Few things are as exciting as gathering your friends or family, piling into the car, and hitting the open road. Road trips are a classic way to spend your vacation, with the journey sometimes outshining the destination.

However, a successful road trip requires preparation. Before you pack up and hit the open road, make sure to use these tips to make the most of your space and stay organized.

Pack smart

Consider packing your suitcase with packing cubes, which come in different sizes and accommodate everything from your clothes to toiletries to electronics. These cubes make the most of the space in your suitcase and help keep your items organized.

If you’re on a multiday road trip and plan on stopping at a hotel to sleep, bring an overnight bag. By packing this bag with sleepwear, toiletries, and a fresh set of clothes, you won’t have to lug a heavy suitcase in and out of your room.

Bring along a mesh laundry basket if you have space. They easily fold up, and you can avoid throwing dirty clothes back into your suitcase to mingle with clean outfits. Make sure to bring along a dryer sheet to keep at the bottom of the basket to keep it smelling fresh.

Use carabiners to hang umbrellas, backpacks, and tote bags on the back of seats from headrests to keep these items within reaching distance and make getting ready for pit stops simpler.

Keep the essentials close

Store a small medicine bag in your glovebox for easy access. Use either a large sandwich bag or a plastic container, and keep items that you might need along the way like sunscreen, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and medication in it. Additionally, pack a few rolls of toilet paper. You’ll be happy you did if you use a restroom at a park or truck stop that has run out.

Don’t forget to pack gear for automotive-related emergencies. This must-have kit should include a flashlight, flares, a jack, and jumper cables.

Get your energy out on pit stops

It feels good to get out of your car and move around every couple of hours. If you have the room, consider bringing along some items to help you elevate your heart rate for a few minutes. Jump ropes, hacky sacks, and hula hoops are all good tools to help stretch your legs and burn some energy.

Limit messes while eating

Your trip may include on-the-go eating, and you should pack your car to keep messes to a minimum. Pack a bag filled with napkins and plastic utensils to help make eating while traveling a lot simpler. If you’re looking for a spill-free garbage can, line a sealable cereal container with a trash bag.

Keep children entertained

To keep your kids occupied, bring along some activities like coloring books and games. If you’re looking for a way to pass the time for the younger passengers, these games will help keep them occupied between stops. You can keep these items readily available by using shower organizers with suction cups on the windows or by attaching shoe organizers to the back of seats.

Bring the pets

Your pets are part of the family and can tag along on the trip with a few accommodations. Bring along copies of vaccination records in case a hotel you’re staying at asks for them. Additionally, put together a “doggy bag” of pet essentials, which should include:

• Food
• Water and bowl
• Waste bags
• Towels for messes
• Toys
• Bed

Follow these additional tips to keep you four-legged friend safe and happy on your road trip.

Stay plugged in

A lot of people want to stay connected to home on a road trip through their electronic devices, so don’t forget a multiport charger to keep everyone’s phones and tablets powered up. And make sure to put these devices to use by downloading these apps to help keep you on track to your destination.

By going in ready on your next road trip, you can focus on making memories with your friends and family that will last a lifetime.