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Trying to maintain a clean and organized car while traveling, chauffeuring, and adventuring during the summer can be just like the popular analogy of brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.

BUT it is possible to stay generally clean even while spending extra time in the car with a handful of simple systems in place. Besides the obvious of easily accessible trashcans, it’s also super important to have convenient storage options for the things everyone “needs” on the drive.

And, of course, the habit of not leaving half your personal belongings in the car every time you return home helps, too.

Car Organization Ideas for the Family

Let’s begin with the most basic things for car organization — trash and food. Two essential considerations if ever there were any.

People have a lot of different ideas about whether or not to let kids eat in the car, but honestly, to me it’s just entirely impractical to say that we will never eat a meal or a snack on the road.

Instead, I make the process as easy as possible– both super easy for the kids to eat and easy for clean-up to be streamlined.

My favorite hack for eating on the road is to keep food baskets in the car (I keep mine handy in my center console). We use these to divy up fast food, pass out snacks, and make meal baskets for longer rides.

These baskets are especially helpful during the summer, when we’re traveling further and spending full days adventuring. Sometimes I’ll prep breakfast for the drive there, and then pack something for dinner to keep in the car until we are ready to head back home. (For many/most adventure days where we live, this means at least an hour drive).

We keep a water cooler in the car to refill water bottles, my kids may change into dry clothes, and I assemble dinner baskets. I’m working on putting together a list of pack-ahead dinners for the drive home, but for now, just be sure to follow me on Instagram for lots of ideas and recs!

I always use fast food napkins or paper towels to line the baskets, which makes clean up really easy.

There’s no perfect car trash can that will magically motivate everyone to make sure they’re throwing away their trash (rather than it ending up on the floor or left on the seat).

That said, I have found a blend of reminding the kids during travel and when we get back to take care of their trash AND having big enough trash cans/bags within reach really does go a long way to keeping the car clean.

These are the three trash cans/bags we’ve used in our truck.

1. Waterproof Car Trash Bag with Lid & Storage Pockets
2. Easy Mountable Car Trash Can for Back Seat
3. Small Trash Can with Lid & Foot Pedal

Option one is a great design, but it didn’t end up being a good fit for our vehicle where I hung it. For a while, it was hung next to the center console on the passenger side so I could reach it and easily throw things away. However, because it wasn’t convenient for my kids to reach and it took up space from whoever was in the passenger seat, I swapped it for other options.

The second option is another great design, with a completely washable interior, an adjustable opening, and velcro closure. I wanted something for my kids who ride in the third row to be able to easily access for their smaller trash, so I hung this in-between the two headrests on the back row.

Option three isn’t actually meant for the car– it’s a bathroom/small trash can. BUT, it’s currently working really well for us after multiple trips and lots of time in the car. I wanted something with a sturdy lid, something big enough to hold. more than one outing’s worth of trash, and something that my youngest kids in the second row could easily use to throw away their trash. I have it strapped to the center console so it is securely fixed in-between their seats and cannot fall over. We just line it with grocery bags for quick and clean swaps.

Five Favorite Car Storage Recommendations

I’m mildly obsessed with each of these storage/organization items for the car and not at all embarrassed about how happy they make me. (Especially number five!)

Visor Napkin Holder

This is actually meant for tissues, I think. But, I wanted a way to keep napkins quickly in reach while driving. Instead of asking for the passenger to pass me some (request often goes unheard due to headphones), or reaching across to the glove box (not exactly the safest), there’s always a stash of napkins to pass out right above my head.

(It’s also super easy to refill, which I always do when I get more napkins from a restaurant).

2. Ceiling Cargo Storage Net

This cargo storage net really helps to reduce the clutter and mess on the floor of the car. (And helps to protect books from getting destroyed underfoot!)

My kids use it to keep a book or two, hats, small toys, etc, above their heads.

3. Car Seat Gap Filler

This little pocket organizer is helpful to utilize a small amount of space in which things would usually just fall into and get lost under the seat. I keep some simple basic things in mine, like chapstick, a pocket knife, lotion stick, and sharpie.

4. Car Backseat Organizer

We used these a year or so ago and they were helpful in keeping my younger kids’ toys and gear organized and accessible for them. Eventually, they did become clutter-magnets themselves, though, so I took them out of the car. However, I would still recommend them for longer roadtrips and drives when there is the expectation that they will have more with them in the car to stay occupied.

5. Car Trunk Organizer and Storage with Lid & Removable Leakproof Cooler Bag

I’ve used a variety of organizers in the back of our car over the years, from laundry baskets and bags to plastic drawer organizers. They all did the job well enough of keeping items we needed corralled and for that, I’m thankful.

