Get It Together: The Best Trunk Organizers of 2024

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Whether you're driving yourself or chauffeuring a pack of little ones, one thing's certain: Your family's most valuable tool—your car—can quickly devolve into a chaotic mess of clutter. That's where organizers come in, ready to transform your vehicle back to order. Not only does a trunk organizer save your sanity, but it can also save you money by safeguarding your cargo. From delicate wine glasses to rogue egg cartons, the more contained and organized your precious cargo, the calmer your mind and the fewer dollars spent on broken goods.

We tested five trunk organizers, subjecting them to the rigors of grocery runs, sudden stops, and fast starts. Which one should you buy?

Things to Consider

If you've ever thought about buying a trunk or cargo area organizer, you know there are dozens (if not hundreds) of them on the market. Before you click "buy," here's what you should know.

Size

Whether your vehicle has a large or small trunk, deciding what size trunk organizer you need is important. You'll still want to save room in your trunk for other things, such as luggage, larger shopping supplies, or anything else that might not fit in a box. It's worth comparing the measurements of a trunk organizer to your vehicle's trunk or cargo hold and deciding what size you need.

Construction

Our research and testing clearly showed that there are two basic types of car trunk organizers: soft-edge and rigid-edge. Soft-edge trunk organizers are more adaptable to oddly shaped objects and can typically fit more than expected. They can also be stored easily when unused; some even come with a zipper lid.

Rigid-edge trunk organizers keep items in place and help secure fragile items like eggs or glass bottles. However, they'll be less malleable and can be trickier to store when not in use. So envision the things you'll stash in the organizer the most, and choose which construction works best for your needs.

Compartmentalization

Trunk organizers can either feature separate compartments within the organizer or be one simple space. The more compartments, the easier it is to organize and separate items from one another. Many cargo organizers are modular, allowing you to adjust the internal components to customize your storage.

Anchorage

The best cargo organizers will feature anti-slip functionality to keep them from falling over or sliding around on the floor of your trunk or cargo hold. The most common anchors are hook-and-loop, straps, and hooks.

Placement

Most trunk organizers are also ideal for SUV cargo holds. But perhaps you want easy access to the stuff you're carting around. A seat organizer might be the solution. These can be useful for back-seat riders, road trips, or car-office needs. Strap around the headrest of the seat and secure the organizer to either the front or back seat—easy and accessible.

How We Evaluated Cargo Organizers

What better way to evaluate organizers than a little bit of speed? For this test, we buckled up in a Dodge Challenger, set an aggressive driving course, and evaluated the following:

• Type and amount of common grocery items that can comfortably fit

• How these items fared before, during, and after an aggressive driving course

• Versatility and customization

• Materials and construction

• Features such as cleanability and waterproof/resistance

The Best Car Trunk Organizers

Thule Go Box Organizer

Thule is renowned for durable and well-crafted gear, and the Go Box Organizer lives up to that reputation. Straight out of the box, it's evident that this organizer is built to handle plenty of use.

The side pockets, for instance, are secured with robust elastic bands equipped with tensioners, allowing you to customize the pocket and its cargo to a tight fit. The fasteners that hold the collapsed organizers together are made of high-density plastic, forming an ergonomic hook-and-clip design we've never seen before. I know it seems silly to praise, but this attention to detail stands out.

Given its rugged construction, we believe the Go Box is more than just a trunk organizer. It's a versatile "go box" that can easily transition beyond the confines of your car. It's perfect for hauling gear to the beach or carrying essentials to family sports games. But make no mistake, the versatility and high-quality materials Thule is known for are reflected in the price. You get what you pay for, as they say.

Before/After "Grocery Run"

Comfortably Fit:
12-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
12-pack of 16.9-fl-oz bottles
8-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
3 20-fl-oz bottles
1 gallon of water
1/2 gallon of juice
1 cereal box
1 bunch of bananas
1 carton of eggs
Small bag of apples

REI Gear Bin

Editor's Note: During the testing process, we evaluated the REI Packaway Bin. However, by the time of publication, we learned that the Packaway has been discontinued. Its successor, the Trailgate Gear Bin, is linked here. While we haven't directly assessed the new Trailgate, both products serve the same purpose and are large, soft, closeable boxes perfect for containing your outdoor gear.

The entire REI line of cargo containers, including the new Trailgate Gear Bin, is tailored for outdoor use and boasts water-repellent properties. They are designed to integrate with REI's packing cube system, allowing for efficient gear organization. These bins are especially suited for adventurers who want to keep their equipment tidy for outdoor excursions. However, we found them equally suited to our use on a simple grocery run. In our testing, the 140-quart capacity had no trouble accommodating our entire grocery haul and a camera bag, leaving ample room to spare.

Before/After "Grocery Run"

Comfortably Fit:
1 camera bag
12-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
12-pack of 16.9-fl-oz bottles
8-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
3 20-fl-oz bottles
2 gallons of water
1/2 gallon of juice
1 cereal box
1 bunch of bananas
1 carton of eggs
Small bag of apples

Drive Compact Car Trunk Organizer

Looking to tidy up your car without breaking the bank? Consider the Drive Compact Organizer. It shares many features with the Thule model, such as two compartments, side pockets, and a collapsible design. However, there's a notable difference in the materials used. While the Thule boasts a robust build, the Drive opts for slightly less sturdy materials.

