybe!).

But, first, here are the three most popular and highest rated products by our editor and readers:

Best Car Organization Products 2020

Name
Drop Stop - The Original Patented Car Seat Gap Filler (Editor's Choice)
Car Trash Can by HappyChappy (Reader's Choice)
MAXSA Car Hooks / Hangers

Below is our list of the top 51 car organization ideas that you can easily implement in your car today. Whether you’re parent, student, businessman/women or a trucker, there’s bound to be something here that will help keep your car organized and clutter-free!

Organize Your Back Seat

1. Drop Stop (As Seen on TV) – Install the Drop Stop and Never Lose Your Phone or Coins Again (OK, we can’t guarantee that!)

2. How about a shower caddy to store your kid’s “essentials?”

Shower Caddy for storing Kid's activities and toys — via grey house harbor

Easy to attach, reach and remove. [Please note: You should exercise caution on the placement of this idea and the items included at head level. As one of our readers commented, this could be hazardous in the case of a car collision]

3. Car Trash Can by HappyChappy – Elegantly hide and contain unsightly trash with a car trash can

Car Trash Can by HappyChappy - On Car Seat — Deluxe Car Trash Can by HappyChappy

You’re always on the go. Simplify it and save time by elegantly hiding and containing unsightly trash. Perfect for commuters and parents!

4. Dog Seat Cover by 4Knines – Is your dog destroying your back seat? Invest in a dog seat cover

Protect your investment from pets, spills and scratches with a seat protector!

5. Wagan (EL6224) 12V Car Cooler/Warmer – Keep your drinks and snacks cool with a car cooler

6. Super useful grab-n-go (survival) travel bags

Simplify your life on-the-go by putting together these clear, zippered bags which are easy to grab and go when you’re in a rush! Always be prepared by packing one for each of your needs (first aid kit, snacks, activities, etc.)

7. JACO CargoPro Trunk Organizer – Order to the Trunk Chaos!No matter how hard you try, is your back seat a disaster after a car trip? Whip it into shape with this trunk organizer by JACO.

Check out our in-depth article for the best-ranked trunk organizers.

8. DIY Car Travel Book Storage

Keep books organized and out of the way with this cool idea. See step-by-step instructions on how to create your own at Kidsomania.

9. DIY iPad Holder For Your Car’s Headrest

iPad Holder for Car — via Infarrantly Creative

10. MAXSA Car Hooks / Hangers

Car Seat Hooks / Hangers — MAXSA Car Hooks / Hangers

No more crushed bread or cracked eggs! Just hang grocery or shopping bags from these hooks in order to free-up space and avoid damage.

11. A MUFFIN TRAY + A LAUNDRY BASKET = HUGE CUP HOLDER

Huge car drink holder for car — via Trusper

Traveling with lots of people? Planning on hitting up the drive-thru? MOST cars won’t have enough drink holders. Fix this issue with a muffin tray and a laundry basket. Yes, very random, but it’s definitely a unique idea.

12. DIY KID’S TRAVEL ACTIVITY BINDER: FILL A BINDER WITH PRINTABLES & GAMES

Fun Book/Binder for Car & Kids — via The Krazy Coupon Lady

Keep your kid’s entertained and happy on the road with this simple, but a well-worthwhile idea. Lots of great tips over on The Touring Camper.

13. A COAT RACK THAT’S NOT…WELL…TERRIBLE

Car coat hooks can suck. If you frequently have passengers in the back of your car, then they’d probably prefer not to have a jacket dangling in their face. Attach this mesh bungee (which you can find at a motorcycle store) to each of the car grab handles, tighten and then store coats, hats, gloves, etc. on top of the mesh.

14. ARE YOUR KID’S CRAYONS EVERYWHERE? STORE THEM IN A WIPE CASE FOR THE RIDE

Wipe case crayons — via Silhouette School

15. STORE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN A KLEENEX BOX. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL NEED ONE!

Gina over at CampClem has a brilliantly simple hack: Find an old Kleenex box and stuff it with plastic shopping or grocery bags! This perfect for trash, wet clothes, diapers or recycling. Keep them in your car organizer, under the seat, or in the trunk. Simple.

16. KEEP A CARABINER IN YOUR CAR. IT’S HANDY!

Carabiner for Car Storage — via I’m an Organized Junkie

Keep one of these handy and you’ll be able to attach shopping bags, sunglasses cases (with string) or umbrella’s.

17. KEEP LOOSE CHANGE WITHIN REACH BY STORING IT IN AN EMPTY GUM CONTAINER

Gum Container for Coins — Via The Krazy Coupon Lady

18. USE A RUBBER BAND TO HOLD YOUR PHONE IN PLACE

Rubber Band as a Phone Holder — Source: Reddit user juririm via Imgur

Need a realllly cheap way to keep your phone in place while you use your GPS? Rubber band to the rescue.

