Finding where to stow all your stuff is often a daunting task for the over the road driver. After all, trucks -- even those with large sleeper compartments -- come with limited storage accommodations. The trick is to have everything where it’s quickly and easily accessible for you as a driver. That means organizing your items and getting creative is key to knowing and remembering where things are kept.

Make a List

Few things are more frustrating than having to search for an item you need now. One suggestion we like to offer is to start your placement of goods and gear by creating a list. Take the time to write out what you must have and what you'd like to have with you on the road. Who has time for searching when your schedule is already tight?

Break your list into categories and organize accordingly:

1. Important Documents - those required for presentation to an officer such as truck docs, CDL, ELD records or logbook, and anything official that must be accessed promptly. Arrange crucial documents in a three ring binder or folder and stow in an overhead compartment or door pouch near the driver seat for quick presentation. Inspectors don’t like having to wait while a driver gets things together.
2. Tools and Equipment - necessary hand tools, light bulbs, spare wiper blades, cargo straps, tire chains, battery booster cables and any other similar items you need on hand like extra engine oil, windshield washer fluid, outside cleaning supplies. Stow these in tractor side compartments that can be accessed from outside the truck. Use leak proof bins to hold liquids.
3. Interior Cleaning Supplies - keep these in the cab in a leak proof trays or bin. Be sure to include disinfectant wipes for keeping germs at bay. Store in a drawer or cabinet.
4. Communication Equipment - laptop computer or tablet, cell phone and chargers. Your phone should go in the overhead compartment with its charger. Keep your phone charged; emergencies happen on the road. Laptop or tablet and charger should go in another compartment near the driver seat for quick access when not being charged.
5. Durables like a refrigerator, microwave, TV, and any other compact appliance you need. The fridge is often located on the floor in the sleeper area, while the microwave and TV will rest on a bureau or cabinet in the sleeper. Make sure all items are adequately secured to avoid damage or injury.
6. Clothing and Bedding - most modern trucks are equipped with a clothes closet that will enable you to hang the items within. Let’s face it, who wants to get showered and put on a wrinkled shirt or top? Hanging solves that problem. But there are folks who roll up their shirts and slacks to save space or eliminate the need for a closet. I’ve tried rolling and had no problem with wrinkles on motorcycle trips, even with business suits. It’s a practical means of compacting your outfits. Extra bedding can be folded and put in a drawer or cabinet. It also travels well when rolled. The bedding could be kept under the bunk to make it handy for changing.
7. Laundry Bag - we prefer one made of soft cloth with a draw string to keep your things together. It’s a convenient item for storing dirty clothes or bedding. It also makes it easy to carry when it’s time to launder, either at a truck stop or when home. Stow it under the bunk.
8. Meds and Toiletries - place in leak proof trays and stowed in a drawer to keep from rolling around and rattling. Use a compact travel bag for going into a truck stop or motel for a shower to get ready for dining and sleeping. When not in use the bag should be stowed under the bunk.
9. Food and Drink - most food can be kept in the fridge for preservation of vegetables, meats, poultry and condiments until ready to prepare. Margarine or butter that is spreadable cold can also be stored in the fridge. Buy bottled water in quantity and store it under the bunk. Refrigerate only a day’s supply at a time to save on already limited fridge space.
10. Well Being - you may want to carry resistance bands, light weights, and/or a yoga mat for exercising outside or in the sleeper when not driving. You may also want to keep a pair of good shoes for taking a walk around a truck stop or during detention time… These forms of exercise help to minimize the stress of a trucking career.
11. Miscellaneous Items. Pack clothing and gear for the climates in which you will travel. having an umbrella and good rain gear handy is a must. Cold weather gear is also critical  for working in winter climates. These can be stored in a closet or under the bunk.
12. Road Atlas and Truck Stop Location Book - these should be used only for planning your route. Keep them close at hand, but with the many distractions that come with driving, be sure to pull over if you need to reference something.
13. Safety Equipment - safety vest, gloves and steel-toed boots or shoes should be kept handy to the driver seat for when you need to be out of the truck and on a dock. 
14. Personal Protective Equipment - the pandemic is not over, drivers. However, one good thing that has resulted is that bills of lading are mostly digital now... As a truck driver, your focus must always be on everyone’s safety. Protect others by protecting yourself.
    
    

Purging May be Required

Over time, you may find that you're adding a few things here and there, and before you know it, your storage is burgeoning out of control. That, friends, is a sign that it's time to purge. You're in a truck, not a motorhome. Some things must go when this happens.

Some drivers we've talked with find that purging is a periodical experience because of accumulation of goods. Some items never get used and you must rid yourself of those before you find them rolling around in the cab and causing a safety hazard, especially during a panic stop or crash.

Be conscientious and thorough when you list the items that you must have and the ones you want. Use the list to decide where you will put everything. Make use of trays and bins that will help you to find what you need in a hurry. It will make it easier for you to do the difficult job you've chosen. It will make it safer, too. Now it's time to get to organizing your truck - we'd love to hear how it goes!

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