This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. All opinions are 100% my own.
Nothing says Summer like a good old road trip to new and favorite destinations. Whether with family or friends, road trips always bring about unforgettable memories. Of course, making them a little easier is something every road tripper aims to do, especially when traveling with kids. Using common items from around your home to hack your road trip is easy, affordable and guaranteed to make your ride a little smoother! Take a look at 9 of my favorite road trip hacks using everyday household items.
1. Turn a storage container into a reusable trash can
Cut down on road trip trash by turning a storage container into a reusable trash can. Stock up on old grocery bags before heading out on your trip and use them to line the container. Place your new trash can anywhere in the car or make multiple ones for different areas. We always have one up front and one in back for kids.
2. Use a laundry bag to create a car safety kit
Road trips are often filled with unexpected excitement and most the time this is a good thing, but it always pays to be prepared for those “ugh oh” moments. Creating a car safety kit is a great way to make sure you aren’t stuck without must need items. Turn a laundry bag into a makeshift car safety kit and include items such as a portable screwdriver, multi-tool, sewing kit and first aid items.
3. Take along an address book and stamps
Postcards are a fun and nostalgic way to catalog your road trip memories. Having an address book and stamps in your car gives you a reason to send your favorite postcards home. Write what you did that day or your top 5 favorite things about that city and mail it to yourself for a neat keepsake.
4. Use a storage caddy as an extra drink/food holder
Tasting and discovering new foods are one of my favorite things about road trips. Of course, you may not always have enough space for all those road trip snacks. Save yourself the heartache of spilling your new favorite drink by using a spare storage caddy as an extra drink and food holder. Most storage caddies are the perfect size to fit onto the middle console of your car or in-between two people in the back seat. This will give you a safe place to put them while keeping your car clean.
5. Reusable ice cubes can eliminate drippy coolers
It’s never fun to stop for gas and check the cooler to realize it’s been leaking for the past few hours. Using reusable ice cubes will help to keep your cooler from leaking and save you money on ice. Just pop them into your hotel’s mini fridge overnight and let them refreeze for your next day’s travels.
6. Use a lunch container to separate and store toll money
Nothing can be more frustrating than heading towards a toll booth and scrambling for change. Be prepared for tolls by using a lunch container to separate and store your toll money. This will help keep you organized, less stressed, and your eyes on the road when heading out on your journey.
7. Organize backseat entertainment with spare baskets
Keeping your passengers entertained is a must while heading out on the open road. Keeping those forms of entertainment organized isn’t always easy. Use a spare wall organizer or storage basket to keep backseat entertainment contained and easily accessible. This will help keep your car clean and your kids happier when they know where their coloring books, tablets, and road trip games are.
8. Burger baskets keep backseats clean and food safe
Kids and even adults can create quite a mess in the back of a car when it comes to food. Keep back seat spills to a minimum by using burger baskets as a way to hold food and snacks.
9. Pre-made lists make packing stress-free
The curse of the road trip is getting to where you’re going and realizing you forgot something. Minimalize your forgetfulness by using pre-made lists to help you pack.
Wherever your travels take you, let making memories be the focus and make traveling something to look forward to!
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Shop this post
Want to make the most out of your road trip hacks? Find all the products featured in this post at your local Cost Plus World Market! I had a great time discovering them all at my local store in the Belgate Shopping Center in Charlotte, NC.
Rachel Wall Organizers | First Aid Travel Kit | Sistema Bake It Sugar Storage Container with Cup | Travel Tools Keychain | Reusable Ice Cubes | World Map Laundry Bag | 8-in-1 Travel Screwdriver | Travel Checklist Notepad | “I Take To The Open Road” Write Now Journal | Housekeeping Utility Bucket | Snack Attack To Go Lunch Box | Travel Sewing Kit | Mini Wood Hammer All-In-One Tool Set | Burger Baskets |
Some of these are so genius! Everyone needs a trash can that isn’t just a bag for sure! I love the ice cube trick!
Thank you! I know I am always looking for money saving ways to make our road trips easier. I know the tip I use the most is using a reusable container to hold change in the car, it’s saved me so many times from quarter searching in my abyss of a purse!