Whilst you can keep some of your craft supplies in a car temporarily, a car really isn’t a good place for permanently storing your gear.
Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can change rapidly, while sunlight, condensation and movement can lead to damage to materials.
More robust tools are okay to keep in the car for short periods of time, provided they are not too valuable. However, paints, adhesives, batteries, electronics and delicate materials should be taken out of the car and not stored in there over night, just to be safe.
Which Craft Supplies Can Stay in a Car?
Craft supplies that are not particularly sensitive to heat, cold or moisture are the safest choices. These may include things like:
- Plastic rulers
- Cutting mats
- Metal-free templates
- Empty plastic storage boxes
- Basic pencils
- Some hand tools
- Protective table covers
- Unfinished wooden shapes
- Craft aprons (provided they are cheap)
Even durable supplies should be stored in a closed box so that they do not roll around, become dirty or create a distraction whilst you’re driving.
Metal tools can become extremely hot in direct sunlight and may develop rust if they are repeatedly exposed to condensation.
Sharp tools should be kept in a secure container rather than left loose in the boot or passenger area. You don’t want to accidentally get hurt on them if you forget they’re there.
Which Craft Supplies Should Not Be Left in a Car?
Avoid leaving supplies that can melt, dry out, separate, freeze or become dangerous when exposed to changing temperatures. These include:
- Paint
- Glue and adhesives
- Aerosol products
- Solvents and varnishes
- Polymer clay
- Air-dry clay
- Wax and candles
- Hot glue sticks
- Marker pens
- Batteries
- Electronic cutting machines
- Heat tools
- Resin products
Paints and glues can become thick, separated or unusable after repeated exposure to heat or freezing conditions. Wax, crayons and some modelling materials may also soften or melt.
Aerosols, solvents, resins and other products carrying flammability or temperature warnings should not be stored in a parked car. Always follow the storage instructions on the product label.
Paper, fabric and yarn are not usually dangerous to store in a car, but they can fade, absorb moisture, develop smells or become damaged by leaks and condensation.
Can Craft Supplies Be Stored in the Boot?
The boot is usually better than leaving supplies on a seat because it keeps them out of direct sunlight and also out of sight of opportunists. However, what it doesn’t do is to protect them from temperature changes.
Use a lidded plastic container with compartments to prevent supplies from moving around. Secure the container so that it can’t slide or tip while the car is moving.
Do not place heavy or sharp craft tools where they could move forward if you ever have to brake suddenly.
How Long Can You Leave Craft Supplies in a Car?
A few hours may be acceptable for durable supplies, depending on the weather and the product’s storage instructions. Leaving craft materials in the car for several days or weeks creates a greater risk of damage.
A useful tip is to create a portable craft box that travels with you but comes back indoors afterwards. This gives you the convenience of keeping supplies together without treating the car as permanent storage.
Before leaving the vehicle, remove:
- Liquids
- Adhesives
- Batteries
- Electrical equipment
- Valuable tools
- Temperature-sensitive materials
- Products with hazard warnings
Does Local Climate Make a Difference?
If you live in a very warm or very cold area, this may factor into your decision as to whether to keep your supplies in your car short-term.
Also keep in mind what season it is, and whether your region is currently going through a heatwave or a cold snap. If any of these are the case, you may want to reassess keeping items in your car, even for one night.
Does Where You Park Make a Difference?
Not really; having access to a secure parking garage or driveway is technically safer than on-road parking, but you should still avoid keeping expensive equipment or supplies in your vehicle, just to be safe.
Is It Safe to Craft in a Parked Car?
Simple activities such as drawing, journaling or colouring may be possible while you’re safely parked, but you should avoid using blades, heat tools, strong adhesives, solvents or products that require good ventilation.
Never allow craft materials to interfere with your car’s pedals, controls, mirrors, airbags or driver’s view. Everything should be packed away before the vehicle moves.
Is a Car a Good Craft Storage Space?
A car can be useful for transporting a small craft kit, but it should never replace proper indoor storage. Keep only durable, low-value supplies in the vehicle for short periods and take sensitive or potentially hazardous materials indoors.
The safest system is a portable, lidded craft box that can be loaded into the car when needed and removed at the end of the day.