Trunk organizers: how to pick one that doesn't slide around

A trunk organizer's whole job is to keep things from rolling around. The ones that fail usually fail at that one job: they slide, collapse or don't fit the trunk.

Measure first

Measure the trunk floor's width between the wheel wells, the depth and the height to the cargo cover if you have one. Organizers that are a little smaller than the space are fine; too big and you'll lose the trunk.

Features that matter

• Rigid walls or removable stiffeners. Thin fabric sides fold over as soon as one compartment is empty.
• Anti-slip bottom. Hook-and-loop strips that grip trunk carpet, rubber feet, or tie-down straps that hook to the trunk's cargo anchors.
• Adjustable dividers so groceries, an emergency kit and sports gear each get a spot.
• Collapsibility, so you can fold it flat when you need the whole trunk.
• Handles, if you want to carry it into the house with groceries in it.

Extras worth considering

• An insulated compartment for cold groceries.
• A lid, to keep things hidden and dust-free.
• For SUVs and hatchbacks, a hanging back-of-seat organizer uses space a floor organizer can't.

What to keep in it

A basic roadside kit is a great first use: jumper cables or a jump starter, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, gloves, a reflective triangle and a small first aid kit.