The passenger seat seems like the obvious place for your purse until the first hard stop sends it, and everything in it, onto the floor. If you're tired of fishing your phone and lip balm out from under the seat, here are better places to keep your bag and your everyday essentials in the car.
1. Between the front seats
The space between the two front seats is close to the driver but out of the way. A car seat handbag holder turns that gap into a pocket: its straps loop around both headrests, and your bag sits upright inside instead of tipping over. It also leaves the passenger seat free for an actual passenger. When you're not carrying a purse, it holds water bottles, tissues or a book.
2. Not on the floor
The passenger footwell feels safe because nothing can fall further, but it's where bags collect dirt, spilled drinks and wet shoes. It's also awkward to reach while you're buckled in. Keep your bag off the floor whenever you can.
3. Give small items their own home
A lot of purse-digging is really hunting for three things: phone, keys and sunglasses. Give each a fixed spot and you'll reach into your bag far less.
- Phone and keys: a seat gap filler sits between your seat and the console and catches the things that usually slide down the side of the seat.
- Sunglasses, cards and receipts: a sun visor organizer keeps them overhead with a sunglasses clip and a zipper pocket.
4. Keep the back seat for overflow
Gym bags, shopping and kids' things can live on the back seat, but they still need structure. A seat back organizer hangs behind a front seat with pockets for tablets, drinks and snacks, so loose items don't spread across the seat.
5. Don't leave bags on show when you park
A common piece of advice from police departments is to keep valuables out of sight in a parked car. Take your purse with you, or put it in the trunk before you arrive rather than after you park, so nobody sees where it went.
6. Bin the clutter
Receipts and wrappers that end up in your purse often come from the car itself. A hanging car trash can gives them somewhere to go besides your bag or the door pocket.
The short version
Keep your bag between the front seats instead of on the passenger seat or floor, give your phone, keys and sunglasses their own spots, and keep valuables out of sight when you park. For more ideas, read How to Organize Your Car: 9 Simple Fixes or browse all our car organizers.