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.

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. 

We love taking a few special trips in the summer, but most of our fun and best memories are made in natural watering holes, beachy areas, and our own backyard.

While I know how amazing and fun getting out for adventure can be, I also know that it honestly be a little overwhelming and somewhat exhausting to take a bunch of kids out for the day/afternoon. I know that for many, just the thought of going for a hike with your kids, or taking them to play in a creek, or going fishing at a dock stresses you out. Or maybe, you really want to incorporate more outdoor time in your family life, but you don’t know where to begin or had a negative experience that now holds you back.

I just want to say first of all, that you aren’t alone in feeling this way! But I 100% believe that there are ways to make adventuring outdoors with kids (even babies and toddlers) fun and manageable– dare I say, easy even with some smart summer mom hacks! 

After regularly taking our kids out for several years, I have learned through much experience (trial and error) a LOT of ways to streamline the process. Basically, my goals for outings are…

• more FUN
• less MESS
• more CHILL time for mama
• BETTER FLOW out the door and once we get back home
• all basic needs PLANNED FOR

Here are the simple things I do before and during outings, as well as some of the best recs for adventure days.

10 Summer Mom Hacks for Better (& Easier!) Family Adventures

1. GRAB & GO ESSENTIALS BY THE DOOR (+ CAR BASKET & ADVENTURE BAGS)

Keeping things by the door isn’t exactly a “hack”, but it is one of the best things you can do to streamline the process of getting out the door.

I use a simple command hook by the door for our keys, and have a row of pushpins for easily hanging sunglasses when we’re not wearing them. Also near the door is another (fancier) hook that I use for my Avryn Co wristlet and my Walker Family Goods sling– two of my most-used items for keeping up with the essentials out of the house.

Besides the basics like keys, wallet, and sunglasses, I also have ADVENTURE DAY BAGS packed and ready to go in a bench near the door. Each adventure day bag is packed with outing-specific items for whatever we are doing that day: water/sand, hiking, playing at a park.

I’ve been using this adventure day bag system for three years now and it’s been a complete game changer for simplifying the process of getting out the door. No more hunting for what we need to go to the beach/river/park/trail because all the stuff is already corralled together in a bag we can just grab and toss in the truck.

Read more about our Adventure Day Bags here and make some of your own this summer!  

Finally, I have a stash of items that stay in the car all the time— food baskets for easier meals on the road, emesis bags, a zipper bag of travel games, and in the back, a laundry bag with raincoats, hats, and flip-flops for everyone. (hats for sun and ticks, and flip-flops for when someone inevitably forgets their shoes).

2. SPECIAL DRINK FOR THE DRIVE HOME

Pack a coffee or special drink for you for the drive home. This is an AMAZING hack and can really change the ending of your adventure days. I never plan to stop having hot coffee waiting for me when I finally get everyone back in the car and situated for the drive home.

I have been tagged on Instagram so many times since I shared this last year when I first shared this hack. Your special drink doesn’t have to be coffee– it could be sweet tea, hot tea, a smoothie…whatever! The point is that it’s something to look forward to, and it can keep you awake and alert after an adventure. 

3. POPSICLES IN A DOUBLE-WALLED DRINK CONTAINER

This will be my fourth summer packing in popsicles wherever we go!  I use my Reduce party pitcher to pack popsicles on just about every outing. The double-walled insulated pitcher keeps the popsicles frozen for HOURS. Plus, I can fit about 12 or so in the pitcher, so I can bring enough for our family and another.

I highly recommend trying this hack this summer. The cold popsicles are so refreshing on hot days. I keep these Welch’s juice bars stocked at all times during the spring and summer. The popsicles are just juice– no added sugar or artificial coloring.

(Here’s a bonus hack too– I have a SOG key knife on my keychain that comes in handy on the regular, including for opening popsicles!)

This year I also want to try making some of our own popsicles in this style (not just our regular at-home version). I’ll let you know how it goes!

4. COLD WATER & REFILLS

Not having enough water is a surefire way to put an end to an outing. A few years ago, I upgraded all of us to these 32oz Hydro-Cell water bottles. We love them! They come in lots of different colors, which is nice if you have multiple kids and want different colors for each. They also come with two different styes of lids.

To help with carrying the water bottles everywhere (especially if the kids aren’t carrying backpacks), I got each of them a water bottle sling. The slings are SO HELPFUL. Seriously, I think my kids would have lost their bottles a long time ago if it wasn’t so easy to keep their water bottle on them hands-free. Highly recommend!

