Getting Organized for Life on the Go

Americans have turned their vehicles into second homes used for everything from video entertainment to mobile office. What happens to all of the stuff we take with us on the road?

According to Della Domingo, director of public relations for the Specialties Equipment Manufacturers Association, a lot personal items get scattered around the car and slide out of reach when you need them most.

"Organizing your vehicle is part of the broader trend toward people organizing their lives," Domingo said. "Drivers can get products that suit their personal needs."

Automobile accessory manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon with new ways for people to organize their mobile lives, Domingo said. Sales of interior accessories were $557.6 million when SEMA began tracking the industry segment in 2005. It increased 17 percent in 2006 to more than $652.9 million.

"You don't want left-over soda going all over the place and creating a mess," said Angie Nealey, marketing manager for Talus Corporation. "A leak-proof litterbag can prevent liquid from running all over the vehicle's carpet."

Talus Corporation is one of many manufacturers creating application-specific products. For instance, cargo holders for grocery bags keep items from spilling across the trunk. Equipment carriers make it easy to transport sporting goods to and from events.

Nealey suggests the following ways drivers can get organized:

• Litterbags designed to prevent liquids from seeping out the bottom. Some litterbags have side pockets for items such as a water bottle or tissue.
• Visor organizers for sunglasses, car registration, insurance paperwork and compact discs. This helps you keep frequently used items at arm's reach and help prevent the glovebox form overflowing.
• Cargo and trunk organizers for sporting good or travel items such as windshield washer fluid, cables and flares. Some have weighted bottoms to prevent them from tipping, especially useful for groceries.
• Front seat organizers to create your office on the road. Some kits fit around the passenger seat headrest and swing behind the seat when not needed.
• Backseat organizers for stowing children toys, entertainment items, maps or other items you may need at a moment's notice.
• Clothes racks and clothes bar to prevent items from falling off the small hook found in most cars.

"It's all about safety and convenience," Nealey said. "You don't want to drive off the road while you're looking for something rolling around on the vehicle floor."