February 2008

Are toys, water bottles, candy wrappers, and other garbage turning your car into a junkmobile? It's easy to let things get out of control in the family car. But the mess isn't just ugly and uncomfortable; it can also be dangerous. Loose objects can become projectiles in a crash. And feeling around for a juice box or tissues can be dangerously distracting. The first step to organizing your car is to take out the stuff you don't need and make better use of built-in storage. Consoles are great for tissues and water bottles, and door pockets can hold maps and books for the kids. Need more room? Here are some examples of products worth checking out. (Our auto safety experts reviewed all the products, but we did not test them in our labs.) Whatever you buy, make sure it can be secured safely so it won't fly around during a sudden stop. You can find many of these organizers at Target or The Container Store, or online at www.Housewaresand beyond.com, www.Organize.com, www.Organizeyourride.com, and www.Stacksandstacks.com. But try not to overstuff the organizers.

TIP Keep a staging area with a bin near the front door or elsewhere for items you frequently cart around. And take only what you need, says author and professional organizer Vicki Norris.

Cars with cool storage features The Honda Odyssey has a "lazy susan" under the floor.   The Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave have lots of bins and cubbies.   Most Chrysler and Dodge minivans have under floor bins in front of the second-row seats.   The Mazda5 features clever storage compartments under the second-row seat cushions.