I hate my car. I hate the fact that the dirt gets underneath the mats. I hate the fact that there's nowhere to put my big map book. I hate the fact that things roll off the shelf and the glove compartment is too small to put my bag in it. I've thought about buying a new car - that's a huge money commitment, though.

But I've discovered that there are a whole load of really useful products you can use to make your car more useful and in tune with your way of life.

For instance, just in terms of keeping the car clean, having a small vacuum cleaner in the car is a big help. It's easier to get into the nooks and crannies, under the seats for instance, and it's there when I need it - which isn't always at home. Having a dedicated trash bin in the car also helps me keep it clean when I'm traveling - tempting as it is to just chuck everything in the back and sort it out later!

I also got an all-in-one car kit with sponges, microfiber cloths, and even a wheel brush, as well as a squeegee for the windscreen. A package will often come in miles cheaper than buying all the pieces separately.

I still had problems with storing stuff, though, till I discovered just how many kinds of organizers you can buy. For instance, there's a fantastic organizer that fits over the back of the seat, and while the things in it aren't immediately available to me as a driver, it's a great place to store my water bottles, bits of electronic kit, wet wipes and so on - as well as car cleaning stuff!

But what solved my problems with maps (yes, I'm old school - I don't believe in GPS!) for good was a handy net bag that can be slung between the two front seats. It's just the right size for the big atlas I use, plus a guidebook. For a small change, I added a car phone holder so that I can charge my phone safely - scratching around under your seat to find where your phone skidded to when you had to stop suddenly is not a good look, particularly when you're visiting a client!

(Another great device is a car seat gap filler. You know how things always fall down the gap between the two front seats and then you can never get them out? This genius idea stops it from happening.)

Most cars these days do come provided with hooks for hanging your jacket or handbag, but getting a couple extra is cheap and useful.

I also got myself a little luxury while I was at it. I hate it when I'm just wearing a tee shirt and I can feel the hard edge of the seat belt rubbing against my arms and neck. Now I have a furry seat belt cover, it's much less annoying.

Meanwhile my passengers rate side window screens they can use in the back of the hair when it's too hot, and neck pillows that let them snooze without getting stiff neck muscles.

Go take a look on Vipon and you'll get a good idea of what's available. You'll find a whole lead of really useful accessories, with money-off deals.