Having an organized car trunk can make your life so much easier. No more rummaging around for what you need or having things slide around while driving. With some simple tips and tricks, you can transform your messy trunk into an oasis of efficiency. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to organize your car trunk once and for all!
Take Everything Out
The first step is to empty your trunk completely. Take everything out, right down to the mats and any tools or spare tires. This gives you a blank slate to work with and ensures you don’t miss any items that have gotten buried at the bottom.
Lay out all the items on the ground near your car or on a tarp. Separate things into categories like tools, emergency supplies, cleaning items, etc. Get rid of anything you don’t need or that’s broken. Donate or recycle items you no longer want.
Thoroughly clean out the empty trunk with a vacuum and/or cleaning solution. This prepares the space for your newly organized items.
Use Containers
The key to maintaining organization is using quality storage containers of various sizes. Here are some great options:
- Plastic bins or storage cubes: Choose clear ones so you can easily see contents. Great for bulkier items.
- Mesh bags: Lightweight and collapsible forOdd-shaped objects. The see-through material makes it easy to identify items.
- Trunk organizers: Special insert kits that have multiple compartments and pockets to hold all your gear neatly in place.
- Toolboxes: For safely storing smaller tools, automotive fluids, etc. Pick ones that latch or lock for secure transport.
Having different sized containers lets you customize based on what you need to store. Label each container so you know what’s inside without opening it.
Design Your Layout
Now it’s time to put everything back in an organized way. Think about what you use most and needs to be most accessible. Map out zones and sections to keep similar items together.
Back Row Along Rear Seat
This area is great for items you access frequently or want handy while driving:
- Emergency roadside kit
- Umbrella
- Purse, briefcase or backpack
- Electronics bag
Use sturdy containers here to keep things in place during transport.
Sides of Trunk
The sides of the trunk are good spots for:
- Tools
- Cleaning supplies
- Auto fluids
- Tire inflator or sealer
Store these in toolboxes or bins to keep them contained.
Front of Trunk
The space right behind the rear seats works well for bulkier cargo:
- Luggage
- Cooler
- Sports/camping gear
- Folding chairs
Use cargo nets or bags to secure items and prevent sliding. Leave this area open when not in use.
Under Floor Compartment
If your trunk has a compartment under the floor, utilize it to stow:
- Spare tire & jack
- Car documents
- Emergency cash
- Portable air compressor
Keep them protected from dirt and damage. Install a tray or tub if needed.
Secure Items in Place
Prevent your neatly organized items from sliding around as you drive with these tips:
- Cargo nets and hooks – Great for groceries, duffle bags and loose items. Anchor to side hooks or tie-down rings.
- Non-slip mats – Help grip items that like to slide, like toolboxes. Choose textured shelf liner or grippy trunk mats.
- Bungee cords – Stretch over coolers, folded chairs, etc. to keep in place. Wrap around cargo nets for extra hold.
- Trunk organizer – Models with Velcro dividers, pockets and latches keep all your contents securely contained.
- Cargo bar – Attaches across the trunk opening to prevent groceries and other cargo from spilling forward. Easy to install and remove.
Extra Organizing Tips
- Keep a small towel or blanket in your trunk to kneel on when accessing items in the back. This protects your clothes from getting dirty.
- Install cargo hooks on the sides and ceiling of the trunk for attaching bags and other items. Leave the hooks in place for future use.
- Get a set of sturdy storage totes with lids. Use them to hold seasonal or occasional use items and simply take in and out of the trunk as needed.
- Keep your spare tire kit stocked up with a jack, tire iron, and inflated spare. Stow a portable air compressor also in case you just need to refill a low tire.
- Pack an emergency kit with flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumper cables, and basic tools. Check it yearly and replenish any used or expired items.
- Leave folded reusable grocery bags in your trunk so you always have them handy for shopping trips. Use a small mesh bag attached to a hook to contain them.
Maintaining the Organization
Once you’ve organized your trunk, make a habit of these tips to keep it neat:
- Return all items to their designated storage spots after use. Don’t let things accumulate where they don’t belong.
- Remove trash and clear out unneeded items regularly before they pile up. Do a quick tidy-up when you get gas each week.
- Rearrange containers or add new ones if certain items seem to overflow their space. Adjust your layout to adapt to changing needs.
- Check straps and secure all cargo nets, mats or organizers that may have shifted around while driving.
- Update your emergency kit supplies at the start of each season and replace anything that looks worn or expired.
- Go through your trunk prior to extended trips or road trips to remove unnecessary items and make room for luggage and gear.
