Holiday travel can turn into holiday anxiety when items you need are lost within a sea of clutter within your vehicle.

“Every item should have a home and your car is no exception,” said Scott Roewer of The Organizing Agency. ”When you know where things belong, you’re less likely to overpack and more likely to enjoy the journey.”

Roewer began his professional career in 2004 after realizing his knack for transforming cluttered and chaotic areas. He earned a master’s degree in education and multiple certifications in time management, life transitions and chronic disorganization.

Roewer likes the challenge of making the most of people’s work and living spaces to help them become productive.

Why Organization Matters on the Road

According to Roewer, cargo organizers can restore order to a cluttered vehicle. Instead of loose bags and boxes sliding around and toppling over–bins, dividers and straps keep everything securely in place.

Properly securing items also protects passengers, maintains rear visibility and ensures a driver’s focus stays on the road.

More Benefits of Cargo Organizers

Cargo organizers protect your trunk and upholstery from spills, scratches and stains. They also help preserve your vehicle’s resale value over time.

”The cleaner and more organized you keep your vehicle, the less money you’ll spend fixing it later—and the higher its value when it’s time to sell,” Roewer said.

Organization for the holidays

What about cargo organizers for holiday shoppers? Roewer recommends collapsible bins that hold shopping bags upright, preventing them from tipping over.

Roewer also suggests organizers with padded dividers for fragile gifts and electronics.

”And for food and drinks, waterproof liners keep leaks and condensation contained, so you don’t have to worry about stains or odors in your trunk.”

Choosing the right cargo organizer

• Select an organizer that fits your vehicle and has enough room for passengers.
• Look for storage solutions with non-slip bottoms and secure straps to prevent sliding while driving.
• Opt for organizers made from durable, easy-to-clean materials that withstand the rigor of holiday travel.
• Pick a utility organizer with adjustable compartments that keep groceries, gifts and travel gear neatly separated.
• Consider seatback or side-pocket alternatives for snacks, electronics or documents for seamless access on the road.

Organizing tips for holiday trips

• Organize holiday items by category. Gifts in one bin, groceries in another and travel gear in a separate container for easier access and less clutter.
• Keep a separate organizer for essentials like chargers, wipes, hand sanitizers and snacks for easy access on the road.
• Pack fragile items and electronics in padded organizers to prevent damage during road trips.
• Use individual organizers for each family member to keep their belongings neat and separated.
• Reserve an empty organizer in your trunk to hold any last-minute purchases or large gifts picked up along the way.
• Make sure organizers don’t obstruct your rear view—position them for maximum visibility.
• Secure organizers with cargo straps or nets to keep them from shifting during sudden stops.
• Place heavier bins at the bottom and closer to the seatbacks for on-road stability.
• Load organizers in reverse order, placing last-minute items like travel mugs or coats on top for convenience.
• Keep shopping bags in collapsible organizers and flatten them when you need extra trunk space.

"The easiest way to ensure a stress-free trip is to give everything a place—and cargo organizers make that possible," said Roewer.