No matter what water bottle you go with, you want to make sure you have a way to refill them with water during the day. Seriously, don’t leave home without extra!

I keep my Stanley sports cooler in the back of our truck filled with ice cold water. Few things are worse than hot, tired kids who are also THIRSTY.

AND FINALLY, on the topic of cold water, I like using my Souper Cube molds to make the perfect ice for water bottles and coolers. The half-cup molds are the perfect size ice block for our Hydro-Cells. The larger ice block stays frozen longer, ensuring cold water during the day. The large two-cup mold makes enormous ice blocks, which are perfect for the sports cooler.

(Check out my highlight on Instagram for a lot more creative ways to use Souper Cube molds!)

5. ADVENTURE CLOTHES FOR MOM & KIDS

Dressing well for time outside is another key component for fun summer adventures. I have learned from experience that what we wear can have a significant impact on how comfortable we are and how long we want to stay outside.

Wearing clothing and shoes that can go from creek to trail is another one of my favorite tips to share. I focus on clothes that are lightweight and loose-fitting and quick-drying.

FOR THE MAMA

In the summer, staying somewhat cool, being able to get my clothes wet/dirty if I need to help my kids is important.

Loose fitting tanks are my go-to tops, and comfortable shorts with deep pockets are next.

SHORTS:

For park and town days, these shorts from Academy are my FAVORITE. They’re a great length and the pockets are deep enough to hold anything I need them to.

If I know we are going to be near/in water, I try to wear quick-dry clothes just like my kids. I’m obsessed with Patagonia Baggies. The price is a bit higher, but the quality, style, and fit are top-notch. I just asked for a couple more pair for Mother’s Day. I will wear them all summer long in and out of the river/waterfall/lake.

TOPS:

I love Target’s All-In-Motion quick-dry/exercise tanks and sports bras. They’re a great fit again and are comfortable wet or dry all day. They are a staple of my hot summer wardrobe.

SHOES:

Keens, Chacos, Crocs, Natives, etc make great options for kids and adults. My favorite line-up is:

Classic Chacos for general hiking and exploring, Lems Trailheads for longer hikes and (dry) active days, and Astral’s for wading and river days.

FOR THE KIDS

As for my kids, they also have their own summer wardrobe of quick dry clothes. They know exactly what to put on if I tell them to get dressed for an adventure/water day, and they have enough tops and shorts that I don’t have to be doing laundry everyday.

All my kids’ water clothes are from the Breathe On line at Old Navy and again, the All-in-Motion kids’ line at Target. My kids have a mixture of Chacos and Keens for adventure days too.

6. EVERYONE HELPS

Getting everyone used to the expectation that their help is part of the process both in getting out the door, and while you’re out, is huge.

The more often you get out for hikes, trips to the creek, or even trips to the playground, everyone will learn what needs to be done. It can be helpful to consistently give your kids the same jobs each time you’re going out. They have a stake in the process and will do it better and faster each time.

To help my kids understand all that needs to be done before we’re ready to leave, (and let’s be honest, to help me remember in the midst of all the hustle), I created my Get Out the Door Checklist. I have mine laminated so I can set it out on adventure days, and we can check things off as we go. The goal is that everyone will be able to see what still needs to be done and pitch in. (We’re still working on it).

In addition to everyone helping get ready to leave, everyone helps to carry their own things. If you know me, you know I love Walker Family Goods for all things adventure days. I have all their bags, and use them all in regular rotation because they’re so well-designed and great quality.

The Valley pack is my go-to for adventure days (pictured above), plus I like bringing my sling whenever I know I’ll be wading because I can carry some essentials up out of the water.

My kids alternate between carrying their slings and their Arrow packs on adventure days, depending on what we’re doing.

(You can take 15% off a Walker Family Goods order with my code thispilgrimlife15)

Once you’re out, let each child carry something, even if it’s just something small.

7. GO-TO SNACK FOR EVERY OUTING

In my “get out the door basket” by the door, I keep a container of peanuts, raisins, and banana chips. I grab this and tuck it in my backpack or purse for a very simple and filling snack while we are out. Sometimes we need it, other times we don’t. But it’s with us and ready, won’t melt in the car, and is something all the family enjoys.

8. STASH A SPECIAL TREAT FOR THE LAST LEG OF THE HIKE/ THE WALK BACK TO THE CAR/ THE DRIVE HOME

Bring a special treat or fun snack for the walk back to the car when it’s time to say goodbye and leave. Fruit strips, lollipops, etc can sweeten the sting of having to leave, serve as a distraction, and can also give a little energy boost to help everyone get back.