Troubleshooting an Unorganized Trunk
If your trunk organization starts to deteriorate, try these troubleshooting tips:
Items Sliding Around
- Add non-slip mats or shelf liner in problem areas
- Secure loose items with elastic nets and cargo bars
- Use containers or organizers with dividers and latches
Hard to Find Things
- Clearly label bins and bags
- Rearrange containers so frequently used items are readily accessible
- Remove clutter that may be hiding items
Emergency Tools Not Accessible
- Designate a specific zone or bin just for emergency/roadside tools
- Store essentials in a trunk organizer near the rear seat access panel
Mats Look Dirty and Cluttered
- Remove mats and clean completely
- Try using grippy-backed mats or textured liners to hide dirt
- Vacuum mats frequently to keep them debris-free
Storing Odd-Shaped Items
- Use expandable mesh bags to contain awkward items
- Get creative with bins – turn a tool box on its side to stand tall items upright
Keeping Your Trunk Fresh
No matter how organized your trunk is, odors and grime can accumulate, leaving your car smelling less-than-fresh. Here are some easy tips to keep your trunk’s interior in tip-top shape:
1. Vacuum frequently
Make it a habit to vacuum your trunk regularly, at least every few months. This removes debris and dirt that can lead to smells. Pay attention to crevices and corners.
2. Clean spills quickly
Don’t let a spilled bottle of laundry detergent or leaky drink container sit. The moisture and standing liquid can really make odors seep in. Blot up spills right away and use a carpet cleaner on any visible stains.
3. Let fresh air circulate
If possible, drive with the trunk open for short distances to air it out and prevent musty smells. Be sure no loose items fall out. You can also place a bowl of baking soda or charcoal in the closed trunk to absorb odors.
4. Use odor absorbers
Place odor-fighting products in your trunk to keep smells away. Baking soda boxes, charcoal bags, or commercial odor absorbers are very effective. Replace them every few months.
5. Detail the interior
Give the trunk’s carpeting, sides, ceiling and any upholstered trim a thorough cleaning every season with an interior detailer. Vacuum first then scrub stains.
6. Check for leaks
Make sure all cargo is sealed properly so nothing leaks. Clean up any accidental drips or spills right away. Identify any water leaks coming from the vehicle itself and get them repaired.
7. Replace mats if needed
Badly soiled or water-damaged trunk mats may need to be replaced altogether if they retain smells. New mats can make a huge difference in keeping odors at bay.
With regular cleaning and using absorbent products, you can keep your organized trunk fresh smelling and clean!
Frequently Asked Questions about Organizing Your Car Trunk
Organizing your car trunk can seem daunting. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to make the process easier:
How often should I clean out my trunk?
Aim to fully clean out and reorganize your trunk at least twice a year – spring and fall. Do a quick tidy-up whenever it looks cluttered.
What’s the best way to organize groceries in the trunk?
Use open crates to corral loose grocery bags. Sturdy foldable bins work too. This prevents spills or shifting during turns.
Where should I put items I access most often?
Keep “grab and go” items like umbrellas and purses near the rear seat access panel for easy reachability.
How can I carry sports gear or camping equipment?
Use rooftop cargo bags or carriers for bulky gear. In the trunk, stow items in plastic bins and secure with cargo nets and straps.
What are good ways to organize a messy trunk?
Start fresh by completely emptying the trunk. Use quality containers to group like items. Designate spaces for categories of items.
How do I store emergency and roadside tools?
Keep a dedicated toolkit for car tools and supplies. Store it near the rear seat access point for easy access when needed.
What are space-saving ways to store car cleaning supplies?
Look for collapsible, telescoping, or multi-chambered buckets and brushes. Hang microfiber cloths to save space.
Should I leave my trunk empty or is it better to have some items stored?
Having some useful items stored can actually help maintain the trunk’s shape. Just be sure cargo is well-secured.
What are good tricks for fitting bulky cargo in my trunk?
Try angling coolers or suitcases diagonally. Use space-saving bags to compress off-season clothes and blankets.
How can I prevent things from shifting around while driving?
Securing cargo with tie-downs, nets and mats with grippy backing will keep items stable in transit.
Conclusion
Organizing your car trunk may seem like a daunting task, but it can make your life so much easier and reduce stress. By thoroughly decluttering, using quality storage containers, designing a smart layout, securing items properly, and maintaining the system, you can achieve organization that lasts. Your tidy and efficient trunk will become an asset for all your travels near and far. Just follow these tips and you’ll be able to organize your car trunk once and for all!