Car Cache Purse Holder is on sale at Amazon

Now here's something I never imagined I'd need: A designated place to park my purse in the car. But now that I have experienced the many wonders of the Car Cache, I can't un-need it! I "installed" this clever mesh organizer (designed by a woman, of course!) in my Prius in under a minute, and it immediately proved its worth! Yes, it's a purse holder, which is a great help, but this multitasker does so much more. Stretched behind the console between the front seats, it blocks my giant puppy from jumping into the front, prevents restless kid feet from knocking into me when I drive and even keeps takeout food off the dirty floor. And right now, you can get it for just $11 (was $26). That's nearly 60% off!

When the hubby hogs all the cup holders on road trips, the Car Cache is there to hold my water bottle. And, if I'm feeling generous, I can let my daughter use it as a backseat organizer.

I'm digging my new assistant! I'm hoping it will become as "life-changing" for me as it has for many of its 7,500-plus five-star reviewers. Read on for accolades from fellow fans and to find out how this simple gadget works.

Like many people, I want my little bag to be in a clean, convenient spot, but the passenger seat is rarely available. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the unsanitary floorboard is out of the question — and obviously it is completely unsafe to have a purse underfoot while driving. Now that I've added this sturdy, hammock-like holder, my purse stays clean, handy and secured.

I agree with the happy five-star reviewer, who called this a "fantastic invention!" and "a great solution to a common problem."

Little things like this truly can make our days better. Or at the very least make them less of a mess.

And that fan who said "every car should come standard with these!" may be on to something! It should come in every car. Whom do we petition? In the meantime, we are lucky to have this add-on for just $14.

The fan also pointed out that the adjustable straps make it "perfect for all purses/handbags of all shapes and sizes!" My purse that I tested it on this weekend is actually small enough to fit in the pocket, but after reading their review, I'm thinking it'll hold my backpack too!

Some fans simply truly can't contain their enthusiasm: "How am I this excited? I got a new purse and was tired of my kids constantly dumping it out as it floated all over the car. Out of desperation, I ordered this. It installed in seconds and I almost started crying with excitement and relief. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I was so happy for such a sleek and practical solution to a problem I’ve had for years. My purse stays right where I want it, cradled perfectly between the two seats. It doesn't interfere at all with the passengers behind and it doesn't interfere with the use of the storage compartment between the seats. It's literally perfect in every direction. Sturdy. Nicely designed. I’m ordering more for...gifts for the women in my life."

I hear you, fellow shopper. I hear you.

Installing the Car Cache took less than a minute and was intuitive. Simply face it in the direction you like (I have it pocket-forward) and tie the lower straps inside the console between your front seats. Wrap the upper straps around the outermost headrest bars and hook them with the metal carabiners. Adjust the straps, if needed, and you're ready to roll.

"So easy to install!" wrote a five-star reviewer. "It took under one minute to install, and it works great! I'm very happy with the simple design, and it solves the problem so my purse has a place and isn't falling on the floor anymore...All you do to install is close the front loop into the center console. It's adjustable too, so you can make sure it fits right...If you want an easy, convenient place to put your purse then get this."

No console? No problem! One fan who digs the "sleek design" and "will never drive without it!" explained the fix: "While my center console does not have a flip top, I figured out another way to use this product that was very easy. The strings on the bottom of the holder tie together like shoelaces around the center console, but instead of doing that, I...tied it around the bottom portion of the [front] seatbelts."

As I mentioned, I found a half dozen great ways to use this thingy on day one. Holding purse, water and takeout; blocking kid feet and animal faces; organizing the backseat. Let your particular needs guide you.

One fan uses the small pocket for "gloves, sanitizer, etc.," while another uses it for "umbrella, sunglasses, Kleenex and extra water bottle."

Another grateful owner said: "It holds my power inverter that I plug my laptop into while charging for when I need to work in the car (parked of course but I'm a road warrior!)... It's so simple yet durable and GENIUS! Love it! Highly recommended.

"Every car should have a Car Cache!!" insisted another five-star reviewer. "I use it every day to keep my purse safely out of the way and also often times keep an umbrella and water in it. My husband uses Car Cache for his computer, water bottle and other essentials. I have found it so convenient that I even bring it when going our of town and put it in my rental car! Thanks so much for this fabulous invention.....I cannot imagine my car without it."

Our car can get chaotic (Girl Scout cookie deliveries, road trips, vet visits), so I'm excited and, frankly, relieved to have the Car Cache by my side. How could this gadget help you?

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.