Let’s face it, parents: car rides with our little bundles of joy can resemble a clown car on a sugar rush.

Between the work calls, grocery detours, and football practice meltdowns, your vehicle feels less like a chariot and more like a gladiatorial arena.

But fear not, weary warriors! You can transform your cars from chaotic battlegrounds into oases of (relative) peace with a few ingenious hacks.

1. Organisation is Key

Keeping your car organised is essential, especially when you’re on the go with kids. A clutter-free vehicle makes for a more pleasant journey and ensures that everything you need is within easy reach. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you maintain order and keep your sanity intact:

• Car Caddies: Invest in car organisers for the back of seats or headrests. Stash snacks, books, toys, and wipes to keep little hands occupied. *They’re not fussing, screaming, crying, or even fighting if they’re occupied.
• Shoe Pockets: Hang shoe pockets on the back of the front seats to store small items like crayons, travel games, and hand sanitiser.
• Cup Holder Liners: Silicone liners catch spills and crumbs, keeping your cup holders clean and frustration-free. 
• Trash Can Hack: Repurpose an empty tissue box or small container with a lid as a handy car trash can. You don’t want candy wraps and bits of paper creating mosaic art in your car.

2. Keeping the Peace

Long car rides with kids can be challenging. Even for adults, travelling for longer periods can be very uncomfortable, and you get irritated by the littlest things unless you enjoy travelling. 

With a bit of preparation, you can keep everyone happy and entertained. Ensuring peace and quiet on the road keeps boredom and hunger at bay. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve just that:

• Pack a bag of age-appropriate toys, books, and activity sheets to keep boredom at bay. You can call it “The Entertainment Arsenal”.
• Make your own DIY car snack station. Stock a container with healthy, mess-free snacks like granola bars, fruit pouches, or pre-cut veggies. Keep their mouths busy; children like that.
• Keep reusable water bottles on hand for everyone to avoid meltdowns caused by thirst. 
• Create playlists with upbeat music or audiobooks for sing-alongs and story time on the go.

3. Extra Touches for Comfort

We recommend maximum comfort especially for long rides. This is for everyone, including adults. Here’s how you can ensure comfort in the car:

• Seat Protectors: Get waterproof seat protectors to shield your car’s interior from spills and accidents (those are bound to happen).
• Sun Shades: These are not necessarily sunglasses. Protect your little ones from the sun’s glare with window shades that attach easily. 
• Portable Fans: Beat the heat with battery-powered fans that clip onto car vents, keeping everyone cool and comfortable. You can always check your air conditioning in our garage to ensure it works properly. 
• Emergency Kit: Pack a basic car kit with essentials like bandaids, wipes, a flashlight, scissors, and a phone charger for unexpected situations. Don’t forget always to have your emergency car essentials, such as a fire extinguisher, reflective car triangle warning sign, etc. 

Also, prepare a “go bag” with essentials like diapers, wipes, a change of clothes (always pack extra clothes for each child and an extra for you), and a first-aid kit. This way, you’re always ready for whatever adventure (or mess) comes your way.

You can always drive to our garage for professional servicing and car checks. Remember, a healthy car is safe; we don’t want your car breaking down on the way. 

These car hacks, especially on a busy day, can transform your car into a more organised, functional, and enjoyable space for the whole family. Now, buckle up and enjoy the ride!