19. PLACE SILICONE MUFFIN CUPS AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH CUPHOLDER

Muffin Cups in Cupholder — via One Good Thing by Jillee

Here’s a great idea from One Good Thing by Jillee:

“My favorite, simple car organization hack is to place silicone muffin cups in the bottom of my cupholders. If they get sticky or dirty I just throw them in the sink or dishwasher, put clean ones in the car, and save myself the frustration of cleaning gunk out of the cupholders.”

20. Here’s another version of travel pouches to go

21. ORGANIZE ESSENTIALS WITH THESE COOL LITTLE GRIP STRIPS

22. NEVER FORGET TO DEPOSIT A CHECK WITH THIS IDEA

car dashboard for storage — via Organize365

Use the space in front of the steering wheel to put mail to be mailed, your errand list or checks to be deposited. They are easy to see and remember to do when you are out and about. That tip is from Lisa at Organize 365.

23. ROAD TRIPPING? KEEP CANDY FROM MELTING

Keep candy from melting in car — via Being a Mom

24. VISOR TISSUE CASE – ALWAYS HAVE A TISSUE WITHIN ARMS-REACH

25. DIY CAR VISOR ORGANIZER

Want to make your own car visor organizer? Kelsey over at Vanilla Joy has a step by step guide so you can create the exact design you want at a fraction of the cost.

26. MAKE THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT USEFUL

Glovebox Organization — via confetti and other fun

Make the glove compartment useful and keep it organized by using an expandable, tabbed folder for all your receipts and car documents. An excellent tip by Sarah over at confetti and other fun.

27. CREATE YOUR OWN CAR EMERGENCY KIT

Elegantly organize your emergency supplies and always be prepared! Angie at Echoes of Lau ghter suggests storing bandaids, pain relief medicine, toothpaste, and a whole host of useful things so you can always know it’s there should you need it. I’d suggest keeping this in your trunk or (even better) in your glove compartment.

28. TURN A TO-GO COFFEE CUP INTO A FACIAL TISSUE HOLDER

A simple DIY facial tissue dispenser which is easy to take around with you or to leave in your car cup holder.

29. NO CUP HOLDERS? USE A ROLL OF GAFFER TAPE ON THE PASSENGER SEAT

30. KEEP YOUR PHONE, SUNGLASSES, AND OTHER NECESSARIES SAFELY STOWED WITHIN ARMS REACH

Driver Organizer — via Better Homes & Garden

31. STORE LOOSE CHANGE IN A PILL BOTTLE

32. MAKE USE OF THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER CHAIR FOR STORAGE

33. AVOID YOUR HANDBAG FLYING AND TIE IT TO THE HEADREST OF YOUR PASSENGER SEAT WITH A SCARF

Headbag tied to scarf on car headrest — via VasseurBeauty on YouTube

34. HANG YOUR SUNGLASSES ON YOUR VISOR WITH A BINDER CLIP

35. CARRY A SNACK BAG

You never know when you will get stuck in traffic, or won’t have time to go through a drive through for food. Keeping a few packs of crackers, protein bars and water in the car will curb the hunger pangs and give you more patience as you make it to your next destination. Thanks to Lisa at Organize 365 for that one!

36. Keep a large Tupperware container in your car for safe measure

Scarlet at Family Focus Blog suggests keeping a large Tupperware container in your car because having a lid is great for preventing spills and great for sealing in smells if a child has to use it when they get motion sickness.

37. DIY ELASTIC GRID ORGANIZER: A CATCH-ALL FOR YOUR SUN VISOR

DIY Sun Visor Organizer — via Simply Striking

Find out how you can create your own sun visor “catch-all” for under $2. Cool solution!

Organize Your Trunk (Plus Other Miscellaneous Ideas)

38. Utilize your trunk for storage

Lisa at Organize 365 suggests that you think of your trunk area as a car closet. Store extra necessities there and change it out seasonally.

39. Use a Shower Caddy to Organize Your Oil & Fluids

Shower Caddy in Car Trunk — Via The Krazy Coupon Lady

40. Setup a handy, pop-up trunk shelf

Store more groceries or luggage (without crushing them!). Visit Instructables for a step-by-step guide.

41. Keep a car log to stay on top of car maintenance and organization

42. When you have a flat tire, make things easier on yourself

Use car tire for organization — via Ask Anna

Why does it always seem to be raining at its hardest when you notice a flat tire? Make this situation just a little less painful by being organized in advance. Group repair items (jack, wrench, tire pump, 12-foot jumper cables, and a can of fix a flat) and store them in your spare tire compartment.

