Road Trip Ready Car Organization Tips

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Our family takes road trips from Arizona to Southern California often and you would think I have this road trip ready thing down to an art. However, with so many changing stages between our toddler and eight year old daughters, I am constantly changing the way I pack the car. But I do have a few rules to follow each time we travel. Road trip ready car organization tips include packing blankets, car organizer bags and changing our FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filters. While I definitely will not call myself savvy in the auto care department, the cabin air filters from Walmart are very easy to install and make a huge difference in the air quality during our many road trips.

Get road trip ready with car organization tips and and easy cabin air filter change.

Road Trip Ready Car Organization Tips

Replace cabin air filters

Have you ever replaced your vehicle cabin air filters? Until recently, me either. The air filters clean the air you breathe inside your vehicle and are often overlooked during routine maintenance checks. I had no idea our air filters should be changed as often as every 12,000 miles. With so many road trips last year we overlooked this easy install we could do by ourselves to filter up to 98% of dust, dirt and allergens from entering our family vehicle. The FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filter is the only cabin air filter that uses the natural deodorizing qualities of ARM & HAMMER® baking soda. Follow recommended change intervals as noted in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Get road trip ready with car organization tips and and easy cabin air filter change.

Finding the air filter appropriate for your vehicle is easy. Simply visit the FRAM filter catalog on Walmart.fram.com then enter your vehicle information. The page will show you exactly which part number you need and even share how to easily install it. I found the part number for our 2015 Kia Sedona and then from the same webpage saw it was available at my local Walmart. The video installation instructions made it very easy to install. 

How to replace your cabin air filter

The air filter in my vehicle is located behind the front passenger side glove compartment. These instructions are specific to my vehicle so be sure you follow those for your own part number. Begin the installation by opening your glove box.

Easily install new cabin air filters in your vehicle to get road trip ready.

Remove two stops on both ends of the glovebox by turning them counterclockwise. Unlatch the cabin air filter cover on the right side and remove it.

Easily install new cabin air filters in your vehicle to get road trip ready.

Remove the used air filter by pulling it straight out. If this is your first time replacing your cabin air filter, gasp at the site of the filter and the quality of air you’ve been breathing (optional).

Easily install new cabin air filters in your vehicle to get road trip ready.

Install the new filter and replace the air filter cover. Make sure the cover is latched on the right side. Partially close the glove box and reinstall the stops on each side. Turn them clockwise to secure. Close glovebox and smile knowing you just improved the air your family is breathing! It’s really that easy. Proud moment, I didn’t ask my dad, brothers or husband for help! 

Pack blankets

Each of our daughters get a blanket for the road trip. Two identical blankets have helped alleviate the many sister arguments trying to decide who should use purple instead of blue. 

Blanket tip: purchase fleece and finish edges with shearing scissors. Inexpensive and a very exciting new blanket for road trips!

Get road trip ready with car organization tips and and easy cabin air filter change.

Use over the shoulder baby bag for car organization

I’ve packed a diaper bag for road trips for the past eight years but until recently, that bag was on the floor in front of me and I handed our daughters everything they asked for. Then I realized that over the shoulder baby bag fits perfectly over the back of the front seats for perfect car organization bags. Each of our daughters have matching bags to fill with their own essentials for road trips. Most diaper bags include an insulated pocket for cold items; our daughters have cold snacks in the insulated pocket and their favorite water bottles on the other side. 

Get road trip ready with car organization tips. Hang a baby bag over the front seat so your child has access to their road trip essentials.

The bag hangs at the perfect level for children in the back seat to reach their own snacks, toys, blankets and more during a long family road trip.

Get road trip ready with car organization tips. Hang a baby bag over the front seat so your child has access to their road trip essentials.

Our oldest daughter is responsible for packing the bag herself and usually includes favorite books, drawing supplies, pillow and blanket, an iPad and snacks. Little sister is just starting to want to help pack her own bag too.

Get road trip ready with car organization tips. Hang a baby bag over the front seat so your child has access to their road trip essentials. Allow children to help pack their own bags too!

Her favorite yellow ducky is a road trip essential.

Get road trip ready with car organization tips. Hang a baby bag over the front seat so your child has access to their road trip essentials.

FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filters are in the automotive car aisles at Walmart but spend some time online before your visit to help determine which part number your vehicle requires.

Find FRAM Fresh Breeze cabin air filters at Walmart.

We are always road trip ready because we travel often. What do you do to make your family road trips feel easy? Learn more road trip tips and FRAM Fresh Breeze installation examples before your next family vacation. 

Get road trip ready with car organization tips. Hang a baby bag over the front seat so your child has access to their road trip essentials.

24 thoughts on “Road Trip Ready Car Organization Tips”

  1. I remember the greatest part of my kids transitioning from toddlers to preschoolers was not having to carry a diaper bag everywhere, but putting a bag on the back of the passenger seat like that is a great way to store some toddler essentials. Thanks for sharing this idea! #client

    Reply
  2. That Fram FreshBreeze seems awesome and perfect for road trips! I have always loved road trips, but sometimes with kids you have to be even more prepared lol. Thankfully they are great in the car.

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  3. I never knew you could replace your own air filter?!!! In my last car, I felt like every time I took my last car in to get serviced they wanted to change the filter. And sometimes I think I was just being snowed that I needed it changed. My current car came with free maintenance which will end in October. I’ll look into this once changing it returns to being on my dime!

    Reply
  4. Never knew you could do this and now I want to! Love the organization kit for road trips!! We try to take a road trip every fall. Can’t wait!!

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  5. I really need to get some of these for my car. My kids both get car sick so you can imagine the smell after an accident happens. Windows are down, even if it’s winter. So these are a must get!

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  6. I love your idea for blankets!! So simple because fleece doesn’t unravel. I prob need to look into replacing my cabin filter, thanks for the tips!!

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  7. That reminds me that our cabin air filter is due to be replaced. The first time that we did it, I didn’t even know there was such a thing. But, with asthma and allergies, I have come to appreciate it.

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  8. I love the over the seat car organizer! Perfect for road trips! Can hold all the kids toys and goodies to keep them occupied for the long drive ahead.

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  9. I didn’t know there was a cabin air filter in my van! I’ll have to check that out. I like the bag idea too. Right now I have a box I keep in the van but a bag would take up less floor space

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  10. If I ever get my license, my car will be highly organized when it comes time. I’m going to have to tell my brother about the Fram FreshBreeze because his car usually has the oddest odors in it.

    Reply
  11. I think this is really nice! It’s good to make sure that you replace your car’s air con filters as well especially if you’re going on a road trip and you haven’t checked it for a long time. I should definitely check this brand out.

    Reply

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