Summertime is road trip time. There’s something special about travelling on land at your own pace and stopping when the moment is right. But with luggage, snacks, souvenirs and other stuff, your vehicle can become a bit of a disaster zone. Whether you’re on vacation or just using your car for the day-to-day, here are my top 5 car organizing tips.

1. Find a great trunk organizer.

Big or small, trunk organizers are a great catch-all. They can prevent groceries from tipping over and also hold other items like a blanket or flashlight.

2. Pick a mini file organizer for your glove compartment.

Is your glove compartment full of squished papers and maps you no longer use? File your important papers (get rid of everything else!) in a small organizer so they are tidy and easy to find.

3. Make an emergency kit.

A first-aid kit is a good idea for everyone. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Use a toiletries bag or even a sturdy zipper-seal plastic bag. Besides corralling important things like bandages, it can also contain some stain remover and a sewing kit. (We all have different types of emergencies!)

4. Use a backseat organizer for kids.

If you have little ones who need to be kept entertained during long trips, be sure to check out these handy hold-alls that fit on the back of a driver or passenger seat. There are different types on the market with all kinds of compartments.

5. House your change in a small container.

While coins can be handy for parking meters, they also tend to fall to the bottom of your car’s storage compartments. Dig out all your change and put it in a plastic container with a flip lid. Reuse a plastic chewing gum or mint/candy container! They are ideal for this.

6. Choose a caddy.

There are lots of neat uses for shower caddies in your car. They can hold your lunch upright when you’re on the road, store kids’ art supplies in the back seat or even hold things like collapsible umbrellas in the trunk.

Summer is short and there’s nothing like the open road. With some car organizing, you can enjoy it even more!

Read more of our car organizing tips here. If you need any help organizing your home life or learning new habits to stay organized, contact Out of Chaos today.