How to Pack Your Trunk or Cargo Area Properly

Packing your trunk or cargo area involves more than just putting groceries in the back. Whether you’re going on a road trip, moving to a new home, or simply shopping for weekly groceries, packing your trunk or cargo area properly represents a vital step to make sure your items stay safe. You don’t want to get home to find your gallon of milk is leaking because your groceries are tipped over!

We’ll share some tips and tricks on how to pack your trunk or cargo area for the best results.

Make a List of What to Pack on a Long List

Before you start packing for a long trip or even a grocery trip, make a list of all the items you need to transport. You can organize your belongings in a way that will prevent you from forgetting anything important on your vacation as well as make sure you have room for your groceries.

Use the Right Container for Long Trips or for Moving

Depending on what you’re packing, you should use different types of containers. For example, fragile items should be packed in crates or plastic tubs surrounded by objects that keep them from moving around within the container. Fragile items need to be packed tightly with packing materials or things that keep them from shifting.

Loose, small items should be in bags or boxes to keep everything contained and prevent them from spilling out and moving around. You’ll save time cleaning up later.

Organize Items by Weight and Size

When packing your trunk or cargo area, organize your items by weight and size. Heavier items go on the bottom and towards the front of your vehicle. Lighter items should be placed on top and go more toward the back. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent your belongings from shifting.

Prevent Damage With Packing Materials

Use packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, wadded-up paper, or foam padding to keep things from shifting around inside each box or bin. These materials help cushion fragile items and prevent them from breaking or getting damaged.

Use pillows, cloth, blankets, and comforters to buffer large, fragile items like wooden furniture, glass or porcelain artwork, and larger glass dishes. Your fragile items will be better protected!

Secure Your Belongings

Secure your belongings to prevent them from shifting forward or backward. Feel free to use bungee cords or cargo nets to keep everything in place. More importantly, pack containers tightly so they don’t move. Pack the big, heavy items first. Then fill in the gaps with smaller items. 

Maximize Your Space

Make the most of the space you have as you pack your trunk or cargo area. Stack items on top of each other. Even if you don’t have any more cargo, fill any gaps or empty spaces with packing materials, pillows, and blankets to keep items from shifting. 

Fold down or remove back seats as needed. If you’re taking a lot of people with you and need more cargo space, consider adding a cargo rack to carry on your roof.

Add a Roof Rack or Cargo Carrier

Running out of space in your cargo compartment or trunk? Consider adding a roof rack to the top of your vehicle. Be very careful with this because you need to have the roof rails installed properly by a professional, like the service department at Thompson Sales. Make sure you put the roof rack on securely, and follow the owner’s manual and directions precisely when loading it.

Don’t Overpack

When packing your trunk or cargo area, don’t overpack to go over the weight limit of your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can be dangerous and cause permanent damage to your car, truck, or SUV. Make sure to check your vehicle’s weight limit and stay below the recommended weight range.

Pack for Easy Access

If you’re going on a road trip, make sure to pack items you’ll need access to readily. Keep snacks, water bottles, drinks, and electronics in an easily accessible spot. This will help you avoid having to rummage through your packed belongings every time you need something. For example, keep a drink cooler in the middle of the second or third row of seats in an SUV or minivan. 

Pay Attention on the Road

You should always pay attention on the road, but having a fully packed vehicle is like driving in inclement weather. Pay extra attention when you’re traveling with a full trunk or cargo area. Allow more time to get to your destination. Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Drive more slowly and stay below the speed limit on the highway.

Be Safe, First and Foremost

Always put safety first when packing your trunk or cargo area. Keep your line of sight unobstructed for all mirrors. Don’t overload your vehicle.  Secure any loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in the event of an accident or collision.

Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle Ownership

At Thompson Sales, we want you to get the most out of your driving experience and vehicle ownership. We hope you find these driving tips helpful as you pack your trunk or cargo area for weekly errands or long road trips.

Ready to take your driving experience to the next level? Contact Thompson Sales in Springfield, MO, or call (417) 763-6811. We’re happy to help in any way we can!