In 15 hours — the time the average American driver spends behind the wheel each week, according to a 2003 Arbitron study on car trends — you could drive a quarter of the way across the country. But you still wouldn’t be any further away from the mess in the backseat. Since so many of us are practically living in our cars, it’s not surprising that we’re using them more like second homes. And like homes, cars have a way of getting overwhelmed by stuff — from empty coffee cups to stray CDs to kids’ toys. Below you’ll find tools to tackle car chaos problems one by one. Sure, you have to drive — but you don’t have to be driven to distraction by car clutter.

Front Seat

When you’re driving, you want to keep distractions — and distracting searches for things you need — at a minimum. Create a system that lets you stow essentials within easy reach and keep your frustration in low gear.

Visor CD Holder

Problem: Your CD collection has officially spilled over into your car. Unfortunately, it's not nearly as organized as the one in the house.
Solution: Case Logic's CD Visor Organizer ($8, www.casedirect.com) transforms your sun visor into a handy storage space for 12 CDs. There's also a mesh pocket for receipts or toll money.

Passenger-Seat Organizer

Problem: Your soda bottle rolled under your seat, the pretzels have slid off the passenger seat, and you need directions to find your driving directions.
Solution: The Lewis N. Clark Seat Caddy ($20, www.ebags.com) straps into the front passenger seat, keeping readily accessible anything you may need to reach for during a solo drive — water bottle, map, snacks, CDs.

Visor Sunglass Clip

Problem: You’re driving into the sunset, and your sunglasses are missing (and, yes, you already checked the top of your head).
Solution: The Shade Shack Eyeglass Holder ($5, www.containerstore.com) keeps your sunglasses firmly attached to the visor — right where you need them. Clips come in black, purple, and silver.