Features to keep your vehicle better organized
Psst … Parents. Its time.
Time to prepare your vehicles for those early morning and mid-afternoon drop off and pick up lines. You know the ones. Where you hang out with hundreds of your closest friends awaiting the very moment your children either jump out of or arrive to their family transportation service. Also known as “your vehicle.”
That’s right. “Back to School” is now in session.
With the remnants of backpacks, textbooks, writing utensils and glue seemingly in every crevice, we thought it would be important here at the HendrickCars.com blog to provide a list of ways your vehicle can keep you a bit more organized during this time of need.
Let’s get started:
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STORAGE COMPARTMENTS: This may seem like an obvious one, but your vehicle has numerous storage departments -- big and small -- that may be of tremendous use. Glove boxes, center consoles, door pockets and seat pockets are the most popular, however some vehicles also have additional spaces you may not even be aware of, or utilize frequently, such as under seat trays, door side-loading areas and cubby holes near your roof.
Pictured: 2023 Dodge Durango
TRUNK ORGANIZERS: There are few things quite as unsettling as the “thunk … thunk … thunk …” of items rolling around in the back of your trunk. To solve this annoyance, we suggest utilizing the compartments, storage bins, organizers and protective mats that are available. Some vehicles have these integrated, while others need added.
CUP HOLDERS: We can hear it now, “do we really need a cup holder on the Autobahn?” Yes. Yes you do. Especially when the autobahn disguises itself as the pick-up lane at your student’s middle school. Adequate cup holders are essential for keeping drinks stable and spillage free. Most modern day vehicles sold in America have multiple options for family convenience, with additional holders available in the aftermarket.
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CARGO NETS: Back to the trunk. You know that mysterious net that stares you in the face every time you open your trunk? It’s to help secure loose items or cargo, preventing them from rolling all over the place and making that annoying “thunking” sound. Now you know.
HOOKS AND HANGERS: Your vehicle has a variety of hooks and hangers to help organize your clothing, grocery and shopping bags. These age-old and handy integrations will help keep the floors of your vehicle from clutter.
Pictured: 2023 Audi Q7
SEATBACK POCKETS: Help your traveling students keep the backseat organized by showing them the wonders of backseat pockets. Magazines, books and a variety of items will fit nicely within to help keep your car organized and clean. This is a great way to provide backseat entertainment the more traditional way en route to classroom bliss.
FOLD-FLAT REAR SEATING: This is a terrific invention for the weekend or for traveling. While this is a little less student friendly, the additional storage space is perfect for luggage, sports equipment, groceries and other home items that need transported. We would also suggest using blankets to help protect the carpet and reduce clean up needs.
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Pictured: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
TRASH RECEPTACLES: This could be a life changer. While some vehicles have built-in trash bins or receptacles, you can also create your own with small trash bags. Instead of throwing those bits of trash all over the car or storing them in your pockets or purses, just use a trash bag for those items and throw the entire thing away when needed. This act alone can save you hours of cleaning and scrubbing and keep your car more consistently clean and tidy.
ELECTRONICS MANAGEMENT: Many modern-day vehicles are loaded with technology and assistance. From USB ports, wireless chargers, power outlets and Wi-Fi hotspots, vehicles have become electronic management central for today’s family on the go. Just be sure to have a safe and secure place to keep any loose electronic accessories, as visible charging wires can attract unwanted attention.
CARGO COVERS & SHADES: For those that need to park outside during the day, we highly suggest a cargo cover or windshield shade for protection. Not only can you hide personal items, it also protects your vehicle from sun throughout the year, further preserving your interior from discoloration, dry rot and shrinkage.
SUPPORT KITS: Keep essential tools, first aid and supplies organized in your vehicle for unexpected situations and emergencies. Make sure you take an inventory of what you have, rotating any expendables when necessary.
MODULAR SOLUTIONS: If you feel your vehicle does not have the ancillary storage room you need, it may be time to invest in a few bins, dividers or trays to help keep your vehicle organized. These solutions are readily available at local retail outlets and NAPA Auto Parts stores.
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VISOR ORGANIZATION: Check your visors; you may have additional storage options available to you. Some vehicles have organizers that allow you to store documents, sunglasses and even small electric devices conveniently, safely. One word of caution, if you are planning on taking a trip and leave your vehicle for any length of time, don’t forget to either take or hide your garage door opener.
DASHBOARD ORGANIZERS: Some vehicles have them, but you can also purchase organized, non-slip surfaces to hold items such as mobile phones, keys and small accessories on and around your dash console.
REUSABLE BAGS: As communities start to end the use of plastic and paper bags, it may be handy to have reusable shopping bags available for those impromptu shopping trips. These bags also may help remove the clutter that disposable bags create throughout your vehicle.
Like regular maintenance, we encourage you to take a few minutes every day to organize and clean up your vehicle. It saves time, money and can enhance your vehicle’s safety.
Additionally, when your vehicle feels organized and tidy, we feel confident the time you are waiting in that school pick up line will be that much more enjoyable.
Happy busing!
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Keywords: Back to school; text books; carpool lane; pencils; pens; glue; shopping list
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