I shared this tip a few years ago and it’s another one that I’ve heard from many who have started using this hack too. I like to keep YumEarth suckers tucked in my backpack, and then a handful more in the first aid kit (lollipops are also helpful for calming down kids if they’ve gotten hurt).

9. CAR SICKNESS REMEDIES & TRICKS

I have a couple of kids who struggle with getting car sick on longer trips. We’ve tried different things in the past, but as one child has mostly grown out of it, I have hopes that my other child will too.

In the meantime, we’re currently having some relief with the first several tips in this list. I asked for others’ experiences and tips on Instagram, and these are what people shared. I think it’s just important to remember that there’s no one certain fix. Give a few a try and see what works best.

CAR SICKNESS REMEDIES ::

• sit front and center
• don’t start a ride on an empty stomach
• open windows for air flow
• install window shades to avoid direct sunlight
• bring “neutral” food to snack on (we like pirate’s booty or peanuts)
• use peppermint (gum, essential oil, mints)
• pack emesis bags just in case
• always keep a package of wipes and a change of clothes on hand just in case
• use motion sickness tablets for longer trips

10. ADVENTURE DAY MENU

The last hack on my list is a menu for adventure days. It’s important to consider both what you will eat while you are out of the house (whether you are packing a lunch or just snacks), AND what you will eat when you get back home (because you are not going to want to do a lot of cooking!).

One of the biggest, most important, things I’ve learned over the years is that if I don’t bring enough food to eat while we are out…we won’t be out for long. I HAVE to pack high-protein snacks/lunches, plenty of water, and food that is appealing when everyone is getting hangry..

Dinner on adventure days MUST be quick and easy! If you do not have a plan when you’re leaving the park, you will find it very hard to resist drive-thru. (There’s nothing wrong with the drive-thru. We did it last night. But I can’t afford to do that every time we come home.)

I refer to this list of the easiest dinners to make after adventure days often– dinners that you can prep ahead of time, pull from the freezer, or quickly throw together once you’re back home. This specific Adventure Day Menu is also included in my Adventure Bundle:

BONUS FAVORITE MOM HACKS FROM READERS ::  

• Extra bags! Having plenty of bags to keep wet clothes together, gear tidy, and trash/supplies contained really helps.
• If your kids want to fish, bring something extra for younger kids (or those that don’t want to fish) to stay occupied. Watching people fish from the bank or dock is only fun for the first ten minutes
• Find places to go by asking around, joining outdoor/nature groups on Facebook, getting a Day Trips book for your area, or finding a Wild & Free group near you.
• Make popsicles with extra/leftover smoothie.
• Fill gallon jugs of water and leave in the car. Use the warm water to rinse sandy hands and feet.
• Microfiber camping towels to reduce packing bulk.
• Reserve certain audiobooks for listening in the car. Kids get excited about the ride home.
• Let young kids use spray bottles from the dollar store (instead of water guns). They’re easier, last longer, and there’s not much mess.
• Plan a crockpot/easy dinner for after adventures so you don’t have to leave early to come home and prepare.
• Always save a snack for the ride home! (I usually reserve apples for this because they’re filling and take a while to eat)
• Keep a laundry basket in the car or by the door for wet/dirty clothes.
• Soapy water play after sand play!
• Make a changing station in the trunk. Not only babies, but dry, clean clothes for the drive home.
• Keep a package of paper plates in the van just in case. They come in handy often.
• Keep a “summer” bag always packed with essentials. (Similar to my adventure day bags)
• Make a calendar for chores and schoolwork for kids to refer to in the mornings (check out my customizable summer checklists!)
• Use cloth diaper wet bags for wet clothes. They never leak!
• Stand the bag of popsicles upright when freezing.
• Eat at least one meal outside everyday to reduce the mess inside.
• Keep a small soft cooler filled with snacks in the car for unexpected long outings.
• Always keep necessities stashed in the car!
• Ear plugs. (#nuffsaid)
• Use a caddy for school supplies to carry items like sunscreen, water, phone, etc, with you outside.
• Give each kid a fanny pack to carry.
• Sand cloud towels.
• Pop-up beach tents that pack small and light.
• Keep a spray bottle in the car to quickly cool down carseats when you get back to a hot car.
• Always keep a picnic blanket and extra swim suits in the car…just in case!
• Two meals out of the week I make a 4x batch and freeze for tough days
• Pack a makeup sponge in the beach bag for easy facial sunscreen application on kids!
• Use old peri bottle with clean water to spray/wash kids hands before lunch at the beach.
• Keep bottled water and packaged snacks in the car.
• Popsicles always buy extra time outside for kids. (This always works at our house too!)
• Let the kids paint with water the sidewalk, driveway, or side of the house.

