A guide on car organizers
People do a lot of things in their cars and they can easily get messy, especially if you have kids. However, we do not keep it as tidy and organized as we do our homes. An easy way to organize your car is by using car organizers to clear the clutter.
What is a car organizer?
The basics of car organizers
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A car organizer is a product that helps declutter and keep your car neat. They keep the items in your car in order, providing specific space for things and generally making your car feel more spacious and tidy. While some car models come with some cool storage features they are not enough. You will need to add more storage for all the things you want to keep in the car. Most are designed to be hung over car seats, tucked in between the two front seats or is placed in the middle of the back seat. Choosing a car organizer can be hard as there is a vast range of products available each offering something different.
Why is a car organizer important?
It is easy for things to get messy in a family car. A messy car is not only unsightly and uncomfortable but it can also be dangerous. Loose objects can become projectiles in case of a crash while trying to reach for something like a water bottle or tissues in the car can be distracting and may even cause an accident. It is also ideal for keeping things close, such as documents, snacks drinks and more.They come in a wide range of styles to suit most needs.They allow you to use your tablet hands-free and also keep it from falling and getting damaged.Some include kick mats that protect the seats from muddy footprints.
What are car organizers made of and how do you clean them?
Most are made from a sturdy fabric like polyester, some from imitation leather. Both of these materials last long and are easy to clean. You can clean them using soap and clean water, or by using an anti-bacterial spray. For on the go spill or stain removal you can use wipes to clean the organizer.
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What to consider when choosing a car organizer?
To help you out in finding the best organizer for your car here are some things to consider:
- Size – Check to see if the car seat organizer you are planning to get fits your car seats. While many car seat organizers come in a universal size it is still important to be sure. Some car seats are adjustable to allow a universal fit for all car seat shapes and sizes.
- Use – This refers to what are you mainly going to use the organizer for and also who will use the organizer more, is it, kids or adults. If the car is a family car, an organizer with cup or bottle pockets, a tablet or phone pocket, or a tray dock is ideal. For a two-seater car, an organizer with cup holders a bin and a document pouch may be more suited.Also, consider where you plan to use the organizer. Is it in the front, glove box, visor, in the back seat or the trunk?This will influence the type of organizer you opt for.
- Durability – Is the material from which the organizer is made from durable? How well can the organizer withstand use?
- Maintenance – The organizer should be easy to clean or wipe down. As many of them include cup to bottle holders, spills can occur. Being stain proof is an added advantage.
- Installation -The car organizer should be fairly easy to install or put in. Check to see how it is fastened to the car seat.
- Storage – Check to see how many pockets or compartments or hooks the car organizer has. You should choose one that will be able to hold all the items you need. Transparent covers to secure items is an ideal addition. If you have a tablet is wise to go for an organizer with a built-in tablet pocket.
- Portability – Choose an organizer that is portable if you plan to move it in and out of the car. One with a carry handle or detachable pockets. Most of the pockets or compartments have elastic bands or straps to hold whatever has been put in more securely.
Here is a useful tip:When stacking items in the organizer, put the heavier ones at the bottom in case the car comes to a sudden halt. This reduces the likelihood of injury or damage by these heavier objects.
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Types of Car Organizers
A list of car organization products
There a lot of car organization products available and we can’t name them all. Below are the major types of car organizers available.
Kiddie car storage container
This is a basket-like organizer that has several compartments of varying sizes to put kid essentials like books, crayons, toys, pencils, a bottle or juice box holder. They are designed to fit in the middle of the back seat and are secured in place by seat belts. They are for keeping things to keep the children entertained during a long journey. They come in black usually but there are some colorful alternatives. They are mostly collapsible so they can be easily tucked away when not in use also featuring handles for easy movement into and from the car. Some have a thermal insulated pocket for keeping snacks or drinks warm.The amount of space it consumes is the only downside.
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Car trash bag
It is a bag that trash is kept in instead of littering the car floor. It can be put on the front or back of the car. Most of the trash bags found at the front are often stand alone, but they can have a hook or velcro strip to make them more secure. It also features a velcro strip cover.
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Front seat organizer
These are good for frequently used items like water bottles, sunglasses, pens, keys and more. They have straps to secure the contents. Some have an insulated pocket. An ultra slim side pocket is a type front seat organizer that is installed between the console and the front. It is ideal for holding small loose objects like our phone, keys, clips and such in a stationary place.
