Just saying the word “Sports Gear” makes me cringe. It makes me feel like the only option we have is to keep all of our cargo areas completely empty to accommodate it. Balls, bats, pads, cleats, bags, helmets, and swim boards — oh my goodness! Thinking about it all makes my head spin!
Even if you only have one child who plays sports, finding the space in your vehicle to accommodate their sporting equipment can be a pain.
For example, nothing drives me crazier than to go grocery shopping for the week and find that I have to place my bags all over the empty seats because there is gear completely covering every inch of cargo space. AND on the days when there are no empty seats because everyone came shopping with me, I’m stuck standing in the parking lot reevaluating the placement of everything inside my vehicle!
There has to be another option!
Can’t I throw it all on the roof?
While there is no “perfect” solution for commuting with sports equipment in tow. I have found the simplest solution option is to strap it in. Bat bags and children’s golf clubs can travel upright in the cargo area of most SUVs. Instead of laying them down (where they will take up every ounce of floor space possible) you can easily use cords and buckle straps to keep them upright and secure.
As for the smaller items, like sneakers, soccer pads, balls, or swim boards; use a mesh hammock along the backside of your back row seats. A new mesh hammock can hold many small items firmly along the backside of the seat. This keeps all of those lose items up and away from the floor, also preventing damage.
Finally, the most permanent solution is to seek family vehicles that offer under-floor storage compartments while shopping for a new vehicle. Under-floor storage compartments are wonderful for keeping each child’s individual sporting goods, pads, and shoes together. Some models may even offer you great storage solutions for some of those bigger items too!
How do you manage your children’s
sporting equipment on the go?
