A cluttered trunk doesn’t just look bad—it wastes gas, adds wear, and makes your car less efficient. Every extra pound your vehicle carries affects performance and fuel economy. Most people don’t realize how much unnecessary stuff ends up living in the back of their car.
Over time, it turns into a rolling storage unit that costs you money and space. Clearing it out keeps your vehicle lighter, safer, and easier to use when you actually need it.
Old Sports Equipment
Those forgotten balls, pads, and cleats you meant to return to the garage add unnecessary weight. They roll around, collect dirt, and take up valuable space.
If you haven’t used them in months, move them out. Keeping your trunk organized makes it easier to find what really matters in an emergency.
Extra Tools and Duplicates
A basic toolkit is smart, but multiple wrenches, heavy jacks, or full socket sets don’t need to travel everywhere with you. Those items belong in the garage.
Carrying too much metal adds weight that slowly hurts fuel efficiency. Stick to one compact emergency kit—you’ll be covered without the clutter.
Bottled Drinks and Groceries
Leaving bottled water, soda, or snacks in your trunk can lead to leaks, bursts, or spoilage—especially in hot or freezing weather.
Temperature changes make plastics expand and contract, sometimes releasing chemicals into the liquid. Bring those items inside where they’ll actually stay safe to consume.
Old Clothes and Blankets
Having one emergency blanket or jacket makes sense. But piles of old clothes, coats, or towels just sit there collecting odors and moisture.
Over time, they can mold or attract pests. Store extra layers in a sealed bag or keep them at home until you need them.
Random Cleaning Supplies
Full bottles of cleaner, paper towels, and sprays seem useful but often leak or tip over in motion. Spills can stain carpet and make your trunk smell permanently chemical.
If you like being prepared, keep small travel-sized options in a sealed bin instead. It’s lighter, cleaner, and less risky for your interior.
Broken or Outdated Gear
Old umbrellas, busted flashlights, and half-dead jumper cables are dead weight. If they don’t work, they’re not helping you in an emergency.
Go through your trunk once a season and test what you keep. Replacing broken gear is smarter than hauling junk around.
Boxes You’ve Been Meaning to Drop Off
Donations, returns, or random storage boxes tend to live in the trunk far longer than planned. Meanwhile, they add clutter and weight you carry everywhere.
Take five minutes to drop them off. You’ll save gas and feel instantly more organized every time you open the trunk.
Large Bottles of Fluids
Keeping motor oil or windshield washer fluid on hand can be smart—but only in small, sealed containers. Full gallon jugs roll, leak, and add unnecessary weight.
Store large containers in your garage and refill smaller bottles for the car. It’s cleaner, safer, and easier to manage on the road.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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