No matter how big your car is, there will always be a time when it feels as though there isn’t enough room for all the cargo you want to carry. Modern cars are increasingly versatile when it comes to making the best use of your luggage space, but it also requires some sensible planning by the driver. The next time you are planning a road trip or vacation and you need to take a lot of luggage with you, consider these five tips from DCH Toyota of Oxnard that will help you organize your car’s interior space.
Make the most of versatile seating
Whether your car has one or two rows of passenger seating, there will norally be ways to split, fold down, or remove the seats entirely to make space for luggage. This is nearly always a more efficient way to use the space than trying to pile stuff onto the spare seats, and it will also protect your upholstery. Before you start packing, split, fold down, or remove any seats that won’t be needed so that you are working with the largest cabin space possible.
Keep everything in its place
You’ll be surprised how much a quick tidying up can do for your car. Piles of cleaning products, music CDs, bags, boots, shoes, and more can all eat up luggage space, and chances are that you just don’t need them all. Stow small items in the glove compartment or in side pockets so that the main cabin is free from clutter. Make sure that the spare tire is stowed away properly and that tools are easily accessible. Get rid of anything that you don’t need for the trip before you start packing.
Explore your car
Car manufacturers are growing increasingly creative when it comes to making space in your car. Before you start packing, make sure you spot all the hiding places, compartments, and gadgets that are there to make your life easier. For example, in larger cars (particularly SUVs), there may be an under-floor compartment. Your trunk may also have hidden side compartments that you might accidentally block with luggage. Identify what your real capacity is before you try and pack up the car.
Get organized
There are lots of accessories that can extend or make the most of your available luggage space. Trunk organizers keep everything nicely maintained and can make it far easier to stack items to make the most of the available space. Think about external storage, too. A cargo box on your roof can be a great way to carry more, so think carefully about whether or not you need one. You may even want to consider a trailer. Don’t leave it to the last minute to think about these additional accessories.
Pack sparingly
Perhaps the best way to make the most out of your luggage space is to be picky about what you take. Does every member of the family really need his or her own suitcase? Can you easily buy cheap items at the other end that otherwise take up a lot of space? Make sure that everything you pack is absolutely necessary. The more space you have, the less frugal you’ll need to be, but remember that any additional weight will decrease your fuel efficiency. Because of this, you should always aim to take the smallest load possible.
