Organising Your SUV for Family Road Trips

Family road trips are exciting — but a disorganised car can turn fun into frustration. With snacks, toys, tech, and luggage all competing for space, having a smart storage plan makes all the difference.

This guide offers top SUV storage hacks and organiser tips. Use them to maximise space, reduce mess, and perfect your family road trip packing. For a weekend trip or a long journey, you’ll discover handy tips to keep everyone comfy and your SUV organised.

Why SUV Organisation Matters for Long Drives

Road trips test more than patience — they test your packing. Without a plan, small messes grow fast. Items get lost. Children get bored. Stress levels rise.

Benefits of a Well-Organised SUV:

• Easier access to essentials while driving
• Reduced clutter and stress
• More legroom and comfort for all passengers
• Safer storage of loose items
• Faster unpacking and setup when you arrive

Start with the right systems, and the journey becomes just as enjoyable as the destination.

Start With a Clean Slate

Before you pack anything, give your SUV a proper clean and declutter.

Quick Prep Steps:

1. Remove old receipts, wrappers, and forgotten gear
2. Wipe down all surfaces and vacuum the floors
3. Check every pocket, cubby, and console
4. Clear the boot and fold seats as needed

A clean car gives you a blank canvas for efficient packing.

Plan the Layout: What Goes Where

Think of your SUV in zones. Packing by access and urgency keeps everything in the right place.

Use These Zones:

• Front row: Driver and co-pilot essentials
• Back seats: Kids’ entertainment, snacks, water
• Under seats: Small, rarely needed items
• Boot: Luggage, larger items, bulk storage
• Roof (if needed): Bulky or seasonal gear

Organise each zone based on how often you’ll need what’s inside.

SUV Storage Hacks That Save Space

It’s not just what you pack — it’s how you pack it.

1. Use Packing Cubes or Zip Bags

Group similar items together — clothes, toys, snacks — to reduce digging and make repacking easy.

2. Install Back-of-Seat Organisers

Use these to hold tablets, books, wipes, tissues, and small toys. They also stop items from falling into unreachable spots.

3. Add a Boot Organiser

Choose a collapsible box with sections for shoes, picnic gear, first aid kits, and extra clothes.

4. Use a Hanging Shoe Organiser

Cut to size and hang it across the rear seat backs to store small loose items.

5. Use Drawer Units for Large SUVs

Plastic drawers (secured safely) fit in the boot and make it easy to access bulkier items like towels, camping tools, or swim gear.

Family Road Trip Packing Essentials

Don’t just pack more — pack smarter.

Essentials to Pack Up Front:

• Driver sunglasses
• Navigation devices
• Travel documents
• Phone chargers and cables
• Tissues and wet wipes

Essentials for Rear Passengers:

• Headphones and screens
• Water bottles and snacks
• Blanket and neck pillow
• Activity books, cards, or small games
• Rubbish bag for wrappers

Essentials in the Boot:

• Luggage and duffle bags
• Emergency kit (torch, jumper leads, tyre pump)
• Cooler or food bag
• Reusable shopping bags
• Folding chairs or picnic blanket

Pack the boot in layers — rarely used items at the bottom, daily use near the top.

SUV Organiser Tips by Category

Keep similar items grouped — and use the right containers.

Food & Drink

• Use a soft-sided cooler that fits neatly in the boot
• Pack snack containers instead of loose bags
• Use reusable water bottles that fit in cup holders

Technology

• Use cord organisers to stop tangles
• Keep power banks in side pockets
• Store screens in padded sleeves when not in use

Clothing

• Pack one outfit per person in a labelled cube
• Use a laundry bag to keep worn clothes separate
• Keep swimwear and towels in easy-reach sections

Health & Hygiene

• Have a first aid kit within reach
• Store masks, hand sanitiser, and wipes in door pockets
• Carry travel-size toiletries in a zipped case

For more on this, see our guide to Top Roof Racks and Storage Boxes for SUVs.

Roof Storage for Extra Space

If you need more room, consider a rooftop box or soft bag.

Why It Works:

• Keeps big or bulky items outside the cabin
• Reduces crowding in the boot
• Ideal for prams, sports gear, or tents

Just make sure it’s waterproof, locked, and securely attached before driving.

Safety First: Avoid Loose Items

Loose items can become dangerous in sudden stops or crashes. Keep everything secure — especially heavy objects.

Secure Your Load:

• Use tie-down straps or nets in the boot
• Don’t stack items above headrest level
• Store heavy gear close to the seatbacks
• Use padded containers for fragile items

This helps protect passengers and avoids mess mid-trip.

Entertainment That Doesn’t Make a Mess

Keep everyone busy without creating clutter.

Best Options for Clean Fun:

• Downloaded films or music playlists
• Colouring pads with clipboards
• Travel-friendly games (magnetic or zip-bagged)
• Audiobooks or kid-friendly podcasts
• Reusable activity books or dry erase cards

Rotate entertainment during long drives to avoid screen overload.

Rubbish Control on the Go

Trash builds up fast. Stay ahead of it.

Smart Solutions:

• Use small pedal bins or pop-up rubbish bags
• Keep spare bags in the glove box
• Empty bins at every fuel stop or rest break
• Assign each row its own disposal bag

No one likes a snack wrapper avalanche.

Quick Access Packing for Stops

Not everything needs to be packed deep in the boot.

Pack These for Easy Grab-and-Go:

• Change of clothes for kids
• Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Umbrella or raincoat
• Charging cables and plug adapters
• Favourite toy or comfort item

Use door pockets, seat organisers, or centre consoles to keep these items close.

Post-Trip Unpacking Tips

You made it — now keep the cleanup easy.

How to Unpack Smoothly:

• Empty bins and sort laundry first
• Restock first aid and wipes
• Repack organiser items for future trips
• Vacuum crumbs and clean surfaces before resting
• Store your road trip gear in labelled bags or bins

This keeps your SUV ready for next time — and makes maintenance easier.

Travel Light, Stay Organised

Great road trips start with smart organisation. Use smart SUV storage hacks, plan ahead, and try these tips. You’ll have smoother drives, quicker stops, and happier passengers.

No matter if you’re going to the beach, the bush, or Grandma’s house, smart packing for family road trips leads to less stress and more fun.

Bookmark our related guide on Best Family SUVs with Maximum Cargo Space for your next vehicle upgrade.