By: Jessica · Posted: · Updated: · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
I can’t BEGIN to tell you how many times this little car organization project has come to my rescue. While browsing Pinterest one day, I ran across a lady who did something like this in her minivan, and Ifell in LOVE with the idea.
I have to admit, I’m really jealous of her space that she has in her minivan, and what she had to work with. Although I do drive the longest SUV they make, a minivan tends to just have more car organization capabilities and cooler features.
Anyhoo, I found the root of this idea on The Castro Happynings blog, and decided to give it a whirl. I’m so glad that I did!!! I think my husband even appreciates the fact that I’ve done it… even though he has tendencies to make fun of my over-preparedness.
Tips for Organizing a Car or SUV
Please excuse the fact that it looksa little messy at the moment. I’ve had this set up for about 2 years, and as much as we travel with kids, it’s been beaten up with a stroller, pack n play, and every other thing that typically goes into the back of an SUV trunk!
How to Organize the Back of the SUV
So… I began by purchasing 2 mesh shower organizers. Why these? Because they were short and see-through. If you’re planning on doing something like this, make sure you measure the length and width of yourback seat and then shop around for something that fits correctly.
If you’re not having any luck finding such a thing, before buying these, I consideredpurchasing “over the door, shoe organizers,” and cut them to my desired length and width.
My head rests raise up and down, with skinny rods, that I “hook” my organizers on, by using the shower curtain rings. Viola!
Ialso tiedthe bottom of each organizer with white string, just to keep the organizer in place when I fold the seats up and down. It just helps secure it a little more.
What Items Should You Keep in the Car?
Ok… so what in the world do I keep in the car all of the time? Items that you tend to find yourself in the middle of nowhere saying, “Man I wish I had _________.” Check out my inventory list below of the goodies! Of course, add your own items that fit you and your family’s needs.
Let me know if you decided to try this yourself! I’d love to see or hear about it!
Items to Always Have on Hand
- Band-Aids
- Antiseptic Wash-Foam
- Benadryl Spray
- First Aid Kit
- Sunblock
- Bug Spray
- Kleenex’s
- Baby Wipes
- Scissors (You wouldn’t believe how often I use these!)
- Tape
- Pens and Pencils
- Sharpie
- Notecards/Thank you cards
- Hand Sanitizer
- Small Flashlight
- Box Cutter (Especially for those plastic packages that are incredibly hard to open, like a phone charger, etc.)
- Screw Driver
- Trash Bags
- Grocery Bags
- Silverware and Straws
- Hair Ties
- Extra Sunglasses
- Snacks (Crackers, baby food pouches) for an emergency
- Gum/Mints
- Umbrella
- Spare clothing for kiddos
- Paper Towels
- Blanket
- Jacket(s)
- Ziploc Bags
- Mobile Office Day Bag
These items don’t all fit in my shower organizers of course, but I try to keep those bigger items in trunk organizers, or large bins, in the back also.
Did I miss something? I’d love to hear something that you can’t live without in your vehicle!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Crystal @ Crystal's Tiny Treasures says
Great list! Everyone should have an organised vehicle (though still working on hubby with this). Don’t forget some bottled water, it’s good if you’re out longer than anticipated and the kids are thirsty, good for cleaning wounds, and also for the radiator if you overheat.
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Jessica says
Oh my gosh, bottled water is a great idea! You never know when you’ll need it! I’m going to put that in my car today! Thank you!!
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Misty says
What a great way to keep some much needed items in your car. Thanks for the idea! I am getting ready to get my car ready for winter and fill it with the Just In Case items.
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Jessica says
Fantastic! Let me know if you think of something that I’ve forgotten!
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Missy Homemaker says
This is one of the most practical ideas I’ve seen on car organization! And, it couldn’t have cost what? $10 at the most for the shower organizers? Brilliant!
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Jessica says
Oh gosh, it was TOTALLY cheap! Like Jill said, you may even check at a Dollar Store! I bought mine off of Amazon! Let me know if you need any help finding them! XO!
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Jill @ Called To Be A Mom says
This is a GREAT Idea! I have the minivan and it is always a mess! I’m going to get this for sure! I wonder if they sell these at the dollar store.
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Jessica says
They DO sell something similar that I think may work for you! I’ve seen it there! Let me know if you find them!!!
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Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
That looks so useful. I’m always scrambling around my dang car trying to find this or that that I lost and then I’m not watching the road and ACK! This would make life SO much easier. Thanks for sharing.
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Jessica says
LOL! I can so relate! No problem! Glad you liked it! XO!
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