What's In Your Trunk--Part 2

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 May 2006 03:15 AM

In "What's In Your Trunk-Part 1," I relayed advice I received from an organization "guru" (a.k.a. my neat-freak friend, Eric), regarding organizing the contents of my vehicle's trunk. Part one dealt with what essential items should be stored in a trunk. Part two will deal with how to fit the "essentials" along with everyday items (for example, I have a toddler, so I store a stroller and spare diaper bag in my trunk) without having to hitch a trailer on your vehicle to accommodate everything. And with summer just around the corner, this blog will also provide a few tips on how to pack your trunk in preparation for a road trip.

Vehicle trunks come in all shapes and sizes. For example, while a mini-van's trunk allows you to stack items vertically, a Lincoln Town Car's trunk allows you to stash a small family (I'm kidding, but you get the idea). Regardless of the differences in size and configuration, there are some general rules that are applicable to all trunks.

The trunk "essentials" that were mentioned in Part One (medium-size tool box, small first-aid kit, etc.) are compartmentalized, which is the key to finding what you need the instant you open your trunk. The containers are often a uniform, rectangle shape that can easily fit in any corner of your trunk. Emergency items including the tire iron and triangle reflector should be placed where they can be grabbed as soon as the trunk is opened. After using the items, return them to the same place at the front of the trunk, so you will not lose precious time fumbling around for them in an emergency.

Ideally, all of these "essentials" (tools and emergency supplies) should take up no more than half your trunk space, leaving the other half for your everyday items (in my case the stroller and spare diaper bag). Don't waste available space. Items that have corners should be stashed in one. If you have one large item (like a deluxe stroller) that will be taken in and out of the trunk frequently, put it in an area where you have easy access to it. You don't want to go through all the trouble of organizing your trunk only to find that you have to empty it each time you need to use the stroller.

When you are packing for a road trip try to fit your clothes and other personal items in soft-sided luggage, duffel bags or backpacks. Typically, they are more trunk-friendly than hard-sided suitcases, especially if you are working with a small trunk and a lot of luggage. Another tip: If you are purchasing new bags for your trip, keep the dimensions of your vehicle's trunk in mind BEFORE you make your purchase. Ideally, you are looking to find a piece that will not take up more than half the available space.

Remember, a well-packed trunk will save you time, keep you safe, and provide peace of mind whether you are driving to your neighborhood deli or Disneyland.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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