Studies say that being surrounded by clutter increases our stress.  I don’t know about you, but driving all by itself can be stressful.  And that’s before I even factor in two kids in the backseat!  So let’s reduce the clutter and stress in our cars!  Step 1 – Read how I use cargo organizers to keep my car tidy.  Step 2 – Check out these car organization tips and products, and make your driving experience a little more peaceful!

Car Organization Tips & Products

Bag Hooks

1. Headrest Hooks – Snap these hooks on to the metal rod of your headrest, and hang anything from purses to diaper bags to grocery bags on them.  It’s a great way to keep bags upright and prevent them from sliding all over the car.  The hooks can face the front of the seat or behind the seat too!  Or use a Mommy Hook or other large stroller hook as an alternative.

Trunk/Cargo Organizers

2. Car Trunk Organizer – This collapsible organizer keeps everything orderly in your trunk or cargo area.  Store the “just in case” items you keep in the car here, or use it to hold grocery bags upright.  And here is a great option for a smaller trunk organizer.

3. Trunk/Backseat Organizer – If you’d like to keep your trunk or cargo area organized without sacrificing floor space, check out this organizer that straps on to the back of the back row.  Durable, solid material keeps everything looking neat and tidy.  If you’d prefer a mesh option for easily seeing the contents, this is a great mesh backseat organizer.  The mesh version even has a spot for securing large umbrellas at the bottom.

Seat Back Organizers

4. Single Seat Back Mesh Organizer – If you have captains chairs, this single seat back organizer works wonders!  It protects the back of the seat from kids dirty and squirmy feet.  And it’s a great spot to store on-the-go necessities or toys.

5. Single Seat Back Solid Organizer – Another alternative to #4 above, this solid seat back organizer has more solid pockets to hide the clutter.  It also has a tablet case that flips out when needed for in-car entertainment.  Add in cup holders and small hooks for other bags at the top of the organizer, and it can handle most anything.

Front Seat Organization

6. Vehice OCD (Organized Console Device) – I just love the name of this product – hilarious!  Vehicle OCDs are plastic grids are designed to fit perfectly inside of your center console.  Consoles seem to be the black holes of cars (at least for us!), and this makes the large space more manageable with smaller compartments.  This particular one is for a Toyota Highlander, but a search for “Vehicle OCD” will show other models available.

7. Car Seat Gap Filler Pockets – Say that three times fast!  These leather pockets fill the spot between the center console and the seat in the front row.  You know, that 1/2″ gap where important papers, keys, and your phone seems to always fall?  So not only do they keep items from falling into the abyss below, but the pockets can be used to store small items like coins and charger cords.

8. 6 Port USB Car Charger – Do you find yourself wishing there were more USB ports in your car?  On road trips, my husband and I often take turns using the one USB port in our car to charge our phones.  Add kids’ electronic devices, and there’s a serious shortage.  But this handy USB charger easily transforms a single cigarette lighter into 6 USB outlets.

Car Organization Tips – Extras!

Here are a few other great car organization tips to save your sanity in the car!

• Keep this kids’ portable potty in the car at all times, and never have to leave the park early again!  A disposable bag makes clean-up a cinch.
• To keep toys and books contained and organized, buckle this toy organizer into the seat next to your child.
• Make a trash can for your car for $1!  Such a smart idea!

What’s your favorite product in this list?  How do you organize your car?