Buying guide for Best car seat gap organizers
Have you ever lost something in the car only to find it later when you cleaned between the seats? Rather than worrying about losing coins, keys, jewelry, or phones in the dreaded gap, invest in a product to prevent these items from taking a dive. Car seat gap organizers slide between the seat and center console. They provide a safety net that catches items before they slip away, a design that’s simple yet ingenious.
Most car seat gap organizers resemble a long, narrow well that’s a few inches deep. More advanced designs have cupholders, compartments, or even a coin dispenser. Perhaps what appeals to consumers the most about these organizers is that they’re not a permanent fixture. Unlike most storage solutions for vehicles, these don’t require securing with clips, buckles, or adhesives.
If you’re tired of having your belongings get stuck between the seats, it’s time to invest in a car seat gap organizer.
Key considerations
Configuration
Car seat gap organizers consist of a deep-welled compartment that measures between 6 and 12 inches long. It rests on a thin, rigid frame that slides between the seat and center console. The frame is usually covered with a nonskid or high-friction material to stay in place. Felt and velour are common materials on frames, and some are textured with nonslip silicone or rubber details for added grip.
For safety reasons, most car seat gap organizers are designed to not obstruct access to seat belts. That’s why most are configured to sit in front of the seat belt. Some slide behind the seat belt, and while the organizers are rarely large enough to affect the seat belt, many drivers are wary of these designs.
Material
Vinyl is the most common material for car seat gap organizers. It’s a material well known for its ease of cleaning; for the most part, it’s just a matter of wiping it down with diluted soap or detergent to remove stains. Vinyl is also water-resistant, which means spilled drinks won’t saturate and ruin the organizer.
Color: Most car seat gap organizers are available in black, gray, or dark brown. They’re designed to blend in with the upholstery; however, the match is rarely exact. People with car seats in other colors, like cream or burgundy, won’t find any organizers to match these colors.
Caution
Don’t leave valuables in the car seat gap organizer. This includes money and sunglasses. The organizer and the contents are highly visible, which could attract thieves.
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Popular designs
Compartments
One: Single-compartment organizers are simple and spacious. They’re often the most affordable option too. Many consumers gravitate toward these designs because they offer the most storage space. However, because of their single-pocket design, the items inside are prone to jostling around or falling out while you’re driving.
Multiple: Multi-compartment organizers keep items accessible and secure in individual pockets. For some drivers, this makes it easy to reach for certain items without taking their eyes off the road. This design also minimizes the movement of items inside the organizer. However, some of these organizers have poorly designed compartments, many of which are too small to cradle items like a larger phone. These can be a bit more challenging to clean too.
Deluxe: These organizers include a variety of compartments, which may include cupholders, coin holders, and/or pen slots. These organizers are typically much more durable and rigid than other car seat gap organizers. However, the cupholders in some of these organizers are awkwardly positioned. In some, they make the organizer top-heavy and can end up spilling beverages when you turn or hit the brakes.
If you want to affix the car seat gap organizer to your vehicle, invest in hook-and-loop adhesive strips.
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Accessories
Visor clip: Super Essentials Store Double Sunglasses Holder
Prevent your sunglasses from getting crushed by keeping them secured to the visor. This double visor clip has a convenient nonslip design. It also has a low profile, so it won’t distract you while you’re driving.
Document organizer: High Road Glove Box Organizer
Keep all your vehicle documentation in one place with this organizer. It has five pockets to hold the vehicle manual, registration, insurance documents, and more and fits neatly in the glove compartment.
For Your Safety
If you’re distracted by the car seat gap organizer, remove it. Distractions pull your attention away from the road, which is dangerous. Consider using an organizer on the passenger side instead.
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Car seat gap organizer prices
Car seat gap organizers cost between $14 and $50. The quality of the construction affects the price the most, followed by the number and type of compartments.
Inexpensive
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of single-compartment car seat gap organizers for $14 to $20. The quality can be hit or miss, but for the most part, they’ll get the job done without breaking the bank.
Mid-range
These car seat gap organizers run closer to $30. They include multi-compartment and deluxe organizers, which are often rigid, incredibly durable, and reliable.
Expensive
The most expensive car seat gap organizers cost between $35 and $50. Organizers in this category are contoured to fit better inside vehicles. They also have far better designs that help them look like part of the center console.
Tips
- Use the cupholder for keys. Some people carry bulky keyrings. Instead of keeping your in your handbag, store it in the cupholder of the car seat gap organizer while you’re driving.
- Store sunglasses elsewhere. There is plenty of room in a car seat gap organizer for sunglasses; however, they’re prone to getting scratched or damaged there. It’s better to keep them clipped to the visor. If that’s not an option. Make sure you have a protective case for your sunglasses when they’re in the organizer.
- Buy a new organizer for a new car. If you’re getting a new vehicle, you might need to get a new car seat gap organizer, especially if the layout of the seats and center console differs from that of your old car.
- Store spare eating utensils. If you eat on the road often, store spare plastic utensils, straws, and napkins in your car seat gap organizer.
- Keep important documentation in the glove compartment. It’s recommended that you store personal documents, such as insurance and registration cards, in the glove compartment. If you leave them in the organizer, the information can be stolen by identity thieves without even breaking into your vehicle.
FAQ
Q. How will I know if a car seat gap organizer will fit in my vehicle?
A. Measure the length of the seat, beginning with the seat belt. Then measure the space between the seat and the center console. Compare these dimensions to those in the descriptions of car seat gap organizers for the best fit. Some manufacturers take the guesswork out of measuring and offer vehicle compatibility guides to help you find the best design based on the make and model of your car.
Q. Should I invest in just one car seat gap organizer, or should I get a second one for the passenger seat?
A. If you’re usually the only person riding in your vehicle, it’s not necessary to invest in a passenger organizer. If you’re considering one for the passenger seat, however, it’s recommended that you double-check compatibility. Most car seat gap organizers are made to fit the driver’s seat, and you might need an organizer specifically designed for the passenger seat.
Q. Will a car seat gap organizer cut into my seat space?
A. Well-made car seat gap organizers have a fairly small footprint to avoid this. Deluxe organizers, including high-quality ones, tend to take up more seat space given their larger size. Many consumers invest in a car seat gap organizer to hold items as opposed to prevent items from slipping between seats. Some invest in a passenger seat organizer instead of a driver’s seat organizer, which they say is much easier to access.
Q. Will car seat gap organizers damage my vehicle?
A. It’s unlikely. However, there are occasional reports of the organizer leaving permanent indentations on seats after prolonged use. To avoid permanent damage, it’s recommended that you refrain from using adhesives to secure the organizer to your car. Removing glue residue can be challenging.
