The time has finally come where our family is out growing our SUV. We have had a Chevy Traverse for the past 3 years. We have expanded our family from two to four children in that time. The Traverse has become more of a hassle than a tool.

With much discussion, my husband and I decided to upgrade.

We purchased a 15 passenger Chevy Express Passenger Van!

In the month that we have had it I can honestly say that it was the best buy this year!

The kids can spread out. There has been less bickering making the drives pleasant again.

With the expanded room, I soon realized how quickly the van would become a mess. We needed organization in place.

I compiled a list of things I would need to make the van a home on the road.

1. Bins – large and small
2. Trash cans
3. Cleaning vinegar
4. Container for the vinegar
5. Command Bathroom set
6. Rags / paper towels
7. Multipurpose wipes
8. Snack trays for kids
9. vacuum
10. Portable toilet

The goal was to make the organization functional but not cluttered. The more children we have, the more I realize how important it is to cut down on clutter. I have always struggled with pruning. Thus, I wanted to get ahead of that. I decided to limit what we had in the car.

Each child has their own lidded bin. The bins hold activities like a leapfrog computer, books, and drawing pads. I decided to avoid having a lot of little pieces. These would be lost in the car and make the van messy. Each of those bins goes underneath the benches to be stored. Before we get on the road the kiddos choose what they want to use on the drive.

Behind the driver’s seat, I put a large basket. It houses the first aid kit, cleaning bin, emergency diaper bin, and the jug of vinegar.

Using the command shower kit I have added storage. On the side window I put up command hooks for jackets and book bags for the kids. The book bags have extra clothes in case of accidents or messes while on the road. In the middle console I put the soap dish for resting things on. And the razor or toothbrush holder holds charge cords.

There are 2 trash cans to limit the trash on the floor. One is up by the driver and passenger. While the other one is in the back by the kids. They can easily pass trash to the kid on the isle side. They can throw it away instead of it dropping on the floor.

As time goes on, I am sure I will find things we need or changes I want to make. But right now, the needs of my family are completely met.