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Car Organization

  • Writer: Nina Ross
    Nina Ross
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Creating a Calm, Kid-Friendly Space.


If you peeked inside my van on any random day, you probably wouldn't call it organized. In fact, something might fall out when you open the door.


You'll likely find beach towels tossed on the floor, a collection of rocks in a cupholder, and enough sand to start a small beach.


With three kids and a summer full of adventures, I've accepted that my vehicle will never stay perfectly clean.


But this year, I'm not aiming for perfect.


I'm aiming for prepared.


Because whether it's a spontaneous summer adventure, a kid with a tummy ache, or an unexpected wait time, having the right supplies already packed can make all the difference.


The Kits That Keep Us Ready


I can't tell you how many times I've cleaned out my van, only to need the exact thing I took out the very next day.


The extra towel. The sunscreen. The change of clothes. God forbid, the bag for a car-sick kid.


I'm learning that the goal isn't an empty van. It's a prepared one.


Instead of trying to remove everything, I've created a few simple kits that help us handle whatever the day brings.




Stored in the far back of the van, this is the kit we reach for most often. I keep everything together in a simple organizer (linked here), which makes it easy to grab what we need and quickly put things back where they belong.


Inside you'll find:

  • Sunscreen and bug spray

  • Baby wipes for sticky hands and messy faces

  • Large trash bags and mini trash bags

  • A first aid kit

  • Vomit bags

  • Motion sickness patches

  • Paper towels

  • Reusable shopping bags


These are the items that seem to save the day again and again, whether we're headed to the beach, the playground, or simply running errands around town.



The Quick Emergency Kit


We have one kiddo who gets motion sickness and another who gets anxious that they might get motion sickness.


Whether they're actually feeling sick or simply want the reassurance of being prepared, we keep a few items up front that are easy to pass back to the kids when needed.


This kit includes:


Thankfully, it's very rarely needed, but when it is, I'm always grateful it's within arm's reach.


The Kids' Basket



We all know that sometimes the hardest part of an outing isn't the destination. It's the waiting.


Whether we're sitting in a line of traffic, taking a long drive, or helping a kid through an anxious moment, having a few calming activities available makes a huge difference.


Our basket includes:


The Just-in-Case Storage


I recently discovered that I can store a large bag under the floor where one of the seats can be tucked away, and I have never loved my van more.


But even if your vehicle doesn't have a hidden storage space like this, a just-in-case bag (linked here) can be tucked into a trunk or behind a seat. 


These are items we won't need every day, but they're incredibly helpful when we do.


We keep:

  • A change of clothes for each child

  • Swimsuits

  • Towels

  • A blanket for picnics, chilly evenings, or unexpected needs


I have a feeling these supplies are going to be a game changer for us this summer.


And there you have it! A well-stocked and somewhat organized vehicle... for now.


My goal this summer is to choose one day each week to do a quick 10-minute tidy and restock any supplies we've used, so we're always prepared for whatever adventure pops up next.


Because around here, the best summer memories are usually the unplanned ones.


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