A road trip goes a lot more smoothly when everything has a place. Instead of digging through bags at every stop, you can reach what you need, keep the car tidy, and arrive feeling less frazzled. Use this checklist to get your car road trip ready.
Free printable: download the Road Trip Car Checklist (PDF) to tick off as you pack. Traveling with a dog? See road trips with dogs.
Before you go
- Clear out everything you won't need on the trip.
- Give the inside a quick clean, so you start from a clean slate.
- Pack heavy items in the trunk and secure anything that could slide around.
- Plan where things will go, and keep the essentials within reach.
The front seat
- Phone mount: keep navigation at eye level with a dashboard phone holder or a suction cup windshield and dashboard mount. Set your route before you set off.
- Drinks: a 2-in-1 cup holder expander gives you room for a coffee and a water bottle.
- Sunglasses and documents: a sun visor organizer keeps sunglasses, cards and receipts handy.
- The seat gap: a seat gap filler stops phones and snacks disappearing between the seats.
The back seat
- Passenger storage: a seat back organizer with a tray gives passengers a place for tablets, drinks, snacks and tissues.
- Trash: a hanging car trash can keeps wrappers and empty bottles off the floor. Empty it at every fuel stop.
- Working on the go: a foldable lap desk gives passengers a stable surface for a laptop, books or a meal.
At every stop
- Put up a windshield sun shade to keep the car cooler while you're parked.
- Empty the trash and put things back in their spots.
- Never leave children, pets or heat-sensitive items in a parked car.
The quick-start kit
Our Car Organization Kit combines a seat back organizer, a seat gap filler and a hanging trash can, which covers most of this checklist in one box. For more tips, read how to organize your car: 9 simple fixes, or browse our car organizers and car comfort accessories.