For instance, the clasps that secure the box when collapsed consist of an elastic loop and a plastic piece. They do the job but don't inspire much confidence in durability. The floors are a bit floppy, and the walls lack firmness. However, we don't see these as necessarily negative traits. The flexibility of the floppy walls and floor makes it an excellent fit for footwells or harder-to-reach areas. Plus, it offers unique features like side hooks that anchor to the trunk's D-rings.

Considering it's only $28.99, we will overlook the less robust materials and see it as a fantastic budget option.

Before/After "Grocery Run"

Comfortably Fit:
12-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
12-pack of 16.9-fl-oz bottles
8-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
3 20-fl-oz bottles
1 gallon of water
1/2 gallon of juice
1 cereal box
1 bunch of bananas
1 carton of eggs
Small bag of apples

WeatherTech CargoTech

Weathertech is known for innovative designs, and CargoTech is a great example. Instead of the typical contained organizer, this one relies on four corners to create a perimeter for holding uncontained items. While we applaud the unique design, it did struggle with loose cargo during our aggressive testing. A single package would stay in place, but loose items like groceries tended to roll free of its constraints.

While it might not be ideal for heavy grocery runs, the WeatherTech CargoTech system can bring order to carpeted trunk areas. Imagine how useful it would be for transporting delicate items, like a birthday cake or a musical instrument.

Before/After "Grocery Run"

Comfortably Fit:

• 12-pack of 16.9-fl-oz bottles

• 3 gallons of water

• 1/2 gallon of juice

GreenMade InstaCrate Collapsible Storage Container

If you value versatility, InstaCrate might be the perfect choice for you. As with most crates, this organizer is incredibly adaptable—from the trunk to the garage to the house. But what makes the InstaCrate special is the collapsible design, allowing it to shrink to a fraction of its size when not in use. While it lacks additional features like pockets, covers, or straps, its all-purpose design makes this a no-brainer.

During testing, we noted the channels along the side, which are meant to hold hanging files. This struck us as delightfully outdated. In a modern world, we're not sure how many people need whole crates full of hanging files but if that's you, then buy 20 because this one is for you.

Before/After "Grocery Run"

Comfortably Fit:
12-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
12-pack of 16.9-fl-oz bottles
8-pack of 12-fl-oz cans
1 gallon of water
1/2 gallon of juice
1 cereal box
1 bunch of bananas
1 carton of eggs
Small bag of apples

Tidify Car Front Seat Organizer

While it might not serve as a traditional trunk organizer, if you like to keep gear, tools, snacks, and more within easy reach at all times, the Tidify Front Seat Organizer could be just what you're looking for. It is designed to hang from a seat's headrest and offers multiple pockets. We particularly appreciated its spacious main pocket for bulkier items and the smaller pockets for more precise organization.

One notable feature is its versatility in placement—it can be positioned in front of and on the passenger seat or hang behind it in the back. However, if your car has bucket seats you may want to consider an alternative, since installing the Tidify could render the front seat inaccessible regardless of where the organizer rests. In the front, of course, the seat is occupied (as pictured). If mounted on the back, the wraparound security strap would wrap around the seat's side walls and stretch across the front, making it uncomfortable for passengers. Otherwise, this is an excellent solution for busy road warriors or parents of little ones who ride in the rear in car seats.

Before/After "Grocery Run"

Comfortably Fit:
2 12-oz cans of soda
2 20-fl-oz bottles
1 bunch of bananas

How We Tested

Cargo and trunk organizers have one job; the real question is, how they do it and how well they perform.

First, we stopped at the grocery store and gathered typical grocery items. Then we carefully arranged them inside each organizer to gauge each unit's capacity. With the fully loaded organizers placed in the trunk of our car, we drove a predetermined course in an empty parking lot. Our route simulated a mix of aggressive maneuvers and regular driving, incorporating sharp turns and gradual ones, fast starts, quick stops, and everything in between. We repeated the course three times to ensure thorough testing of each cargo container.

After completing the course, we opened the trunk to gauge how well the groceries fared and whether the organizers had moved or shifted during the drive. Following the test drive, we evaluated each organizer, noting features, quality, and construction.

FAQs

How do I keep my car trunk organizer from moving?

Some feature anti-slip backing or straps, buckles, hooks, and more, but additional grip may be needed. Set it on a blanket or, better yet, a grippy shelf liner.

What kind of things can I put in my trunk organizer?

You can put pretty much anything in a trunk organizer, as long as it fits. They're great for securing groceries, tools, emergency kits, or whatever you like.

How can I store my trunk organizer when not in use?

Most trunk organizers fold up neatly or collapse down for easy storage when you aren't using them. Most soft-shell organizers are designed this way; even some rigid organizers fold in on themselves.

How do I clean my trunk organizer?

A great thing about a trunk organizer is the ability to clean up contained messes easily. If anything leaks or spills, it ideally stays within the confines of the organizer and not all over your trunk. Sometimes a quick vacuum is all you need, and most organizers feature a waterproof liner for liquid messes.

Why would I need a seat-mounted car organizer?

If you have items you'd like to have close by while you're on the road, it might be worth looking into a seat-mounted organizer. These strap around the headrest of the seat and feature compartments and pockets to hold all the necessities. Uses include road trips, a vehicle you use for your office, and little ones in the back seat to hold all of their toys.

Why Trust Us

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as floor mats, leather cleaners, and interior cleaners. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers.

The Gear Team doesn't need to game algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products for clicks. We're more concerned with our reputation and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations.

Visit our Tested & Trusted page to see the very best in automotive gear. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here.

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