43. Alternative trunk shelf cargo shelf

car cargo trunk shelf — via Bed Bath & Beyond

44. Always keep re-sealable zipper storage bags in your car

If you have young children, keep a supply of clear plastic bags inside your vehicle. They’ll definitely come in handy when dealing with soiled or wet garments or bibs until they can be brought into the house for washing. Even if you don’t have kids, these can definitely come in useful!

45. Use a magnetic key holder to store a spare car key under your car

Misplaced your car key in the past? Don’t fret. This offers a simple, hidden way to store your car key under your car.

46. Pack your clothing or useful items into plastic drawers

47. Keep a shower cap around to store dirty shoes (or cleats) in

Shower cap for shoes — via The Rogue Ginger

Do your kids come running into your car with dirty cleats after a soccer game? Or are you a hiker? This is an inexpensive and perfectly sized way to store your shoes until you’re able to clean them.

48. Get fancy: Turn your trunk into a (luxury) closet

49. Free-up space in your trunk and keep your sports ball’s fixed in place with a Ball Claw

Ball Claw for Car Trunk — via Yanko Design

50. Manage your USB and Aux cables with a CableDrop

OK, so maybe this image above doesn’t show you exactly how these can be used in your car, you get the idea! Keep your cables organized and untangled with this nifty device.

51. Make extra room and hide items with a Du-Ha Storage Case

Conclusion

Which one is your favorite?

Do you have any tips, tricks or hacks that you’d add to the list?

If you liked this post, then check out our step-by-step guide to organizing your closet.

16 Weird & Wonderful Ways to Keep Your Car Clean & Organized (2020 Update)

By happychappyco 2 Comments | Last Updated: Apr 21, 2020 @ 4:47 pm

Car organization is important.

Why?

According to a study done by the Harvard Health Watch, the average American spends 101 minutes per day driving (which equates to a staggering 37,935 hours driving a car in a lifetime!)

Think about that. Just let that settle in! Yeah. Wow. We spend a lot of time in our vehicles.

Therefore, most of us want to be in an environment that’s clean and organized which in turn reduces stress, saves us embarrassment when someone else has to get in our car and improves safety.

This important (and a few embarrassments along the way) actually inspired me to create HappyChappy’s Car Trash Can and Backseat Car Organizer. But I also developed some other pretty nifty tips and tricks along the way to keep my car clean, reduce clutter from accumulating and to protect my investment.

So let’s get started…

How to Clean Your Car Interior (Effectively and Efficiently)

Before we look at the tips, tricks and tool for prevention, we need to address the current issue. Let’s get that car interior clean!

What’s needed for the job?

Vinegar
Soft cloth
Alcohol (no, not that kind of alcohol!)
Q-tips
Baking soda
Old shaker
Spray bottle
Essential oil
Vacuum cleaner (preferably a carpet cleaner which you could rent from a rental store – not imperative, but helpful)

1. Don’t look down!

trash under car seat — Image source: Wikihow

That’s a lie. You’re going to have to have a look under that seat. I know, I know. Not what you imagined you’d be doing when you woke up this morning, but this step is necessary before anything else.

Anything that doesn’t need to (or shouldn’t) be in your car – get rid of it. I’m talking the larger things that a vacuum won’t get (wrappers, toys, bottles, etc.) For Mom’s and Dad’s out there, there is likely a few surprises under the back seat and in some of those seat cracks and crevices. We’ve all been there. Perhaps that’s why we procrastinate? 🙂

This is where a car trash can really comes in handy – you (or your kids) can just throw your coffee cup, wrappers, cans, etc. in there as you go, contain it and then empty as needed. No need for this stage in the future!

2. Shake the floor mats out

Pretty self-explanatory.

3. Vacuum-up those cheerios!

Come on. I bet you’ll find at least 3 cheerios. Minimum. How did they even end up in there?

Vacuum anywhere you can fit the nozzle: Your seats, floor carpets, mats, dashboard, console, door panels, under the pedals and the trunk.

You can also use a small, soft brush (preferably a detailing brush if you happen to have one) for your air vents. Be sure to have the vacuum ready to suck up the dust you find.

4. Wipe down surfaces and Polish until your heart’s content

Car cleaning wipes are expensive! As a cheaper and just as ef- fective alternative – try baby wipes to eliminate dust and dirt. It may be worth storing a pack of these in your glove compartment or car organizer for those all-too-often (inconvenient) spills and messes!

Then spray a small amount of polish to the area and spread evenly to buff. Remember to avoid the stereo and any other electrical parts.

