How to Pack the Trunk of Your Car Rental Properly

Take inventory. Line up all bags, suitcases, coolers, and miscellaneous travel items next to your vehicle. Don't forget anything—packing the trunk is like building a puzzle; you need all the pieces before you start. Organize. Group like-items on the ground beside your car rental. Heavy items in one pile, awkward items in another. Keep items that must be easily accessible, like an emergency kit or children's toys, in a separate pile.

Attack awkward items first. You'll have to pack around these, so get them situated first. Keep them grouped together so only one part of your trunk is underutilized. Next, heavy items. Make sure these are on the bottom to create a stable base and distribute weight evenly. Fill in the holes. Use lighter items and malleable things like pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals to fill gaps and awkward angles.

Keep important items accessible. Find spots for snacks, an emergency roadside kit, a flashlight, and travel documents. Stow purses, briefcases, or overnight bags in the passenger area—you don't want to dig through your perfectly packed trunk for your wallet! What about the spare? Many car rental models stow the spare tire beneath the trunk. In case of a flat, you'll have no choice but to unpack everything.