Back seat organizer
These are the most diversely designed organizers. They feature multiple pockets and mesh compartments for maximum storage. With straps for easy, adjustable and secure installation, they always fit. They can come as a single piece or a pair for both front seats. They have to be made from a strong durable material because they hold most weight compared to other organizers. Some have an insulated pocket to keep snacks warm and cold drinks cool. They also prominently feature a tablet pocket that is centrally placed for ease of use. Sometimes it can extend to the front seat as a seat protector.Laptop holders/trays are another features that are mainly found in back seat organizers. They allow for easy, stable use of a laptop. They also double up as trays to place items like snacks on. Elastic top-banded pockets and straps keep everything in place. Some feature kick mats that help protect the back of the seat from muddy footprints. These can be detached and cleaned as needed. The pockets vary in size so as to hold a wide assortment of items.
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Visor organizer
These provide configurable options to keep items like phones, sunglasses, wallets, spare keys, pens, and important documents. They have elastic straps that firmly hold the items in place. Entertainment organizer is a visor type organizer that features a cd rack or dock to hold items like CDs and important documents.
Glove box organizer
These offer ways to keep the items found in your glove box tidy and neat.
Side seat storage
These run along the side of the car seat and offer easy access to items put in them. They are ideal for putting snacks or drinks as they are easy to reach.
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Car trunk organizers
These hold much larger items. They are made from durable sturdy materials. Most of them are collapsible so that they can be put away more easily when not in use. They have tie down straps or velcro to keep them in place. Due to the diverse nature of storage needs in the back, many are customizable with removable or adjustable walls to accommodate your needs.Their use is not limited to only the trunk they can be used in the front or back seat, this is all dependent on your storage needs. With front-seat use, some models feature cup holders and side pockets. Cargo organizer is a type of trunk storage organization product. They are used to keep items like groceries from falling over in the trunk. They have compartments to keep other trunk essentials like tools, cables, oils and more. Depending on the number of adjustable dividers and material they are made from, their prices can vary. A good trunk organizer should be of good quality, be able to securely hold items in and be versatile.
Car Organization Hacks
Alternative ways you can keep your car organized
Listed below are some of the ways you can organize your car interior.
- Place baking cups in your car cup holders to catch future crumbs and coins. All you have to do to clean them is pull them out. If you are using paper cups you can dispose of them, for silicone ones simply rinse or wash them, dry and replace them.
- Use an expanding file as a glove compartment organizer. Sort out your important document to be able to find them more easily.
- Use a shower caddy to hold food and drinks so as to prevent messy eating situations and spills
- Use a plastic caddy as an entertainment center for kids. It is ideal because it has a handle and different compartments and is steady.
- Turn a shower curtain into a water, spill-proof seat cover for children or pets.
- Use hooks or carabiner clips to hang grocery bags or your purse or bag behind your car seats and prevent them from falling over and spilling their contents on the floor.
- Seal the spaces between the car seats and console with foam filled cushions to stop items like your phone falling under the seat.
- Convert a shoe rack into a back seat organizer for toys and other essentials.
- Use plastic containers with lids as a trash can. They are less messy and keep the smell in.You can use plastic or paper cups as tissue holders.
- Repurpose empty cleaning wipes containers and use them to keep bags in. These bags can come in handy. You can also use empty tissue holders.
- Use a popsicle mold as a console organizer. It is the perfect size for holding coins, makeup or even your garage door remote.
- Create to-go kits for every situation and keep them in the trunk. These can include a first aid kit, travel bags or gym necessities and always be prepared.
- You can make your own travel book storage for the middle of the back seat to keep your kids entertained, or a DIY tablet holder for the headrest.
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- Put a muffin tray inside a laundry basket for a large cup holder.
- Hold your phone in place on the dashboard using a rubber band. Just put the band through the vents to anchor it.
- You can also get a visor organizer with a tissue holder and always have a tissue within arms reach.
- If you cannot get a visor organizer that fits your needs, or you do not want to buy one. Why not make one. You can get a great design at a fraction of the cost.
- You can get mini organizer so that all your necessities are within arms reach.
- Use a scarf to secure your bags to the car seats.
- Hang sunglasses on your visor using a binder clip or hook.
- You can prop up a shelf in the trunk for added storage.
- You can use a laundry basket as a trunk organizer and place groceries in it and you can move them with ease.
- You can also make a car seat organizer for your needs. First, measure the car seat and draw up a design with the pockets you need. Cut the material in the pattern you want and sew the pieces together and you are done. Do not forget to add straps or cut out holes for the headrest.
We hope this post helps you get the right organizer for your needs.