10 Kid-Friendly Ideas to Help You Rule Carpool

Rule carpool with our best on-the-go organization ideas, from creating a well-organized trunk to adding a mobile homework supply station that will make commuting time productive for kids.

Corral all of their after-school gear in the trunk with a handy organizer. This collapsible system creates three sections that can keep gear organized by kid or activity. With gear always stashed in the same place, it makes it easier to arrive to practices on time and prepared.

Your trunk can serve as a catchall space for extracurricular accessories. Stay dry on the sidelines with an umbrella, and never let your little athletes get overheated with a ready supply of water.

Handy hooks attach easily to the headrests, giving backpacks a place to hang. This not only gets backpacks off the floorboard, but it keeps them from being thrown in the backseat and accidentally forgotten.

Commuting kids from school to their after-school activities can be valuable time for getting homework done. Create a mobile station with a car organizer, and fill it with the essentials. Pockets can hold car-friendly supplies like mechanical pencils, mess-free glue sticks and folders that fit easily inside. With everything nearby, it's easy for kids to stay on task when they're on the go.

Use the time in the car on the way to and from after-school activities as dedicated homework time. Kids can get their work done without having to add it to the end of their day.

Turn a metal baking sheet into a mobile lap desk in just a few simple steps. Cut adhesive wallpaper to size, and wrap it around the front for a clean look. Add a magnetic clip to hold papers in place. A mechanical pencil with a magnet glued to the top and a sticky pad for note-taking completes this simple project.

A car cooler fits perfectly between the seats and is a great place to stash healthy after-school snacks. Foods like bananas and nuts are full of potassium, which is great for athletic kids. Frozen peanut-butter sandwiches can get tossed in the cooler in the morning and will be thawed by dismissal. Packed with protein, these are a great energy-booster for busy kids. A reusable water bottle is environmentally-friendly. Plus, a leak-proof top is never a bad idea in the car.

Save your seats with easy-to-clean seat covers. Now, when you're dealing with a mess, simply remove and shake out for a quick and easy cleanup.