10 Must-Have Car Essentials, According to Pro Organizers
These can transform a messy car into a more organized space.
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Professional organizers don't just keep their homes tidy—they're also generally good at keeping their cars organized. These are the things organizers keep in their cars to corral clutter and keep everything clean.
As many people know, the car can be something of a clutter magnet. If you're not careful, it can become home to things like sports equipment, books, beach bags, and so much more. While it's sensible for some items to live in the car, it's also a good idea to declutter your vehicle periodically.
Keeping the car clean can be another challenge, especially if you have children. That's why organizers recommend keeping things like wet wipes and car trash cans handy to tackle messes before they happen.
Some of the other essentials organizers recommend are safety items like first aid kits and multi-tools that you can use in case of emergency. While you may never need to use them, it's good to have them on hand just in case.
Keep reading to learn more about the things organizers keep in their cars. For more pro tips, read up on the things professional organizers never buy for their own homes.
Without a dedicated place to toss trash, snack wrappers and loose papers may end up on the floor. It's worth buying a small trash can, possibly one you can strap to the back of a headrest. "I cannot deal with random receipts and gum wrappers floating around," says Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted.
From outings to the park to roadtrips, it's always beneficial to keep essentials like Band-Aids and gauze on hand. "To be sure you have all the necessities for an emergency or a minor injury, we recommend keeping pre-packaged go kits in all your vehicles," says professional organizer Lisa Jacobs of Imagine It Done. "Be sure that when they are used, you replace what is now missing."
From cleaning spills and dusting the dashboard to cleaning your kids' hands after a park visit, you never know when you could use a wipe. "I always keep a pack of Wet Wipes or hand wipes on hand for spills and unexpected messes while on the go," says Susan Guraj, founder of VS Organized Interiors.
Rather than pile essentials into the center console, organize them in a zippered pouch or bag. "We love using a soft zip-top bag in the center console as a catch-all for those loose items — think hand sanitizer, medicine, receipts or any other small essentials," says Guraj.
If you're like me, you keep a charger everywhere you frequent! A car charger ensures your devices stay charged during long trips — especially if you use them for navigation. Plus, a USB charger will allow you access to CarPlay if you have a newer system.
If your daily routine consists of running between sports practice, the gym and the grocery store, you may have no choice but to regularly store items in the trunk. "We highly recommend getting a car cargo net or storage container in the trunk and behind the seats if you have kids," says Guraj. "It'll keep larger items like groceries, sports equipment or emergency kits tidy and prevent them from rolling around."
No one wants to think about an emergency, but it's always better to be prepared. This affordable tool has a seat belt cutter on one side, and a window breaker tool on the other. Keep it in the center console or glove compartment for easy access.
Keep a small notebook and a pen in your car for jotting down important information, such as directions, license plate numbers or contact details in case of an emergency.
Use a trunk organizer or plastic container to organize everyday items and prevent them from shifting around during transport. "For more active families on the go, consider keeping some key items in your trunk area such as: a refillable water bottle, cooler, a foldable chair or picnic blanket and sporting equipment," says Jacobs.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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