Sitting in rush hour traffic, shuttling the kids to sports games and birthday parties, taking road trips to visit colleges — for better or worse, most busy families spend a lot of time in the car. If you approach keeping your car organized in the same way you would the kitchen or mudroom, you’ll find yourself a lot less stressed when you’re trying to get from point A to point B. Here are 13 clever contraptions that will turn your car into, shall we say, a well-oiled machine.
Large Trunk Organizer
Soccer balls, umbrellas, extra bottles of water, that ill-fitting sweater you need to return — whatever is currently rattling around in your trunk can be neatly corralled in this extra-large organizer that’s perfect for SUVs and minivans. $70, CargoGear
Snack and Play Kids Travel Tray
Save yourself from at least a few “Are we there yet?” queries by setting kiddos up with a tray where they can color, read books, play games and have a snack on the road. This tray is crash tested, and includes mesh side pockets for stowing favorite toys and sippy cups. $30, One Step Ahead
CommuteMate Dash Grip
Turn previously unused space on the dashboard into a handy spot to stash the items you’re always feeling around the car for as you drive (you know you do it!). Sunglasses, cell phones and other frequently needed items will be within reach, but not causing distraction by sliding around on the dash. $9, Organize-It
Pocket Blanket
Folded into its teeny-tiny pouch, this cool blanket takes up no space at all, but it might save you in a variety of situations — an unexpected diaper disaster (is there any other kind?), a surprise rainstorm or an impromptu scenic stop (you never know when you’ll want to hop out of the car to catch a gorgeous sunset!). $30, Matador
Golf Gear Organizer
Don’t let the golfer in your life clutter the family car with balls, tees, gloves and shoes. Pack it all away in this compact case that’s ready to go whenever he or she hits the green. $30, Sports Authority
Tablet Headrest Mount
Not that you bribe your kids with screen time so they behave in the backseat or anything like that … but this mount fits a variety of tablets and has a swivel adapter for easy viewing by multiple little passengers. Just saying. $60, Arkon
Cup Holder Organizer
Keep your coffee, glasses, phone, and other on-the-go necessities within easy reach during your morning commute. There’s a slot for power cords to keep your devices charged, so you can arrive at the office calm, cool, collected — and caffeinated! $14, Walmart
Back Seat Dog Bed
Protect your seats while your pooch rides in style (and comfort). Perfect for road trips, vet visits and other family outings with your four-legged friend. $225, The Driver’s Seat
Car Seat Gap Filler
Don’t waste another minute of your life attempting to retrieve a cell phone that’s slipped in between your seat and the center console. Bonus: This gap filler will also catch wayward French fries, stray bobby pins and all of the other bizarre things that seem to wind up in that crevice. So simple, it’s brilliant! $10, Walmart
Efficiency FileMaster Desk
If your job requires you to be on the road (or you’ve regularly got some time to kill between soccer practice and ballet class), invest in this auto desk that will turn your car into a moving office. Check your presentation once more before heading into a client meeting or finish planning the school fundraiser in between shuttling the kids from one activity to another. $214, Unique Truck Equipment
Trunk Organizer and Cooler Set
Picnic at a moment’s notice? Just throw some snacks and drinks in the built-in cooler, and keep the side compartments stocked with blankets, sunscreen and other necessities (may we suggest a corkscrew?), and you’ll always be ready for a day at the beach or an afternoon in the park. $52, Overstock.com
Sip ‘N Snak
Let little ones help themselves to nibbles and drinks with this handy sippy-cup-snack-container hybrid that attaches to car seats. They’ll be able to refuel before they get cranky, and you won’t have to search under seats for fallen cups and baggies full of treats. $6, Amazon
Portable Car Mount and Charger
Charge two devices at the same time, and keep your phone safely in your line of sight to read directions or make hands-free calls. But, no texting while driving, please! $40, Kenu
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