Photo: Carlen Dickerson
Road trips – they’re not for the weak of heart nor the weak of stomach.
I can’t wait to be on the road again…but this time without the mess. Yes, of course, everyone has those amazing memories that come along with the adventure. Stopping at your favorite diner for breakfast, taking the back roads to see the fall colors in a small town, discovering a hidden gem. But as the hours drag on and the good memories pile up, so too does the trash. And as the limited space becomes a mess, the tensions rise. “Are we there yet?”s start turning into “scoot over”s and the dreaded “SHUT UP”s.
Avoid the stress. Stay sane, clean and ready to roll with these inventive ways to deal with waste every step of the way. These quick and cheap road trip hacks will keep your car looking and smelling clean, mile after mile.
Looking for the best car for a road trip? The 2018 Honda Odyssey could be the one.
Number One Road Trip Must-Have: Trash Can
The first stop I make when heading out on a long trip is the drive-through of the nearest Starbuck’s. I get a venti iced black coffee and yes, I drink the entire thing and no, I do not have a caffeine problem. The real problem is when the leftover ice melts and creates a scary brown slush that threans to leak all over. Not this time, Starbuck’s. Get a cereal container, and line it with a plastic shopping bag. Voila! A spill-free, airtight garbage can.
Photo: HGTV Design Blog
Next stop, the gas station to fill up the tank and fuel up on snacks. My personal favorites include beef jerky and trail mix (mostly for the M&M’s). We all know calories don’t count on a road trip, but sometimes the wrappers add up. For a cute way to keep them out of sight and out of mind, make this DIY garbage can.
No One Invited You, Car Sickness…
I’ll admit it: I had the worst case of carsickness when I was younger. Some of my lowest moments have been spent sitting in the backseat, stomach in a knot, trying desperately to hold on until the next stop. But with this homemade bag dispenser, you’ll be ready for anything. Just grab a plastic bag, no cleanup necessary.
Photo: The SITS Girls
Smell Me Something Good
In my book, it is not a road trip without the fried deliciousness that is fast food. My personal obsession is Chick-fil-A, but no matter how good the food is, there is always the lingering stale smell of grease and regret left behind. Make this DIY air freshener before you head out on the road and keep your car smelling fresh as daisies (or lavender).
Or if you’re like me and you prefer kittens over everything, hang these kitten cuties on your rearview mirror. They smell like clean linen, with an added bonus of being adorable. Warning: Do not be distracted by the cuteness!
We hope Calendars.com restocks this super cute air freshener that hangs from the rear view mirror. Photo: Calendars.com
Not Much of a DIY-er? Me Neither!
And if you’re also like me, a “what is the easiest and quickest way I can get this done?” type of girl, simply open a box of dryer sheets and leave them under your car seat. Simple, easy and cheap way to give your road trip a fresh spin from start to finish.
Dryer sheets with that have a fresh fragrance are a great car freshener hack; just put a few under the seats. Photo: Bounce
Get Ahead of the Grime – Prep Your Cupholders for the Road Trip
You can plan all you want for this road trip, but the truth is life happens. However, my mom taught me two things in life: never give up and it doesn’t hurt to be one step ahead of the game. Keep your cup holders grime-free with these reusable silicon cupcake wrappers. Pop them in for the trip, and then when you get home put them in the dishwasher for an easy clean. Bonus: they are rainbow colors!
Silicone cupcake liners also make cute cupholder liners, and you can remove them and toss them in the dishwasher. Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
Messy Travelers Along for the Ride? Avoid the Avoidable
If you’ve got a lot of travelers, sometimes you need a few extra cup-holders to make it through the wilderness. Grab a cupcake tin, and place it in a laundry basket. Boom, somehow you’ve made it through. More cup holders, fewer spills. Win.
Here’s a brilliant idea: Laundry basket + cupcake tin = cup holders! It’ll also hold French fries, popcorn and anything else that goes in a round cup. Photos:Target
Keep your backseat travelers entertained with these fun road trip games!
Road Trips Shouldn’t be ‘Ruff’
Bringing your pup along for the ride? As much as we love our four-legged friends, their fur is not exactly the cutest upholstery. There’s no need for an hour of lint rolling. Make a DIY seat cover, which doubles as a dog hammock. Your pup will be hanging loose, and your seats will be hair-free.
Photo: Choosing to Be Colorful.com
Carlen Dickerson
Latest posts by Carlen Dickerson (see all)
- 18 Fun (and Effective) Car Accessories under $20 - July 6, 2019
- 9 Easy Road Trip Hacks to Keep Your Car Clean Mile After Mile - November 20, 2017
- Safe Driving Tips from a Hurricane Irma Survivor (Whatever the Weather) - November 14, 2017
Interesting Article. I enjoyed reading it. Cleaning can make your car organized and smells good. I love all the tips shared by you. Keep sharing the good work like that. Thanks a lot for sharing.