Trunk organizers are one of those little things that make a big impact. Whether you use it for errands like grocery shopping or trips to the hardware store, for road trips and outings, or for keeping emergency supplies like tools and cleaning agents from rolling around while the car is in motion, a trunk organizer is an item almost every car owner can benefit from investing in.
“We spend a ton of time in our car and just like our homes, making sure our space is organized is a key to our productivity,” says professional organizer Ann Lightfoot, a co-founder of Done & Done Home and author of “Love Your Home Again.”
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best trunk organizers that work for every need, style and budget.
What to know before you buy
Before selecting a trunk organizer, you need to know how big your trunk is. You can measure it using measuring software like the Measure app, a measuring tape, or by consulting the owner’s manual to determine the length, width and height of the trunk.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what you typically store and transport in your trunk. While you do want to select an organizer for the trunk that can serve multiple needs, if you’re a gardening enthusiast who frequently transports bags of mulch and other heavy duty items, you’ll want a more durable trunk organizer than someone who primarily uses their trunk for carting groceries. And, if the trunk is frequently used for groceries or prepared foods, you may want a trunk organizer that offers an insulated section for keeping cold items from melting en route.
“Between work and kids, we have an endless stream of things being transported in our car,” Lightfoot says. “Because the items vary from groceries to kids stuff to organizing products, we love this trunk organizer. Its large capacity (perfect for SUVs and trucks) and the ability to lock it down are essential. But the best feature is that it’s easily collapsible so we can lay it flat when we need every spare inch for large items.”
The standout feature of this trunk organizer is its leakproof cooler section. In addition to the insulated cooler, there are two compartments with a removable divider, six side pockets and two mesh pockets.
If aesthetics are especially important to you, this stunning leather trimmed rubber trunk organizer is for you. The water resistant fabrication can be wiped clean in the event of spills, and the lid has a magnetic closure.
“We also love this trunk organizer because it has adjustable straps to secure it along with velcro strips on the bottom,” Lightfoot says. “The removable lid is perfect to hide away items when you’re away from your car.”
Reviewers praise this budget-friendly trunk organizer for its high quality fabrication, sturdiness and the velcro bottom that keeps the organizer in place while the car is in motion. It has three compartments for even more organization too.
This waterproof adjustable trunk organizer is a steal at under-$15. In addition to basic black, this quilted trunk organizer comes in five patterns, including a saucy leopard print. It has two compartments and comes in both medium and large.
If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills organizer to store trunk staples like basic tools, first aid and cleaning supplies, look no farther than the Honey-Can-Do Soft Storage Chest. It folds flat when not in use too.
“If you’re looking for an SUV trunk organizer that will keep things tidy while maintaining as much free space as possible, this back seat hanging organizer works like a charm,” Lightfoot says. In addition to black, the Hanemia trunk organizer comes in six colors, including two shades of pink.
For people who find themselves regularly transporting items in and out of their trunk, a super sturdy, portable cargo bin is a great choice.
When it comes to storing heavy duty items, look for a heavy duty crate. This folding crate collapses when not in use as well.
If you need a large capacity organizer, this simple, sturdy, expandable organizer is a great choice. It has a non-slip bottom and handles for easy transporting.
“Small trunks can be difficult to organize,” Lightfoot says, “but this trunk organizer works well to contain multiple items from groceries to kids’ stuff while still fitting into smaller trunks.”
This small foldable bin is another great option for use in small trunks, or for keeping a small selection of supplies organized. It comes in black or gray.
If you have lots of little items that you store in your trunk, like tools or emergency supplies, this multi-pocket organizer with straps that can be hung from the backseat is the ideal solution.