How Should I Organize My Car for a Road Trip With Kids?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a road trip with your kids? A well-organized car can make all the difference between a smooth, stress-free journey and a chaotic one. Here are some tips to help you organize your car for a road trip with kids.

Start with a good clean

Before you start packing, give your car a thorough cleaning. Remove any unnecessary items from the car and vacuum the seats and floors. This will give you more space to work with and make it easier to keep the car clean during the trip.

Pack smart

When packing for a road trip with kids, it’s important to pack smart. Make sure you pack everything you need but avoid overpacking as this can take up valuable space in the car. Use packing cubes or bags to help keep everything organized.

Snacks and drinks

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your kids to keep them fed and hydrated throughout the journey. Use a cooler or insulated bag to keep perishable items fresh.

  • Water bottles
  • Fruit cups
  • Cereal bars
  • Crackers
  • Pretzels
  • Cheese sticks
  • Sliced fruit (apples, oranges, etc.)

Entertainment

Make sure your kids have plenty of entertainment options during the journey to keep them occupied. Pack books, coloring books, puzzles, games, and tablets loaded with movies or TV shows.

  • iPads/tablets loaded with games/shows/movies etc.
  • Activity books (coloring books, puzzle books)
  • Crayons/markers/pencils/pens etc.
  • Board games/card games
  • Headphones for each child

Clothing and bedding

Pack a change of clothes for each child, as well as any necessary bedding if you plan to stay overnight. Roll the clothes and place them in packing cubes or bags to save space.

  • Change of clothes for each child
  • Pajamas/sleepwear for each child
  • Blankets/pillows if staying overnight somewhere
  • Towels/washcloths if staying overnight somewhere

Organize your storage space

Use storage containers or organizers to keep everything in its place. This will help prevent items from rolling around or getting lost during the journey.

The trunk area

Pack heavier items at the bottom of the trunk and lighter items on top. Use bungee cords or cargo nets to secure items in place.

The back seat area

Use a backseat organizer to hold smaller items such as toys, books, and snacks. This will help prevent them from getting lost on the floor.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can ensure that your road trip with kids is organized and stress-free. Remember, a well-organized car can make all the difference between a happy journey and a chaotic one.