How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (2024)

Organizing

Decluttering

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Published on 08/05/23

Trending Videos

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (2)

The trunk is like the junk drawer of cars—if you can't see it, the clutter doesn't exist,. Everyday life, kids, and activities quickly clutter up a car, but it doesn't have to be that way. A few simple car organization tricks and making sure you have a place for everything will help keep your car's trunk clutter-free and efficient. We share a few simple tips to help you get and keep your car trunk spotless.

Divide and Conquer

Before you can organize your trunk, you need to declutter it. Take everything out of your trunk and divide it into categories. These categories can include trunk essentials, items that don't belong in your trunk but in your home or garage, and items you want to throw away or donate. Once you've separated these items, you should only be left with the items you want or need in your trunk. Some items that are good to have in your trunk include:

  • an emergency kit
  • water and nonperishable food
  • portable air compressor
  • jumper cables
  • a basic toolkit
  • trash bag and small trash can

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (3)

Use Organizers

Organizers are a great way to keep like items together and at hand. You can use different types of organizers to fit your needs, from collapsible, washable fabric organizers, to storage bins with lids. We suggest containers with easily-accessible pockets so you can keep seasonal items like sunscreen and bug spray at hand while you're on the go.

Maximize Vertical Space

Whether you have a big trunk or small, utilizing the vertical space in your trunk will leave room for more essentials and will make it easier to organize. You can use velcro strips or simple hooks to add small, loose items to your trunk, like an umbrella or flashlight. This will also prevent loose items from moving around while you're driving.

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (4)

Have an Emergency Kit

It's never a bad idea to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit in the truck of your car in case of unforeseen circ*mstances.nItems in your emergency kit can include:

  • first aid supplies
  • fire extinguisher
  • blanket
  • road flares
  • portable phone charger
  • flashlight
  • a multitool

You can buy an emergency kit online, or you can put your own together. If you assemble your own kit, make sure to put it in a waterproof container with a lid.

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (5)

Use Clear Bins

You have many trunk organizers to choose from, but clear bins are great if you want to keep items secure. Clear bins make it easier to locate items without having to open lids and sift through items. Plus, they look uniform and neat when stacked or lined up in your trunk.

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (6)

Rotate Seasonal Items

Just as you do with your closet, rotate out seasonal items in your trunk. During summer months, keep picnic blankets, towels, flip flops, and sunglasses in the trunk. During winter, keep warm blankets, an extra set of clothes, and nonperishable snacks in case of emergencies.

Keep It Light

Not only does keeping minimal items in your trunk help it look clutter free, but it's also fuel efficient. An overpacked trunk means a heavier car, which can affect fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Only keep essentials in your trunk.

Schedule a Deep Clean

Now that you've organized your trunk, it's time to keep it that way. To help keep things organized, set aside time to deep clean your trunk. This means removing all items and vacuuming and removing any stains before you put items back. This is also a great time to take inventory of items in your car and remove or add items, and make sure emergency kit items are working properly.

FAQ

  • How do I keep my car trunk organized?

    Only keep the essentials in your trunk, like seasonal items, an emergency kit and any everyday items you need. Set a schedule to deep clean and reassess the items in your car, whether that be once a month or every week.

  • What should I keep in my trunk?

    Your trunk is a place you can store items for when you're on the go, but it's also important to have items you need in case of an emergency. Add an emergency kit, seasonal essentials like towels or blankets, nonperishable food, and an air compressor and jumper cables.

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All (2024)

FAQs

How to Organize Your Car Trunk Once and For All? ›

You can use different types of organizers to fit your needs, from collapsible, washable fabric organizers, to storage bins with lids. We suggest containers with easily-accessible pockets so you can keep seasonal items like sunscreen and bug spray at hand while you're on the go.

How do I maximize my car trunk space? ›

Maximize Your Car Trunk Space Efficiently
  1. Declutter and Clean. Before you start organizing, it's essential to declutter and clean your trunk. ...
  2. Use Compartmentalized Storage Solutions. ...
  3. Categorize Your Items. ...
  4. Utilize Vertical Space. ...
  5. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible. ...
  6. Secure Loose Items. ...
  7. Regular Maintenance.
Feb 17, 2024

How can I make my car more organized? ›

11 Tips to Keep Your Car Organized
  1. Consider Function First. ...
  2. Keep An Organized Car Trunk. ...
  3. Find a Safe Place for Purses or Diaper Bags. ...
  4. Get A Baby Car Organizer. ...
  5. Designate a Trash Bin. ...
  6. Upcycle Round Tissue Containers. ...
  7. Organize the Console and Glove Box. ...
  8. Use Shower Caddies for Car Meals.
Feb 28, 2023

How to organize papers in a car? ›

Various compartments, including the Glove box, Center Console, and Car Trunks can be used for storing documents conveniently. Accessory organizers such as sun visor organizers or attachable document holders can also be used for organizing paperwork.

