Carrying oversized items in a small car can be tricky, especially when they don’t fit completely fit inside the car.

Holding the boot lid down is essential, but this can cause scratches to the item that is stored inside.

Instead of causing damage to your load, use a pool noodle to prevent scratches.

All you need to do is cut through one side of a pool noodle using a sharp utility knife. Then, position the cut pool noodle over the edge of the boot lid to provide a soft buffer between the lid and the item. This will prevent it from being scratched when you drive over bumps or potholes.

Take a look inside the latest issue of Handyman for more handy tips and ideas