But they also all had their pitfalls and I wanted to find another storage option that could keep everything organized without looking messy or taking up too much valuable space.

I am obsessed with how much I like this trunk organizer. I wanted an organizer that had a sturdy lid so we could stack things on top as needed. I also appreciate that if we don’t need to use all the compartments, it can close up and buckle to take up less space.

The organizer also comes with a cooler bag, which I honestly didn’t realize how much I would use. I bought some flat, stay-frozen longer ice packs and we use the cooler bag all the time for drinks, snacks, and more.

It’s honestly such a great investment for keeping the car organization and preparation this summer (and beyond)!

15 items I always keep on hand in our car ::

1. Emesis Bags
2. Compact Picnic Blanket
3. Ultralight Chair
4. Rain jackets for the family
5. Hats (for sun shade and hiking)
6. Flip flops (in case people forget shoes)
7. Travel games (for the car, parks, & restaurants)
8. Hair brush and ties
9. First Aid Kit
10. Microfiber towels
11. Trays (currently these dry erase, magnetic trays)
12. Ziploc bags
13. Hammock
14. Pocket knife, magnifying glass, net, whistle
15. Travel Cutlery

I hope these ideas and recs help you master car organization this summer! Being prepared and organized is a great first step to fun and adventures!

More Like This:

• Adventure Day Bags
• 10 Summer Mom Hacks for Better (& Easier) Family Adventures
• Traveler’s Journal Ideas: How I Use A Traveler’s Journal to Organize My Life
• Summer Adventure Bingo
• Summer Checklists & Our Summer Rhythm

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The post Car Organization for the Family appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

It’s that time again. We’re done with school this year, we took a week or so off with nothing on the agenda (because I had not made the kids’ summer checklists yet), and then I realized WHY THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING TO DO EVERY DAY.

I don’t mean like a fun errand or adventure everyday. We definitely do not have the stamina for that.

But during the summer, the whole household runs better with at least a little structure. So, personal summer checklists it is. (I even make on for myself!)

Summer Checklists & Recommended Resources

The thing about a checklist or rhythm or schedule that I absolutely love, is that when the tasks are on a piece of paper, posted for all to see, the job of TELLING THE KIDS WHAT TO DO is off my plate. The checklists are the bossy ones making the kids do their math, read their books, write in their gratitude journals, etc. It’s not mom. She’s the easy-going one who get to defer to the checklist whenever anyone asks for screen-time. “But what does the checklist say?!”

(Highly recommend this method for assigning regular chores, daily rhythms, etc, too. Less decision fatigue for you, more responsibility for them). You can find a lot of ready-to-go printables and organizers in my shop to help with this!

I like to laminate the checklists so the kids can use dry erase markers to check things off, then erase for the next day/week. I also printed mine 4 to a page, but you can go bigger if that works better for you. (Different print options are available with the download in my shop).

WHAT’S ON THE KIDS’ CHECKLISTS (2024*)

Each day the kids all have to complete 1 page of math in their math books, read an hour independently or 30 minutes with mom, and complete a page in their word building or grammar books (my middle schoolers are doing a page of grammar a day).

In addition to the daily tasks, they have once a week tasks, like write in their gratitude notebook, write a journal entry about something that happened that week, read current events and do a written narration about something interesting, do a building project or science experiment, play math games, do a math speed drill, etc.

*I will add an updated picture of our 2025 Summer Checklists below with a few new ideas and resources.

Here are a few of the resources we’re using for our checklists: 

• Math Mammoth (this is the math curriculum we’ve used for years. They have review books, but we’re just going to keep working in their regular books because we didn’t finish)
• Honey for A Teen’s Heart (this is a book recommendation book for teenagers. I have the standard Honey for A Child’s Heart too. I’m using this to pull reading ideas from for my oldest boys)
• The Week Jr. (current events magazine that arrives once a week. Interesting and fun, generally non-partisan. My kids typically devour it when it arrives)
• Word Ladders (this is a whole series of books on different grade levels. The pages are simple to complete and will serve as fun spelling and vocabulary practice)
• Grammar Practice (basic grammar rules and practice exercises. I got 6th grade level for both my middle schoolers because grammar isn’t something we typically focus a lot on)
• Gratitude Notebook (Juniper Grove Journals has a lot of printed notebooks like this to go in a traveler’s journal. I love that the prompts and places to write are ready to go)
• Cardboard Engineering (I bought this for my 8yo’s birthday. He can use this book, and others in our library, to complete his project task each week).
• Multiplication Speed Drill (I use this website to print out our speed drill practice pages)

In addition to the math and language arts practice this summer (and our summer nature study, gardening, interests, and adventure days), there is also a section in the checklists for habits. I’m trying to help the kids develop a habit of starting each day with water, sunshine, and movement, so that is on their checklists. I also included gratitude and random acts of kindness in the habits section.

