Tired of losing your car in that crowded parking lot? I know I was, so I came up with the homemade, plastic canvas, car locator sign. This attaches to your car antenna and proudly stands out in any crowded lot.
Approximate Time: Depending on size, about an hour
Cut plastic canvas to desired size. Plan out your design and go for it. I discovered that if you do the edges and a center design, leaving the rest "open," it seems to work better.
Stitch design, wrap stitch the outer edge. Using the tie straps, attach to the antenna and there you go!
I am now experimenting with beads in the center to look more feminine and to jazz them up a bit.
By Chris from Oshkosh, WI
This page contains the following solutions.
When I get out of my vehicle, I look for the entrance to the store. It is to the right of me, that's where it is when I exit the store (to the right of me)...
I always park in the same general location no matter what store. To sneak in a little exercise, I park in very back of the parking lot to the right of the door I intend to go into.
If you've ever tried to return to your car after shopping, and couldn't remember where you parked, then you'll appreciate this simple tip, so you won't spend precious time trying to find your car in a sea of others. Just take your cell phone out, snap a picture showing your location and shop 'til you drop knowing you won't be frantically trying to locate your car--especially in cold or rainy weather.
When leaving your car in a parking lot that is not marked, (like a school, grocery, etc.), I use a VERY RED sock or scarf and tie it to the top of my antenna. Be sure to loop part of the ID over the top of the antenna so it doesn't slide down! It is not only functional, it's pretty!
Do you forget where you park when shopping? If so, make it a habit to always park on the same parking lane, regardless of the store. For example, I always park on the lane in front of the left side entrance of any store.
Use your phone so you do not forget where you parked. Go to your maps setting menu, and scroll down. You will see a toggle option labeled "Show parked location".
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What do you tie the bag to on top of your car?
By Mari
Roof rack, radio antenna, or just a balloon on one of the wipers. Need enough string so the balloon is high enough to see. It needs to be loose so it will move as movement attracts the eye.
I don't put anything on top. I usually remember in the area of where I parked. A lot of bigger stores have the isles numbered.
Washingtonapple, well how wonderful for you that you can remember but sometimes, even if we do have a good memory, it's difficult when you're overly tired or just don't feel well and not everyone has an alarm system and some alarm systems do not make a beeping noise. Plus you didn't answer Mari's particular question - LOL ;-)
Mari, Chloelizabeth's answer is perfect!
I use one of the flags you can attach to the window. That was great when we were in DC and trying to caravan with another vehicle!
Radio antenna is the usual site. If your car doesn't have one, you could use the roof rack, or you could get one of those flags that fit in the window that show your favorite sports team, and then add something to that. It isn't as high as an antenna, but it will help.
I bought a roll of bright pink tape @ Lowe's and used to tie a piece of it to the top of my antenna. My new car has no antenna so I locked a piece of the tape in the back of both rear windows and the front of the sun roof. I also have tied a piece of it to my back license plate cover. This makes it easy to tell my car from all the other ones that look almost exactly the same.