You can check out the rest of my adventure ideas and tips on my Outdoors page, and shop some of our favorite summer gear in my Amazon Shop! 

Do you have any tips I’ve left off? Please leave them in the comments! 

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The post 10 Summer Mom Hacks for Better (& Easier!) Family Adventures 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. 

We kicked off our summer adventure season yesterday with a visit to one of our favorite local spots and beginning to compete a new adventure bingo card.

The day before, and even the morning of, we were unsure of whether or not we would or should go on the outing. There were several reasons not to go that would have made staying home perfectly justified. But, in the end, I knew that we all needed the time in nature to unplug, have fun, and connect with each other.

As I was looking for an Instagram post I created last summer after visiting the same spot, I read the caption I shared then and it was just as timely and perfect now: 

“…We checked all the boxes: leaving later than planned because there’s always so much to do, a long drive to decompress from the mild depature-angst, releasing a deep sigh of relief in spending the next five hours unplugged in the mountains with friends and critters and connection.

I never want to paint a picture that it’s easy to do all the things I share here. A lot of time it’s HARD. It’s hard to grow your own food. It is hard to choose whole ingredients more than packaged. It’s hard to spend a majority of your waking time raising children. It’s hard homeschooling. It’s hard to get out for adventures.

But on the other side of that effort and push and drive and commitment is reward. Reward that is more than worth the hard.

...(On adventures) We put aside all the things vying for our attention at home and have the chance to just BE. We can be who we are without the other stuff. Just people who deeply enjoy the natural world and deeply enjoy each other’s company.

For at least a little while, it’s as simple as that.”

This is what adventuring does for us and is why I’m so passionate about not only making it a priority in our home, but also sharing hacks and simple solutions to make it easier for others to get out and explore and adventure more as well. 

If you’re wanting a fun way to motivate yourself, your friends, or your family to take more adventures this summer (small or big), then let this Adventure Bingo game be a fun incentive!

Keep reading to see:

• How to print multiple versions of the bingo cards
• A handful of recommended books to inspire more adventures
• One of my MOST EFFECTIVE tips for getting out the door

SUMMER ADVENTURE BINGO

I rearranged the “adventures” in three different versions so participants can “compete” against each other. Or, simply print one bingo to use as a family and see how many boxes you can fill in!

• Print version #1
• Print version #2
• Print version #3

INSPIRE MORE ADVENTURES THROUGH BOOKS

Books are, of course, a great way to motivate and inspire everyone to take more adventures. As a mother, reading about the value and potential of spending more time outdoors, giving my kids more opportunities to challenge themselves, and how adventuring leads to more connection really pushes me to make this a priority in our family life. The tips and tricks from experienced adventuring families also help!

Books for parents: 

I prefer audiobooks for these, because I can listen while doing other things, on the drive to adventures, or even (true story) in the tent while waiting for my little kids to fall asleep.

• Adventuring Together, Greta Eskridge
• Let Them Be Kids, Jessica Smartt
• Barefoot & Balanced, Angela Hanscom
• Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv

Books for kids:

• 100 Days of Adventure, Greta Eskridge
• 1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time, Ginny Yulrich
• Wild & Free Nature, Ainsley Arment
• Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping
• Swallows & Amazons, Arthur Ransome
• Hatchet, Gary Paulsen
• The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsall
• The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkein

HOW TO GET OUT THE DOOR MORE EASILY!

This will be my third summer using these ready-to-go adventure bags! I think having curated bags for the different types of outings we go on is one of the most helpful things you can do to make it easier to leave the house with what you need. We keep these bags (one for water/sand days, one for hiking, and one for parks) right by the door in a storage ottoman.

You can read more about the system and see what is packed in each bag in my Adventure Day Bags post. Whether or not you pack them just like I do isn’t the point. The goal is to get things ready ahead of time so the process of getting out the door will be less overwhelming and time-consuming.

You can also find a “Get Out the Door Checklist” in the same post. I used it yesterday when we finally decided we were going and it was time to gather all the things we needed for the day!

If you enjoy adventuring, getting outdoors with your family, and tips to make those things easier, check out my Outdoors page! There are ideas for eating outdoors and when you get back from long days, mom hacks for staying comfortable, packing ideas for the car, and more. 

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