5 Surprising Uses For Your Car’s Cargo Area
Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009. He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships. Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.
Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.
Beyond the normal usage to store groceries and luggage, there are many other surprising ways to utilize every corner of your car's cargo area.
From creating a mobile workstation to using it as an emergency supply storage, discover all the innovative and useful ways you can use this overlooked space in your vehicle.
Whether you need help transporting pets, storing outdoor adventure gear, or even making food deliveries - find out how you can make the most out of your car's cargo area.
Table of Contents
Mobile Workstation
Setting Up Your Workstation
You should consider investing in a laptop stand or desk that fits securely into your vehicle so that you can easily access it when needed. Make sure to also bring along any other items such as pens, paper, chargers, and headphones for an optimal work experience.
First off, make sure that the seating position is comfortable enough by adjusting seat height and lumbar support accordingly; this will help reduce strain on back muscles over time, which could lead to fatigue and discomfort during long sessions at the wheel-desk hybrid setup.
Secondly, try adding extra padding around armrests as well as using cushions or pillows behind the lower back area - these small additions can really add up when it comes to providing relief after hours spent typing away.
Finally, don't forget about proper ventilation - open windows slightly (or use air conditioning) depending on climate conditions outside; this will keep temperatures regulated inside the cabin while keeping fresh air circulating throughout the workspace area too.
Benefits of Working from Your Car
For starters, it eliminates the need for expensive office space rentals or long commutes each day. Additionally, working from your car allows for more flexibility with hours and locations since you’re not tied down to one spot like an office building or cubicle would require.
Finally, it gives you the opportunity to take advantage of beautiful outdoor scenery if desired without having to leave your workspace.
Key Takeaway: Working from your car offers many benefits such as flexibility, cost savings, and access to beautiful outdoor scenery. To maximize comfortability during extended periods of time spent in the vehicle, make sure that seating position is comfortable by adjusting seat height and lumbar support accordingly; add extra padding around armrests; use cushions or pillows behind lower back area; and ensure proper ventilation.
Pet Transport
Start by making sure they have all of their necessary supplies, such as food, water, toys, bedding, and any medications they may need. If possible, let them get used to being in the car before taking a long drive so that they can become familiar with the environment.
Safety is paramount when transporting pets in cars. Make sure your pet is secured either with a seatbelt harness or crate while traveling. This will keep them from jumping around and distracting you while driving, which could lead to an accident or injury for both of you. Additionally, never leave your pet unattended inside a vehicle on hot days, as temperatures can quickly rise and cause serious harm or even death due to heatstroke or dehydration.
Finally, keeping your pet comfortable during the trip is key to ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Bring along some treats and toys that will help distract them if needed but make sure not to give too many at once since this could make them sick while on the road.
If possible, bring along something familiar, like their favorite blanket or pillow, so that they have something comforting nearby throughout the journey.
Outdoor Adventure Gear Storage
When choosing the right gear, make sure that it is lightweight and durable enough to withstand whatever conditions you may encounter while out in nature. Additionally, consider items like a first aid kit, flashlights, extra clothing layers, and snacks or meals that can be easily stored away when not in use.
Organizing and storing your gear properly in your car’s cargo area is key for maximizing space and keeping everything secure during transport. Make sure all sharp objects are securely fastened so they don't move around during transit. Use any straps or tie-downs available to keep items from shifting around too much, as well as securing heavier items at the bottom of the cargo area with lighter ones on top for easier access later on.
Key Takeaway: Organizing your car's cargo area is key for maximizing space and keeping gear secure. Use straps or tie-downs, fasten sharp objects, and organize heavier items at the bottom with lighter ones on top.
Emergency Supply Storage
It’s important to store these items safely and securely in your car so they are easily accessible when you need them most. Here are some essential supplies to have on hand and tips for storing them properly.
It is essential to have a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, non-perishable food items such as energy bars or granola bars, water bottles or jugs of water, blankets or sleeping bags for warmth if needed, a tire repair kit with tools and spare tires (if applicable), flares or reflective triangles for signaling help if stranded at night, a fire extinguisher rated A-B-C (for use on combustible materials like paper and wood) and a multi-tool that includes pliers and screwdrivers in your vehicle at all times.
The trunk is usually the best place since it offers more space than other areas of the vehicle, but depending on its size, you may need additional storage solutions such as cargo nets or bins that fit snugly into corners of trunks or backseats.
If possible, try using clear plastic containers with lids so items can be seen quickly without having to open each one individually during an emergency situation; this will also help protect against moisture damage from spills inside the car while driving around town.
Additionally, consider purchasing special compartments designed specifically for organizing smaller items like flashlights which come equipped with straps allowing easy attachment onto headrest posts near driver/passenger seats - this way, they won't get lost among other objects stored away.
Key Takeaway: It is important to store essential emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, jumper cables, food items, and tools in your car for easy access. Consider using clear containers with lids and special compartments designed specifically for organizing smaller items like flashlights. Take caution when selecting where exactly these supplies should go within reachable distance while driving and ensure proper maintenance routines, including regular checks up every few months.
Food Delivery Services
Make sure that your vehicle is in good working order and has been recently serviced. Make sure that all the fluids are topped off and in good condition, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Check the tire pressure and tread depth as well. If necessary, replace any worn or damaged tires before beginning deliveries.
You should also inspect brakes pads and rotors for wear or damage; if they need replacing, then do so before starting deliveries.
Finally, make sure that all lights on your vehicle are functioning properly—this includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals—as these will be essential when driving at night or in bad weather conditions.
Additionally, be sure that your insurance coverage is up-to-date and covers delivery services as well as general driving.
Key Takeaway: Ensure your vehicle is ready for food delivery services by checking fluids, brakes, tires, lights and insurance coverage.