You can see and print the Random Acts of Kindness sheet for free at the end of this post! 

My summer checklist is a little different than the kids (the last one on the daily section should actually say book reading, so that is actually similar). But I wanted to set some regular goals for myself this summer, and help me reach some of my work deadlines.

Hopefully, my personal checklist will be a helpful reminder to make both work and personal fulfillment a priority most days!

2025 Summer Checklists

I used our checklists from last year as a base for this year’s checklists, with a few small changes based on my kids’ current ages and needs.

One of the great things about summer is the extra time for individual interests and lessons. My oldest boys will be signed up for typing lessons, my older daughter wants to start learning French, and my younger son will have ample time to build and experiment– his particular passions.

Most of the kids’ summer work and habits will be independent, but I also want to be sure we have intentional learning time together and time to connect as well. (Especially since I try to use the increased free time to increase my own work and project time independent of the kids).

My goal is to gather the kids at lunch with a lunch tray and our Summer Nature Study. I LOVE this time of learning together about summer nature topics– things we are already going to be exploring and active in for the next few months.

Other resources we will be using this summer:

• Challenge Cooking Cards :: deck of cooking prompts to inspire and motivate kids to cook regularly and try new recipes
• Oyla Science Magazine :: we’re trying both the regular and the junior version this summer
• Duolingo :: language lesson learning app– we’ve used it for Spanish for a while, and are going to try French this summer
• Typing.com :: free typing practice and fun games
• Yoto Player :: I’m going to get my youngest set up with some podcasts via the Yoto to listen to during craft time

Printable Resources

You can find these customizable summer checklists in my Etsy shop, along with a lot more resources like a Water & Nutrition Tracker, Drink Flip Menu, Summer Menu pages, and more.

The Random Acts of Kindness page is free to print here. I hope it inspires more kindness in all of us, in new and fresh ways!

I love summer and this season of adventuring and gardening especially! If you enjoy organizational content, fun family content, and great summer recipes, stick around, look around my site, and follow me on Instagram!

These are some great summer posts to get you started:

• 10 Summer Mom Hacks for Better Family Adventures
• 50+ Fresh Summer Vegetable Recipes & Resources
• 20+ Tasty Summer Cookout Recipes
• Adventure Day Bags

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The post Summer Checklists & Our Summer Rhythm appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

This post was first written ten years ago when my kids were 5, 3, and 1. Now as I update this post, we have a 15 year old, 13 year old, 11 year old, 9 year old, and 7 year old– and countless more hours in the water with them!

This is our first summer that our family has a pool membership. The pool has only been open a handful of days and we’ve already been twice. Each of us are very excited about the prospect of spending many afternoons poolside.

So I wasn’t surprised my middle child asked why we weren’t going to the pool instead as we headed to the river yesterday evening . The pool is new (to him) and obviously a lot of fun.

It wasn’t long, though, before all disappointment disappeared in sight of the river. We parked along the bank and unloaded our gear… ourselves, a net, and one small tote bag with a few of supplies.

UPDATE: Heading to the river is even easier now that I keep our truck prepped for spontaneous adventure, and since I created location-specific Adventure Day Bags that are ready to grab and go!

Across the river and through a small field, we came to our spot: Shallow water with plenty of rocks and small rapids to explore. 

The next hour and a half was spent searching for clams, climbing on rocks, pretending to be snapping turtles, examining wildlife, and generally loving the water.

Exploring wild water with our kids is hands down one of our favorite things to do together.

We are members at our science center, frequent players at parks, and there is seldom a week that doesn’t find us at Costco or Target or both. We enjoy doing all these things together but there is something intrinsically different about being in the wild, in nature, together.

UPDATE: Now that our kids are older, when I share us at rivers, creeks, or lakes, I’m asked for tips about what to do when your kids are younger. Even if it’s easier now when your kids can swim and are taller and stronger, it’s still very worthwhile to start the practice when your kids are little! There are so many advantages to both kids and adults, and there are practical ways you can make sure everyone stays safe while you’re out.

“Let the children once get touch with Nature, and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight through life. We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.” – Charlotte Mason

3 Reasons to Explore Wild Water with Kids

1. Solitude, scenery, & stress relief

When we arrived at the river yesterday evening, the contrast between wild water and swimming pools was clear. No one was around. The only sounds we heard were the sounds of the water splashing over the rocks and the sounds our children doing the same.

Along with the peaceful solitude of the river is its impressive scenery. Without fail, every.single.time I go out and explore rivers and streams, I’m in awe all over again of the beauty of God’s creation. The sun shining through the trees and reflecting on the water is enough to stop me in my tracks.

