Have You Tried These? 20 Ultimate Car Storage Solutions {Free Patterns}
There aren’t enough intuitive spaces in my mobile command center for car storage. I spend a lot of time in my van (that’s my mobile command center); I’m always dropping kids off, picking people up, running errands, or road tripping. There are cup holders galore, but where do I put my purse, where do I keep the toddler’s toys, where does the garbage go, and where are those important papers that I just got from the orthopedic surgeon?
Whether you are trying to collect trash, organize travel essentials, or keep your purse off the floor, here is a DIY project to help. Upgrade your car and say goodbye to the mess with these fun sewing ideas.
DIY Car Trash Bin
This ingenious DIY car trash bin holds a removable plastic bag. That way, the trash bin that you made stays clean. Say goodbye to trash on the floor of your car!
Car Storage Bag
Heather Handmade has a car storage bag tutorial. Her patterns is an easy boxy shape and a single snap to hold the bag closed. It can be used behind a headrest or in other various areas in your car. You can use it for garbage or toys.
Sun Visor Car Organizer
The DIY Car Visor Organizer pattern has a zippered pocket, card slots, a vinyl pocket for things you don’t want to lose, a sunglasses holder, and more. Put all your stuff up and away.
A Miracle Caddy
If you are all in and looking for a luxury organizer, try out this incredible Miracle Caddy, complete with sturdy handles and outside pockets all the way around. You will have a place for everything you need while you travel.
Six Pocket Car Storage
Have pockets for ALL the things with the Six Pocket Car Caddy. Everything will be within reach for the kids in the back! I love the clever use of grommets and a bungee cord at the bottom. It’s similar to the hanging pockets below.
Tissue Pack Holder
I always need tissues when I’m in the car, so having this cute tissue pack cover with a hanging loop is so handy. You could make a bigger one to hold baby wipes! Even though I don’t have a baby anymore, I always have baby wipes in my car.
Car Storage Diddy Bag
Let me introduce you to the Car Diddy Bag. This chic little organizer is here to make your life easier; believe me, it will! You can use the larger opening for trash, cords, or snacks while keeping your phone and pens in the two outer pockets. There is even a hidden zipper pocket for stashing an emergency bit of cash or a credit card. When you take a turn, everything will stay in place.
Mesh Car Storage
Stay in command with my Mesh Car Organizer. It will help you keep your purse or bag off the floor and out of the way, and there are also pockets for your phone, glasses, or anything else.
The Pocket Pod Basket
The Pocket Pod Basket can be used as a car trash bin (with or without a plastic bag liner) or a catch-all to help you organize small items in your car. Instead of a long strap like the Car Diddy Bag, it has a shorter loop that you can hang from a purse hook. There are pockets that you can place on the outside or the inside of the basket.
Hanging Pockets
Let kids watch their tablet while you drive using these hanging pockets. There is room in the pocket below for their books, coloring items, or snacks keeping your command center orderly.
Fabric Storage Bin
For the back of the car, sew a fabric storage bin with a vinyl window so you can see what’s inside. This is perfect for holding all the items you need to keep in the back of the car, but you don’t want to make a mess.
A-Frame Organizer
The A-Frame Organizer is a handy case with pockets on the outside and the inside. There are cut-out handles to make it easy to grab and go! This car storage solution makes a perfect emergency road kit, with space for small jumper cables, fuses, screw drivers, your lug nut key, emergency light, and anything else you want to have in one spot.
Sturdy Fold Up Baskets
A lidded bin might not be right for the back of your mobile command, so what about a sturdy fabric bin for car storage? These sturdy fold-up baskets are the same size as Ikea cubbies, so they hold a lot.
Peek-a-Boo Pouches
This easy-to-sew pouch has vinyl pockets to organize cosmetics or make a travel first aid kit. Improve your car storage with this Peek-a-Boo Pouch pattern. It even has a video tutorial.
Hanging Car Storage
I love this for a car trash bag variation from A Spoonful of Sugar. It cleverly hides a margarine tub – that’s what makes it stay open!
Roll-Up Glove Box Caddy
Keep your mobile command center prepared for anything and sew this roll-up glove box caddy for improved car storage. There is a zipper pocket on the other side for documents or other big things.
Lay Flat Storage Bags
These car storage bags are perfect for keeping things clean and organized under a car chair. Extra shoes or spare towels are what I keep in my command center for unexpected moments.
Scrap Bucket Pattern
One thing I always keep in my van is water. I have a case of water in my trunk for emergencies and non-emergencies. This basket pattern is the perfect way to make sure that those bottles don’t slide and roll around with each turn (I hate the sound of stuff moving when I turn and brake). You can use all kinds of scraps to bring this helpful car storage solution to life.
Reusable Shopping Bag
Sew a few of these shopping bags using this free pattern. You will thank yourself when you head to Aldi, end up with wet clothes or muddy shoes, or decide to run dinner to a friend.
Tall Car Storage Bin
This fabric storage bin is another perfect way to store water, or all those reusable shopping bags, in the back of your car. In fact, you can make two; one for water and one for bags!
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
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