How to Organize Your Minivan So It's Functional and Stylish

Like most moms, my minivan is like a second home. We have a Dodge Grand Caravan, which I just found out has been the best-selling minivan for over 29 years. That's older than I am...okay fine...almost older than I am. Whether it is driving across the country to visit our family in Nova Scotia each summer, chauffeuring the kids to their activities, or just running errands, it has to be organized. And if you know me at all, the organization has to look good. 

I like to think of the minivan as having three zones: the parent zone {in the front}, the kid zone {second row} and the storage zone {the back row and storage area.}

Here are tips to keep each zone stylishly organized. 

The Parent Zone

For the parent zone, I need to have access to electronic devices and chargers, my purse, and drinks. I house electronics in a small basket between the seats, behind the centre console. I only allow the kids to use these for long road trips, so when they are not in the basket, it is freed up for snack storage or to hold my smaller handbags.

The Kid Zone

In this area, I like to give the kids easy access to items that will keep them entertained. This comes in really handy when you spend close to ten hours in the van on a long road trip. Trust me. I have a sturdy basket stocked with books and toys in between the two seats. We rotate the items frequently. The kids love that they can reach everything themselves. And so do I.

I also love the in-floor storage bins. I use them to store all of my breakable treasures on the trip back from Nova Scotia and for the boys’ ‘treasures’ the rest of the year.

The Storage Zone

As long as I am not lugging around large pieces for my latest DIY project, I keep the last row of seats up and use the storage area behind them to keep me organized. This area can serve so many purposes. Bins help keep items in place: one houses blankets, umbrellas and a first aid kit, another holds groceries and the last, sporting equipment. For larger grocery trips, you can empty the other two. The bags above are perfect for lightweight items like pull-ups, wipes and a change of clothes for my younger son, who is still potty training.

I have to confess: I was not always this organized. But after being fed up with crawling all over my minivan looking for a small toy or a roll-away apple, I went shopping for the bins and bags and for less than $40.00. Now, I have no more excuses for a messy minivan. And now, neither do you!