Studies have shown that being outdoors in such serenity is proven to be a stress reliever to kids and adults alike. If for no other reason, go out and enjoy the quiet in order to unwind and slow down the normal pace of life for a while.

2. Countless learning opportunities

As my eldest matter of factly stated when we left the river yesterday, there is more to learn about at the river than the pool because nature is there. There is no nature at the pool.

My soon-to-be five year old gets it. From the grasses on the banks to the creatures in the water to the herons in the air. Everywhere you look, there are things to admire and examine. You just have to look.

Start by simple playing and exploring freely, no pressure to make great discoveries, and learning opportunities will inevitably present themselves. Whether or not you do anything more at home, the simple act of looking and talking is a great boon to your child’s education.

UPDATE: For more on integrating natural explorations and learning at home, check out my Adventure Days Are School Days Too post for ideas and resources. We have also used and love Treehouse Schoolhouse’s seasonal nature studies for years, as well. (I spent this last year writing an intermediate level extension for older students!)

3. Greater strength and agility

Yesterday I watched my toddler standing upright in the shallow areas of the river, bending down to dig up clam shells, wading through the water, and climbing up on the rocks around her. This is just her second or third time on her own in the river.

I saw my three year old confidently crawling across rocks and over small rapids, pretending to be a turtle and using both his hands and feet to carry him safely through the water.

My tall five year old, the most capable and confident in the water of my three children, is learning how to walk sure-footed through the water. To avoid the slick rocks and to catch his balance when he doesn’t.

Our kids are learning from us to be safe in wild water and they are gaining more ability and confidence each time we go.

“When going on outdoor adventures, the temptation for many is to rope off hazardous areas and create a “safe” zone for their children. But never for a moment think that you can childproof the wilderness. It can’t be done. What’s more, it shouldn’t be done. Children learn to safely interact with wild places by interacting with them. Even toddlers...”
–Babes in the Woods

Tips to Keep Everyone Safe and Having Fun

• Stay vigilant. This is the most important and foremost practice for keeping kids safe in water. When my kids are playing in wild water, I am nearby and watching (if not also in the water with them). Once you have accessed the area to make sure there are no deep spots, they can explore independently, but it’s still crucial to keep an eye on them from a spot close enough to help as needed. I will often put a compact chair right in the water, and occasionally listen to an audiobook so I can observe and enjoy a book at the same time.
• Wear the right shoes. Leave your flip flops at home and stick to shoes with toe and heel straps, as well as a good sole. Bonus points for shoes that protect your toes. Our boys live in KEEN sandals during the summer and we have never been disappointed in them.
• Look for good access to avoid steep banks. Find a spot on the bank that will be safe to get down and to climb back up when are all wet and tired.
• Let an adult wade first. If you are in an area that is new to you, wade out first before your children to check for any drop-off or especially mucky areas in which they might sink. 
• Drink lots of water. Any time you are out in the sun is an important time to drink lots of water. But often being in the water makes us think we aren’t really thirsty. Be sure to drink water and encourage your kids to drink water whether or not you feel like you need to.
• Wear old, fast drying clothes. I have a stash of fast drying shorts and rash guard shirts that I have found over the past couple of years at Goodwill reserved for the times we are out in wild water. My kids can get dirty without concern, and I know that they will be comfortable for whatever activity they do.
• Do Bring: nets and a container for treasures. Nets aren’t really essential when hands will do just as well, but having a small bag or pail to store a few found treasures in is. Being able to bring home a few interesting finds makes the trip more special and opens up more opportunities for identification in field guides and recording memories in nature journals.
• Don’t bring: valuables or anything not meant to get wet. Leave most valuables at home or in the car. If you need to bring a phone, keep it in a safe place on the bank (not in your pocket!). You don’t want to be worried about getting it wet if you accidentally slip or be encumbered from really playing with your kids.
• Be observant. It is good to be aware of what poison ivy looks like and what potentially harmful snakes live in your area so that you can  avoid both if need arises. We have seen both and have never had a problem with either. Snakes generally do not want to be any closer to you than you want them to be. Any snakes we have seen have been quick to get away as soon as we approach. (More on snakes and other common fears outdoors)
• Make it a habit. My final safety tip is simply to make being outdoors a regular practice. Kids will learn to navigate uneven terrain, water, and safety precautions the more they are exposed to these things and given opportunity to practice. It DOES get easier and is well-worth the effort.

Don’t know where to go? Check Google maps, ask a friend, find a travel guide on water areas in your city or state, or call a local fishing shop. With an angler for a husband, I am certain that last option is able to point you in the right direction!

Want more adventuring and outdoor content? Follow me on Instagram, and check out my Outdoors page for more!

What to Check Out Next:

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