It’s far too easy to accumulate junk in the trunk — literally. The cargo area of every car is there for a reason: to trek suitcases, groceries, and other bulky items to and fro. The problem arises when items linger there because they technically don’t need to be removed quite yet (clothing donations, old shoes, […]
Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.
It’s far too easy to accumulate junk in the trunk — literally. The cargo area of every car is there for a reason: to trek suitcases, groceries, and other bulky items to and fro. The problem arises when items linger there because they technically don’t need to be removed quite yet (clothing donations, old shoes, tennis rackets long abandoned).
The first step to organizing a runk is removing anything unnecessary, stocking up on key supplies — an emergency kit, for example — and then getting a trunk organizer. The old-school method was to jury-rig a milk crate or something similar to keep trunk items secure, but today there are many trunk organizers available in a wide array of price points, ranging from basic to detailed.
Joyce Ann Gutierrez, automotive expert at 4WheelOnline.com, has some tips to keep in mind when it’s time to transition from the spare laundry basket and upgrade to a good trunk organizer.
“Consider the size of your vehicle’s trunk and how much stuff you typically carry,” she says. “Choose a trunk organizer with the correct dimensions and enough compartments to accommodate your belongings without taking up too much space.” Eating up all the trunk space with an organizer defeats the purpose of it, so consolidate just the essentials and find an organizer that fits.
Trunk organizers also take quite a beating keeping items wrangled despite constant movement. “Look for a trunk organizer made from sturdy materials that withstand heavy items and constant use. Opt for organizers with reinforced stitching, robust handles, and durable fabric or materials,” says Gutierrez. “To prevent items from shifting or spilling while driving, opt for a trunk organizer with specific fastening mechanisms, such as Velcro straps, buckles, or non-slip bottoms that keep it in place.”
Being able to store the organizer between uses is also a nice feature, as well as portability and easy maintenance, according to Gutierrez. “Select an organizer that is easy to clean and maintain. Water-resistant materials make cleaning spills or messes hassle-free, ensuring your trunk stays tidy.”
BEST FOR FAMILIES
When a family expands, so does the list of items needed for a road trip. Drinks and snacks are essential items for traveling with kids, both for their mood and the sanity of the driver. The Orient Famulay Trunk Organizer comes with a built-in leakproof cooler bag for your drinks and snacks and still has plenty of room for anything else.
“The large multi-compartment design allows you to store various items securely, while the six durable side pockets provide easy access to smaller essentials,” Gutierrez says. “The adjustable strap lets you easily secure this trunk organizer and place it in your vehicle for convenience.
BEST BUNDLE BUY
This won’t pop up when searching online strictly for a trunk organizer, but Nate MacLellan, a professional auto detailer from Plymouth, Michigan, says the CQUARTZ Maintenance Kit is a great hack for keeping vehicles organized and clean. Pay for the cleaning products, and keep the insulated zippered bag as a go-to trunk organizer.
“This is not advertised as a trunk organizer, but it’s one I’ve been using for a long time,” he says. “It comes with a variety of Carpro cleaning products, as well as a couple of towels. You can put it right in your car with the provided products, or take them out and put your favorite products inside as well.”
BEST BUDGET BUY
Like most car accessories, trunk organizers can run up an impressive price tag, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great budget options. One of Gutierrez’s favorites is this durable polyester storage container that’s only $12 on Amazon. At 25 inches long by 13 inches wide by 13.25 inches deep, its capacity far outperforms its modest price.
“One of the key highlights of this storage chest is its easy-to-fold capability, making it convenient to store away when not in use,” she says. “The side mesh pockets provide additional space for keeping smaller items within reach, while the two compartments enable efficient organization of belongings.”
BEST PORTABILITY
Being able to keep items organized in the trunk and ready to be taken on the go at your destination is a great feature for a professional detailer like MacLellan, but also for anybody on an outing like a picnic, barbecue, or BYO party. This organizer has enough capacity to hold sixteen 16-ounce bottles of Adam’s cleaning products, which translates into generous space for anything.
“I personally love the original Adam’s trunk organizer and have been using it for years now, and the V2 has only improved on the original design,” MacLellan says. The V2 version is made of tough nylon fabric and has an ultra-secure top which is held closed by a zipper and Velcro. The three interior dividers are adjustable, a big plus to keep things from shifting.
FOR COMPACT CARS
Trunk organizers aren’t just for minivans and SUVs — compact cars have small trunks, which also means they can get disorganized even faster than their larger counterparts. Not surprisingly, The Container Store is a great source for car organization solutions, including this foldable one which is an ideal fit for a compact car. Gutierrez likes it for its integrated handle and dirt-resistant polyester construction.
“The integrated handle makes transporting the organizer from your vehicle to your home or workplace easy,” she says. “Despite being lightweight, this compact trunk organizer is robust and durable, ensuring that it can withstand everyday use.”
True, even foldable trunk organizers can take up more space than you want. Many minivans come standard with mesh net trunk organizers, but they’re also inexpensive and easy to find — Gutierrez likes the VaygWay 3-Pocket Cargo Net Trunk Bed Organizer — and they’re ideal for many pickup truck beds — just make sure your vehicle has the built-in hooks for the organizer to attach to. Also consider this – with more and more grocery stores either charging for or eliminating bags altogether, an expandable mesh cargo net is an ideal way to transport goods home from the store.
Some trunk organizers come with built-in hooks that can attach to the various cargo hooks most vehicles have, but the more secure solution is also the more common one — Velcro. Look for a trunk organizer with Velcro built into its bottom, and it will cling like crazy to the fuzzy upholstery in the trunk or cargo area. It does make moving or removing the organizer a little bit of a hassle, but it’s well worth it to secure cargo.
