Artist Back Alley Resources Blog

The Car Tetris Nobody Talks About You've got your display, your stock, your signage, your cash box, your personal bag, your snacks, and that box of "just in case" items you've never once used. Now fit it all in your hatchback. Oh, and your table too. And maybe a friend who's helping you set up. Sound like every single market morning? Let's fix it. Start With The Display, Not The Product Your display is the biggest, most awkwardly shaped item. It dictates everything else. If your display packs flat, it slides along the back seat or the boot floor and everything else stacks on top. If it doesn't pack flat, it becomes the giant awkward shape everything else piles around. The modular display kit packs into a 56x36x23cm case. That's carry-on luggage size. It fits in the footwell. It fits in a suitcase. It fits in the gap behind the passenger seat that you never thought was usable space. The Gear Audit That Saves 40% Of Your Boot Lay out everything you packed for your last event. Now sort it into three piles: Used every time (display, stock, float, signage) Used sometimes (backup stock, extra signage, weather gear) Never used but "just in case" Kill the third pile entirely. Move half the second pile to a smaller container that stays in the car but doesn't come inside. Your boot just got 40% lighter. The Box Rule: One Per Category One box for stock. One for display hardware. One for personal/admin (cash, card reader, receipt book, phone charger). Three boxes plus your display case. That's it. If you can't fit a category into one box, you're bringing too much of that category. This rule alone prevents the slow creep where every show adds one more bag until you're driving to markets like you're moving house. Think Vertical At The Venue, Not In The Car Your display gives you height. Use it. A setup that goes five panels high (175cm) means your TABLE stays clear for product, not for propping up display elements. Fewer table props means fewer things to pack. The modular system replaces easels, risers, grid walls, and pegboards with one flat-packing kit. Frequently Asked Questions What If I Do Interstate Events And Need Even More Gear? Interstate means shipping or flying. Either way, flat-pack wins. A carry-on-sized display case plus one checked bag of stock is a realistic two-bag setup for flying vendors. Check the full kit range for kits that fit airline luggage limits. Can I Fit A Full Booth Setup In A Sedan? Yes, if your display packs flat. A sedan boot typically fits two medium boxes and a flat display case with room for a personal bag. The trick is never bringing items that don't stack or nest. What About Bad Weather Gear? Keep a small weather bag in the car permanently: a tarp, bungee cords, zip ties, and a rain poncho. It doesn't come inside unless you need it. It lives in the car like a spare tyre. Costs no packing effort.