The space from the carโs frontal dashboard extending all the way up to the floor is the console space. The space between the two front seats is the center console.
This minimal space is inbuilt storage for the front body of cars. So it’s necessary to be picky about what to put in this limited storage unit.
After all, many of us neglect the organization of our car’s interior, only to be greeted by frustration every time we hit the road.
Plus, choosing items for organizing car consoles can be a bit confusing. So this feature is here to help you easily find simple storage solutions for the existing console.
Time to take control of your car’s interior and make driving a breeze.
Key Takeaways:
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Utilize simple storage solutions such as zipper bags, containers, and organizers to categorize and arrange belongings neatly within the console.
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Regular maintenance and cleaning of the console are crucial to ensure all necessary items are available for a clutter-free driving experience.
The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Car Console
A basic way to get started on organizing a car console is to measure it.
Yes, take out a measuring tape and run it over the front dashboard as well as the center console. Keep these measurements noted for later.
Now we need to collect some simple materials before the actual picking and choosing begins.
What Necessary Things Do You Need?
Here is a list of things you may need before you start arranging your car console:
- A packet of wet wipes and regular tissues
- A small zipper bag
- A few small containers
- Hand sanitizer or liquid soap
- Some dry snacks (like nuts, dried fruits, or chips-take your pick)
- Charging cable for phone
- Earphones and cases
- Necessary stationery like pens, pencils, and a notepad or sticky notes
- Extension cords or car jack
- Water bottle
- Tape, super glue, and rubber bands
- Car-related legal documents and any other needed documents
ย Itโs your car and you get to choose what your necessities are. But remember that you canโt overcrowd the console space. The point of this mini storage facility is to keep the most important items close at hand so you can find them easily.
A Little Organization Hack:
Have duplicates of all important keys so you can keep one on your person at all times and the spare one in the car console.
How to Organize the Car Console Efficiently?
Organizing car consoles is more than just placing the right things in the right place. You also have to select the right items to store.
Investing in storage containers and zipper bags to keep belongings organized is also a good organization hack. Here’s how to whip that chaos into shape:
1. Start by Emptying the Center Console
Any makeover starts with a spring clean. So first of all, check the items in your center console and glove box and empty them out. Take a clear container to store all the belongings that were cramped in the compartments.
If you have too much stuff in the storage units, try categorizing the items into separate boxes for easy storage. Once all the items are properly unpacked and separated, itโs time to decide if you really want all of that in your car at all times.
2. Decide What to Store in Your Center Console
The center console space is small. So only pick necessary items that can be used all the time to store. Itโs better to choose snacks that wonโt go bad in case you forget. Also, consider the humidity and temperature of your city when deciding on snacks.
The items stored in the center console should be small and easy to arrange.
Here are some necessary items you might want in your center console:
- Your prescription glasses and glass case
- Earphones and cases
- House keys and car keys
- Driverโs license, national ID card, and vehicle documents
- Loose change or coins
- Pens and notebooks
- Bandages and antiseptic cream or liquid
- Sunscreen and dry cream
- Scissors and tape
- Napkins or wet wipes
- Emergency medicine
- Charger for phone
At the end of the day, it is your call to decide what to store in your car. You might want more things in the console, but keep in mind that the space is limited and you want the arrangement to facilitate finding things easily.
3. Measure Your Center Console to Check How Much Space You Have
Next up, grab a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the consoleโs length, width, and height. Note down the measurements on a piece of paper and store it for later.
“Center consoles usually have an obstruction in the corner. This part canโt be considered when youโre planning storage space.”
Measure the space on the dashboard and the glove box, just in case. The glove box can be used as secondary storage to avoid overcrowding the center console.
4. Pick the Storage Management Items for the Center Console
Various space organizers, like containers, zipper bags, organizer trays, and cases, can be used to make console organization easier. Placing similar items in the same bag or container saves space and makes the arrangement more efficient.
Hence, always invest in zipper bags, as they are easier to store and fold. However, some objects might require containers to prevent them from breaking or getting damaged.
5. Organize with Bags
Opt for clear zipper bags for the center console. These bags can store almost anything and keep the console tidy.
From arranging paper to medicine, stationery, and keys, the list goes on!
Now, place the bags neatly in the console and stack them on top of each other. Separate documents, medicine, and electronics into different bags for easy access.
If youโre using a single organizer with multiple pockets, categorize similar items in the same compartment. Try using labels on each of the pouches to make car stuff easier to find.
This is a great storage hack that might also help when using containers.
6. Organize with Containers
Remember when you measured the console?
Well, itโs time to put that to use. But first, letโs get a little bit crafty.
Take out a pencil and a piece of paper. Using the console measurements, draw a rough sketch of the console on the paper and make it as close to the real size as possible.
Now you can carry the paper with the console sketch to any market or hardware store and test out if the containers fit the console or not.
This method reduces the need to bring the containers over and test them out in your console space. Measure and match the container sizes before the purchase.
7. Invest in an Acrylic Makeup Organizer
Makeup organizers can work magic when deciding on console arrangements. These bags have multiple compartments protected by zippers covered with mesh.
“The obvious use of makeup organizers is to keep your makeup accessories well organized and separated. But they can also be used to store small objects.”
Use the makeup organizers to arrange pens, pencils, any small stationary, keys, pen drives, and more items. Place the organizer into the console and fit other bags around it. Your console should be well arranged and organized now.
8. Select Thin Plastic Cases
Plastic cases with multiple compartments are a great tool to keep things in place. Be creative with the organization using plastic cases. You can select multiple colors and use them to store separate categories of items.
The cases should be petite and thin so they can be stored easily in the console and glove box. To be more precise, the cases should have enough space to carry medicine, scissors, folded papers, pens, and other thin items.
9. Keep the Console Accessible and Tidy
Console organization is only useful if you maintain tidiness. Regular car clean-ups and arrangements are necessary to make sure the car is equipped with everything you need.
The car dashboard should be kept clear of any unnecessary trinkets. However, attaching a cup holder to the dashboard can create space for refreshments as well as carrying small objects.
Check the car interior once a week to make sure youโve got all the necessary items well stocked. Also, keep car wipes handy to tidy up the dashboard whenever things get too messy.
Bonus Tips:
Shift items like documents, first aid toolkits, and medicine to the glove compartment to create more space in the console.
Declutter Your Drive, Simplify Your Life
Well, those are all the basic tricks to keep up your sleeve when organizing car consoles. Remember that car organization depends on your preferences.
That is, your personal needs and choices will affect what items go into the car. The important thing to remember is to avoid overcrowding the center console.
Keep any large items inside the glove box or the trunk. Another addition to the car can be a recycle bin to eliminate all the junk.
So why wait?
Get started on decluttering and organizing your car console today to have a clutter-free journey every time you hit the road.
Happy organizing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the center console of a car?
The car’s center console is located between the two front seats. The console has a lid and separate sections that can be used as minimal storage. The center console should only be packed with the essential items.
What should I put in my center console?
The center console has built-in storage for cars. That is, the space is limited, so only carry items that can be stored for a long time without going bad. Such as putting your keys, medicines, glasses, and other small, necessary belongings in the center console. While storing the larger items in the glove box or the trunk.
How can I make my car more organized?
Car organization is essential to making your car more personalized. Hence, make sure to invest in good-quality organizers and containers that can fit into the trunk and the backseats. You can use the floor of the car to organize containers as well. The best way to keep your car organized is to pack only the essentials.