Hi,
New member and have been searching internet and now this forum for accessories to hold things such as compact umbrella's. I see the ford focus design team gave thought to umbrella storage along side each front seat, but my wife is stuck putting hers on the passenger floor and needs to reach way over to get. Her being 5'2" makes for a struggle at times.
Any advise on learning more on what each of the nooks and crannies within the interior can serve as for holding various common things kept in the vehicle.
Thanks,
LDC5
The most effective spot I've found for a compact umbrella (and other items like a mag flashlight) are the pockets behind the front driver and passenger seats. When driving, your wife should be able to easily reach behind the front passenger seat's rear pocket, just enough to grab the umbrella handle. Just remember to put the object in question in the pocket of the seat opposite of the one you are sitting in (in other words, driver can reach behind passenger's seat, passenger can reach behind driver's seat).
As for other nooks and crannies, and what to store in them, it's all about personal preference. When you come home after work every day, you likely put your keys and wallet in certain spot for whatever reason. You instinctively chose it and likely don't remember why. Ease of access, it's visible, it's the only clean spot available, etc.
Glove box could be for paperwork such as owner's manual, car insurance, and other obvious items. I sometimes keep napkins in there (spare ones that I get from fast food restaurants) just in case. Important to keep your glove box organized and uncluttered. Nothing more unattractive than an overstuffed, messy glove box.
Center console is a bit large and deep for anything practical we keep on our person, so it would be ideal to put bigger items in there--especially those that you want to keep hidden while you're out and about such as mobile GPS device, a small note pad, a digital camera, etc. Use the smaller pockets in the center console to store spare change and pens. But if you need quick access, you might feel inconvenienced by having to open the lid and fiddle around the deep and dark console just to find a small lighter, a lip balm, or some other small item.
Instead, use the utility compartment (the open pocket near the auxiliary power point and USB sockets beneath the MFT/knobs) for easily accessible items such as cell phone, cigarettes, hand sanitizer, etc).
Again it's all about personal preference. Let your body naturally put items where it wants, and you'll learn where it's best to store things.
In my previous Highlander, it actually fit inside the glovebox.