5. Recapture that new car smell!

Everyone loves that new car smell. Here’s a tip from Clean Mama on how you can quickly and very inexpensively freshen those car carpets:

Homemade Carpet Freshener/Deodorizer
2 cups baking soda
10-20 drops essential oil
Container with a shaker top
Place the baking soda in a ziplock bag or a jar and add the essential oil.
Shake
Leave for 24 hours so that the baking soda soaks up the oils
Store in an old shaker
Sprinkle on your carpets. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes (or longer!) and then vacuum up

6. Q-tips & Cup Holders

Cup holders are often overlooked.

A cloth may do the trick for the bulk of the cup holder, but to get those edges, take a Q-tip and dip it into water, cleaning solution or vinegar and scrub the hard to reach areas.

7. Vinegar, Alcohol and Window Cleaner!

Windows – Forget Windex. Mix 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 alcohol in a spray bottle and presto! You have an eco-friendly, inexpensive window cleaner.

8. Zapping Stains

Seat stains & mats can also be tackled with equal parts water and vinegar, applied to stained area to soak for a few minutes. Use a wet cloth to blot up.

—-

Ok now we’ve been through the tips and tricks to clean your car’s interior efficiently and effectively, let’s move on to the next stage.

Keeping Your Car Clean and Organized

It’s one thing getting your car clean. It’s another to keep it that way.

Today I’m going to help you put the processes (and gadgets) in place to make this a no-brainer going forward. Think of this part as an investment. Set things up now so later, you don’t waste the most valuable commodity of them all: Time.

9. Make the Glove Compartment Useful

Car Glove Box Organization — Image by confetti and other fun

Why do we still call it a Glove Box / Compartment? It’s been a while since we used it for gloves. I digress!

Mine used to be stuffed full with receipts, napkins, and car documents until I came across this excellent idea suggested by Sarah over at confetti and other fun.

You can just keep it basic and have folders for:

Car insurance
In case of emergency (contacts)
Registration
Car maintenance receipts
Car handbook

10. Bring Order to the Backseat Chaos with a Car Organizer!

A car organizer is the simplest way to store your kids’ iPad, crayons, books, toys and stuffed animals. If you or your spouse travels often in the car for work, keep bottles, razors, magazines in the various compartments. For family travel to the beach for in- stance, you could keep sunscreen at the ready, sunglasses, hats, etc.

The Backseat Car Organizer by HappyChappy is specifically designed to fit any vehicle, our organizer helps you effortlessly reduce clutter, conveniently store essentials (or toys!) and protect your seats from your kids kicking feet!

11. Plastic Bags at the Ready!

Gina over at CampClem suggests using an old Kleenex box stuffed with plastic shopping bags for trash, wet clothes, diapers or recycling. You can keep that under the seat, in a car organizer or in the trunk. Easy.

12. Shouldn’t every car come with a Car Trash Can?

Car Trash Can by HappyChappy — 2-in-1 Car Trash Can & Organizer by HappyChappy / Buy on Amazon

Just think…No more litter under your car seats!

OK, I can’t guarantee that but it’s the simplest, most elegant way to contain trash and makes emptying easy.

2-in-1 Car Trash Can + Tissue Holder by HappyChappy

FEATURES:

Designed to fit any vehicle – Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Boats, Vans, RVs and more!
Quick & Easy Installation – No assembly required
Protects your carpets & upholstery (leak-proof lining)
Saves time & eliminates the stress of car cleanup
Easy to clean and empty
Keep essential items in arms-reach
Child friendly

13. Puppies Be Chillin’

Protect your car’s back seats from dirt, scratches, and dander with a Dog hammock/seat cover.

14. Mom’s Little Emergency Kit

Angie at Echoes of Laughter came up with an elegant way to organize her emergency supplies. I think this is an excellent way to store the various objects and keep it in your glove compartment. The only thing I’d suggest is keeping a couple of bottles of water somewhere in your car should you breakdown and need them.

15. Car Seat Hangers

A simple way to hang grocery/shopping bags from the back seat without having to worry about the contents flying out or heavier bags crushing your eggs and bread!

16. On-the-Go Snack Basket

Car Snack Basket — Image by The Realistic Mama

We all know that we make better diet decisions at home when we’re prepared. The same goes for when you’re on the road.

This tip comes from The Realistic Mama with this on-the-go snack basket. Why not implement this one today? All you really need are some good food options (fruit, nuts, etc.) and a basket and you’re in business! In terms of organization, this basket prevents you from having bits and bobs all over the place and is just another solid way to keep items contained to one place.

Also, don’t forget to check out our list of 51 Car Organization Hacks, Tips & Tricks!

Over To You…

Did you try and of these tips/tricks? What did you think? Any additional tips would you like to share with others? Let us know in the comments section below!

Thanks for reading and just remember the old saying: Tidy Car, Tidy Mind.

It’s something like that, right? Well…I’m coining it!