Between the crisp weather and football rivalries, tailgating is a favorite activity during the fall. Although it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement, it’s best to prepare for the big game beforehand. A well-packed car will give you more time to enjoy the tailgate.

Put what you need first, last 
The last thing you’ll want to do once you arrive is dig through your trunk for multiple items. To keep this from happening, pack your go-to essentials—chairs, tables, coolers, games, and cookware—last.  This way, you’ll be able to quickly set up shop, and plop down to enjoy the festivities.

Keep coolers flat 
To avoid any unnecessary spills, make sure that your coolers stay flat. It’s best to put them on the ground in between the seats to ensure that they don’t tip or shift during the drive.  If you don’t have room in your car, utilize a bungee cord to secure the coolers in the trunk.

Stock up on trash bags 
It’s no surprise that you’ll accumulate a lot of trash during the tailgate. That being said, come prepared by storing trash bags throughout your vehicle. From the front door compartments to the trunk, stuff trash bags wherever you can. Having them readily accessible will make for a much easier clean up.

Label, label, label 
Between the abundance of food and outdoor games, it’s safe to assume that your car will be packed to the brim. To avoid pulling things out only to put them back in, make sure you label all boxed items whose contents you can’t clearly see. Simply use a piece of masking tape and a permanent marker to remind yourself of what’s inside.