Primp My Ride: Must-Have Car Organization Gear

Secure your kids' toys in a tote that's made for traveling. (Make sure it's safely attached to the seat.) Nix tiny items that get lost easily, and pack books, markers, and games instead. To keep crumbs out of crevices, place a plastic protector underneath the car seat. It's easy to wipe clean, and it'll save your upholstery too.

Shopping bags and kids' sports stuff won't roll around if you use a collapsible trunk organizer. Need to squeeze in an extra stop before heading home from the grocery store? The cooler compartment will keep milk and eggs fresh. Protect the carpet from dirt and stains by placing a waterproof mat underneath.

A back-of-seat organizer keeps your kids' travel toys and snacks neat. Plus, you can also use it to store extra garbage bags and wet wipes for quick cleanups.

Prevent little feet from leaving big scuffs. Hang a vinyl seat protector to shield your seats from hard-to-remove streaks.

Store your kids' fave CDs in an easy-to-reach visor organizer, so you can play DJ without taking your eyes off the road.

Copyright © 2008. Used with permission from the April 2008 issue of Parents magazine.