Roadtrip Organization: Car Essentials for Travel

There’s something magical about hitting the open road – the windows down, your favorite tunes blasting, snacks within reach, and adventure on the horizon. But before you throw your bags in the backseat and peel out of the driveway, a little roadtrip organization can make your travels smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country journey, here’s your ultimate guide to organizing a road trip like a pro.

 

 

🧰 PREP THE CAR

 

One Week Before Departure:

First, think of this as your car’s own pre-vacation check-up.

• Arrival Time: Double-check the check-in time at your destination. Will you be there early, late, or just on time? Plan accordingly.
• Plan Your Route: Use Google Maps or a road trip planner to plot your path. Identify scenic stops, restaurants, rest areas, and must-see spots.
• Create a Shared Digital Folder: Store hotel confirmations, route maps, emergency contacts, roadside assistance info, and any other trip details. Share it with everyone on the trip, and your house or pet sitter too, so no one’s left guessing.
• Mechanic Check-In: Schedule a visit to your local mechanic to make sure everything’s in tip-top shape—especially your brakes, fluids, and tires. Is it time for an oil change?
• Car Prep: Consider purchasing a roadside emergency kit or portable jump starter. Better to be overly prepared than wishing you had one!

1-2 Days Before:

Now, it’s crunch time! Here’s what to do so you’re not scrambling the morning of.

Car Maintenance Checklist:

• • • Check tire pressure and fill ’em up.
      
    • Fill the gas tank.
      
    • Empty trash and/or install a car trash can (which can double as an emergency barf bucket if needed).
       

  

Entertainment Prep:

• • Download playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks.
    
  • Make sure you’ve got an AUX cord or Bluetooth set up.
    
  • Bring phone chargers (extra-long cords are road trip gold!)

Personal Comfort Kit:

• • Sunglasses, plus an extra pair—just in case!
    
  • Pop lotion, lip balm with SPF, and pain relievers into a pouch in the drivers side door or your central console.
    
  • Keep tissues, napkins, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer handy.
    
  • Pillows, blankets, eye mask (for sleeping, not driving, silly).

Snack Attack:

• • Head to the store and purchase all your favorite car snacks and drinks.
    
  • Pre-portion snacks into easy-open containers or ziplock bags.
    
  • Bring chip clips and extra ziplocks to seal things up or store leftovers.
    
  • Don’t forget to grab a bag of ice for the cooler, if needed.

Kid Prep Zone:

• • Pack each kid a dedicated road trip bag: tablet + headphones, their own snacks, water bottle, coloring books, stickers, small toys, etc.
    
  • Bonus: include a surprise item to keep them entertained mid-trip!

 

🧳 PACK THE CAR

 

Finally, it’s time to play real-life Tetris. This is where the serious roadtrip organization starts! 

First, Start Big: Place your largest items in first—suitcases, tents, duffels. These form the “base” of your packing structure.

Next, Fill the Gaps: Use Soft sided bags smaller bags, pouches, coats, blankets, etc to plug up any empty nooks and crannies.

Lastly, Kid-Friendly Navigation: Consider where car seats will be positioned and load up accordingly. You don’t want to have to Houdini yourself over a booster seat just to grab a snack or tablet charger.

 

💡 ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM THE PROS

 

• No doubt, you’ll need to dig into certain bags during the trip. Avoid burying essentials under an avalanche of gear.
• Cooler and snack bag? Use squishy tote bags or cooler bags to fit behind the front seats within arms reach.
• Seat-back organizers are perfect for stashing books, wipes, and snacks.

• A seat cushion can minimize booty pain from driving for long periods of time.
• Carry a small tube of sunscreen. Yes, you can get burned through the window!
• Car vacuum for mid-trip cleanups, especially if you’ve got hungry kids. Snacks, beware!

Also, check out this video for more tips about roadtrip organizing!

 

🚦Ready, Set, Roadtrip!

 

Most importantly, roadtrips are meant to be fun, not frantic. For this reason, by prepping your car and planning ahead, you’ll cut down on the stress and leave more room for scenic detours. In fact, by using the tips in this blog, you too can pack smart, drive safe, and take way too many pictures.

So, where are you headed on your next road trip? Let us know —and happy travels! 🌟