What do you keep in car trunk? ›

In addition to the essential items needed for emergency preparedness and car maintenance, you can also keep some other convenient things in your car's trunk. These can include items like a blanket, an umbrella, an all-purpose spray cleaner, paper towels, your car's manual, and a spare change of clothes.

How do you pack a car trunk? ›

Put the largest, heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on the top. Blankets and pillows are great for filling holes around oddly shaped items. For hatchbacks, secure the whole load with a cargo bar, a bungee cord, or ratchet straps. Leave enough room at the top of the cargo area to see out the rear window.

How do I fit all my stuff in my car? ›

Here are eight tips to help you pack a car efficiently and safely when it's time to move.
  1. Downsize Your Items. ...
  2. Pack Clothes in Vacuum-Sealed Bags. ...
  3. Sort Items By Type. ...
  4. Pack Essential Items First. ...
  5. Clean Your Car Before the Move. ...
  6. Take Your Car in for a Tune-Up. ...
  7. Fill Every Small and Hidden Space. ...
  8. Get Creative if Space is Limited.
Mar 1, 2022

How can I maximize storage in my small car? ›

8 Ways to Maximise Storage in Your Car
  1. Keep the Trunk Empty. When it comes to vehicle storage, the space that suffers the most is the car trunk. ...
  2. Use Storage Bags. ...
  3. Manage the Back Seat. ...
  4. Install Roof Rails. ...
  5. Sort out the Console Clutter. ...
  6. Make use of the Glove Compartment. ...
  7. Be wise with the Visor. ...
  8. Keep it clean.

What car has the largest trunk space? ›

SUVs With the Most Cargo Space
  • 2024 Jeep Wagoneer | Maximum Cargo Room: 130.9 cubic feet.
  • 2024 Cadillac Escalade | Maximum Cargo Room: 142.8 cubic feet.
  • 2024 Chevrolet Suburban | Maximum Cargo Room: 144.7 cubic feet.
  • 2024 GMC Yukon | Maximum Cargo Room: 144.7 cubic feet.
Apr 18, 2024

How to tidy your car? ›

How to declutter your car
  1. Clearing out your car. First things first: clear out all rubbish, working methodically. ...
  2. Wipe up. Clean the dashboard, armrests and steering wheel with wipes. ...
  3. Spruce up car mats. ...
  4. Organise door pockets. ...
  5. Clear out the glove compartment. ...
  6. Make use of the visor. ...
  7. Clean cup holders. ...
  8. Tackle the back seats.
Feb 8, 2023

How to organize a mom car? ›

Too many containers, storage bags, hooks, etc can create a cluttered look, and that is not the look you are trying to achieve.
  1. Large Car Tote To Keep Your Trunk Organized.
  2. Car Organization Trash Bags.
  3. Center Console Storage Dividers and Tray.
  4. Use the Glove box for extra car organization and storage.
  5. Snack Bag.
Oct 13, 2023

How do you pack a car with a lot of stuff? ›

Heavy items should be placed on the bottom of your car, with lighter items up top. This not only protects your belongings, but yourself and your passengers as well. Should the car come to a sudden stop, you don't want heavy objects flying over the seats.

How do you pack a car properly? ›

Large, heavy items should be packed at the bottom of the boot and as far forward as possible to keep the centre of gravity low and optimize weight distribution. Pack tight, strap large items and put small items in suitcases/boxes – objects in your vehicle can become dangerous projectiles in a crash.

What do you put in a car Organiser? ›

Tips & Ideas to keep your car organised
  • nail file.
  • hand moisturiser.
  • notepad and pen.
  • mints.
  • hand sanitiser.
  • chapstick.
  • lipstick.
  • loose change.
Feb 18, 2016

What to keep in a car boot organiser? ›

Store just about anything, groceries, tools, sports equipment, car cleaning products and much more. Perfect for people who just can't seem to avoid clutter.

How do I keep things from moving in my trunk? ›

To keep the items you have stored in the trunk of your car from sliding around, attach self-adhesive strips of hook-and-loop fastener (hook side) to the bottom of a storage container, then press the container to the carpet in the truck.

How do you load a trunk? ›

A combination of boxes and bags is good because you can shove soft bags into corners to maximize space—and stop those annoying rattles! 2. Pack heavy items on the bottom and as far forward as possible. Then, if you have to slam on the brakes those items won't move very much.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6305

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.