10 Essential Car Storage Solutions for Clutter-Free Travel

You might think a messy car is no big deal, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Loose items sliding around can be very distracting. Some items might even roll into the driver’s footwell and mess with the pedals, which could lead to an accident. Trash and clutter can also attract rodents and other pests in your car. Unless you don’t mind having a mouse run under your seat as you drive, you should always keep your car nice and tidy.

Here are 10 essential car storage solutions to save you from a messy vehicle:

Roof Rack

Bicycles, tents, and other large items might fit in the backseat, but they can also block your vision and create even more blind spots. With a roof rack, you can haul bulky cargo without blocking your vision. Roof racks also help free up space in the cabin, making the trip much more comfortable for you and your passengers.

Our Top Picks:

• Rhino-Rack RTV148 Roof Rack
• Go Rhino 5933001T Roof Rack
• Rugged Ridge 11703.11 Roof Rack

Cargo Rack

If roof racks aren’t your thing, you can get a cargo rack for your truck instead. Cargo racks are paired with cargo shelves to help you maximize rear storage without adding to wind resistance. They’re great for storing off-road jacks, rooftop tents, storage boxes, and other bulky cargo.

Our Top Picks:

• Westin 51-20015 Cargo Rack
• Dee Zee DZ4470JP Cargo Rack
• Dee Zee DZ4622 Cargo Rack

Cargo Organizer

For smaller items, a cargo organizer might be helpful. Cargo organizers come in different shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that best fits your needs. You can get one that fits over the seat back, where you can easily store water bottles, snacks, and umbrellas within reach. You can also opt for a saddlebag-style organizer for a neat truck bed.

Our Top Picks:

• Truxedo 1705213 Cargo Organizer
• Bestop 54131-35 Cargo Organizer
• Lund 601006 Cargo Organizer

Cargo Bag

If you’re looking for a safe way to carry your expensive sports equipment or camping gear, then a cargo bag is the way to go. Most cargo bags are made of durable, weatherproof materials, so you can rest assured your expensive equipment is safe during transit. Make sure to get one with heavy-duty straps that are easy to secure to your vehicle’s roof.

Our Top Picks:

• Rightline Gear 100S20 Cargo Bag
• Curt 18221 Cargo Bag
• Lund 601016 Cargo Bag

Under Seat Storage Box

Here’s a hack for maximizing cabin space without sacrificing passenger comfort: get an under seat storage box for your car. First aid kits, emergency roadside kits, and other road essentials can take up a lot of space in the cabin. With under seat storage boxes, you can keep them within reach while giving your passengers more legroom.

Our Top Picks:

• Du Ha 10303-D Under Seat Storage Box
• Husky Liners 09021 Under Seat Storage Box
• Bestop 42642-01 Under Seat Storage Box

Storage Bag

Keep your car clutter-free by getting a durable storage bag of your choice. You can get a slim storage bag for your sun shade or a spacious one with lots of pockets for all your essentials. You can even get one for your Jeep’s soft top, so you can keep it safe and clean in your cabin.

Our Top Picks:

• Rugged Ridge 13551.75 Storage Bag
• Weathertech 8SB2 Storage Bag
• RT Off-Road RT33022 Storage Bag

Storage Box

If you’re looking for something a little sturdier, you can opt for a storage box instead of a storage bag. Storage boxes come in various shapes and sizes, so be sure to find one that fits in your vehicle. They’re typically made from durable, hard plastic, so they’re great at keeping your tools safe from dust, dirt, and moisture. You can even install a lock for added protection.

Our Top Picks:

• Dee Zee DZ6535P Storage Box
• Bestop 42644-01 Storage Box
• Go Rhino XG252014 XVenture Gear Series Storage Box

Roll Bar Storage

If you own a Jeep, make the most of its roll bar by getting a roll bar storage bag. Roll bar storage is often overlooked by many drivers, but it’s actually a great way of keeping your sunglasses, wallet, and other small items well-organized and within reach.

Our Top Picks:

• Rugged Ridge 12101.52 Roll Bar Storage
• Rugged Ridge 12113.01 Roll Bar Storage

Dash Organizer

A great way to reduce clutter in your car is by using a dash organizer. Place your phone, house keys, wallet, and other things you constantly need to bring with you in a dash organizer. Not only are you keeping things organized, you’re also less likely to lose them this way.

Our Top Picks:

• Rugged Ridge 13551.1 Dash Organizer
• Rugged Ridge 13551.18 Dash Organizer
• Rugged Ridge 13551.19 Dash Organizer

Trunk Organizer

It’s easy for clutter to build up in your trunk, especially when you’re constantly on the go. Thankfully, trunk organizers offer an easy and cheap solution to this dilemma. Car trunk storage organizers range from spacious bags with several pockets to heavy-duty plastic tool boxes. Having at least one of these organizers is sure to help you keep your trunk nice and tidy.

Our Top Picks:

• Performance Tool W54037 Trunk Organizer
• Sonax 1847985 Trunk Organizer
• Chemical Guys ACC614 Arsenal Range Trunk Organizer & Detailing Bag