5 Car Organization Hacks

Keeping a car organized with kids feels like a never-ending battle. Between snack wrappers, rogue toys, and last-minute "I forgot!" moments, chaos can take over fast. With a few smart car organization hacks, you can turn your vehicle into a clutter-free space. We will break down everything from clever storage solutions to must-have organizers. Bonus? Less time digging for lost items means more time for what matters.

1. Empty & Organize

First you want to deep clean your car. Go in with a hand-held vacuum cleaner if you can to get rid of any crumbs on the floor and seats of your car. Clean out all pockets of space that are bound to have mystery items like your car seat pockets, car doors, and more. Have a pile of keep, toss, and donate to streamline the process. As you do this, wipe down everything you can like cup holders and your dashboard.

2. Utilize Existing Storage Space

Your car is already built for additional storage and organization, here are some ways you can use it wisely.

• Glove compartment: Store essentials such as your registration and insurance. Include emergency materials like small first-aid kit and tissues.
• Door pockets: Perfect for wipes, extra bags, tissues, and small toys.
• Cup holders: Use silicone inserts to hold snacks or tiny toys instead of just drinks.
• Under seats: Slide in slim packing cubes for extra clothes or shoes.

3. Optimize Your Space With the Organization Tools

Although your car has storage, when traveling with kids there’s always room for more. Here are some key products can make all the difference:

• Backseat organizers: Utilize organizers to keep essentials all in one place. With these cubes you can keep toys or books protected and portable. 
• Trunk organizers: Our car organizer is perfect to organize your trunk! It expands to 3 spacious compartments and is made with a water-resistant design. It keeps groceries, sports gear, or emergency kits neatly stored.
• Tech organizers: Stay prepared for your family and guests with a dedicated tech pouch. With enough space to fit a backup calculator for your little one or backup charging wires, this keeps your tech essentials in one place. 
• Headrest hooks: Hang your kids backpacks, umbrellas, or even grocery bags to keep them off the floor and free up leg room for your little ones.

4. Implement a Trash & Cleaning System

It’s to be expected that your car will inevitably become a mess especially with little ones in the back. Having a quick and easy trash and cleaning system in your car is bound to make all the difference in the long run.

• Keep a small trash bin in the trunk of your car.
• Store cleansing wipes in the door pocket for quick cleanups or spills.
• A portable vacuum or lint roller helps plenty with cleaning crumbs, pet hair, and whatever else you may not reach.

5. Maintain Organization

Keeping your car clean and organized can prevent a bottleneck of crumbs and other mystery substances. Try to build a quick and easy routine to make sure your car is spotless! Take 5 minutes before you leave or once you’re back home to do a quick tidy-up, whether it be throwing out garbage or dusting off the dashboard.

Car Organization Checklist 

It’s important whether you’re going on a family trip or staying close by to have your car stocked up with travel essentials for whatever comes your way. Here’s a checklist based on our car organization tips to make sure you’re always prepared!

In the front of car

• Phone charger
• Sunglasses
• Spare change & cash
• Tissues & wipes
• Small notebook & pen
• Hand sanitizer
• Change of shoes (if needed)

In the 2nd and 3rd rows

• Kids’ water bottles
• Snacks (one’s that won’t make a mess!)
• Favorite small toy/book
• Blanket or sweater
• Car seat protector

In the trunk

• Emergency kit
• Reusable shopping bags
• Extra clothes (for spills/accidents)
• Umbrella
• Foldable stroller (if needed)
• Mini vacuum cleaner
• Jump cables (for emergencies)

Shop our favorite car organizers to keep your family trips stress-free!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to keep your car organized with kids?

Rotate, reduce, and contain! Keep only what you really need in the car, use organizers for toys/snacks, keep their backpacks secure to prevent extra mess, and do quick cleanups often.

How do I pack a car for family trips?

Here are some car organization tips to avoid digging through piles mid-drive:

• Essentials up front: Phone charger, sunglasses, tissues.
• Kid must-haves within reach: Snacks, water bottles, favorite toy in a seat-back organizer.
• Bulky items low in the trunk: Suitcases or gear first, then lighter items (blankets, extra shoes) on top.

Pro tip: Use packing cubes to group similar items (swim gear, extra clothes) so nothing gets lost.

What are the best car organization products?

Our top picks are backseat organizers, packing cubes, and tech pouches. 

• Backseat organizers: Hanging storage for toys, books, and snacks (no more “I dropped it!” meltdowns).
• Packing cubes: Keep changes of clothes or emergency kits tidy in the trunk.
• Tech pouches: Corral chargers and headphones so you can find them and not worry about detangling.