A poll of 2,000 UK car owners found 23% of Gen Z use their motor for storing things – three times more than Boomers (7%)
Almost a third of Gen Z drivers in the UK reckon their car is so packed with essentials, it’s practically their second abode – equipped with a spare outfit, deodorant, and snacks always within reach. A survey involving 2,000 vehicle owners unveiled that a whopping 23% of young motorists have turned their vehicles into mobile storage units – a habit that’s threefold compared to the mere 7% of Boomers who do the same.
Furthermore, an impressive 31% of Gen Z’ers and 19% of Millennials are spending so much time on the road they consider their cars almost like another living space, which is a view shared by less than 5% of the older generation. The research additionally highlighted that items such as phone chargers, wet wipes, and shopping bags have secured permanent residency in the nation’s motors.
But while the younger crowd makes sure to have travel mugs, headphones, and emergency footwear at the ready, the Baby Boomers prefer to be geared up with traditional influences like A-Z map books and first aid kits.
Drivers across ages are also ensuring they’re set for all weather conditions, stashing ice scrapers and brollies as top picks, not forgetting sunnies and gloves too. And just in case of impromptu outings, there’s always a handy lip salve, pair of shoes, and hairbrush in tow.
Car manufacturer Dacia’s spokesperson, commenting on the findings alongside promoting their AR app’s Boot Organiser feature, remarked: “Our cars have become an extension of our homes, so much so they’re becoming filled with lifestyle items.” Pointing out a change in vehicular habits, they added: “Gone are the days of just having a spare wheel and some de-icer in the boot, we like to feel prepared for all eventualities and carry the modern day essentials.”
Acknowledging how packed car boots can get with various items from sports gear to prams, a representative highlighted: “We know how crowded people’s boots can get, whether it’s sports kits, children’s bikes or prams and walking boots or wellies, we hope to be able to assist optimising space.”
The study uncovered that 41% of car owners have had to re-arrange their boot to squeeze everything in for British holidays, spending an average of 18 minutes on the task. It also emerged that trips involving taking rubbish to the tip (31%), enjoying a day out (26%), or heading to the airport (22%) often necessitate car boot reorganisation. Suitcases (26%), bicycles (17%) and groceries (16%) ranked as the top contenders for tight fits.
According to OnePoll data, a significant majority – eight out of 10 – say boot size is crucial when selecting a new vehicle, and some even jest they take everything ‘but the kitchen sink’ when leaving home. In response to these insights, professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn has partnered with Dacia to offer motorists tips on maximising boot space.
Offering sage packing advice, Vicky suggests constructing a checklist to follow and adopting strategic packing methods, arguing that if there’s doubt about needing an item, it’s probably unnecessary. She also recommends placing essential items like wash bags at the top of luggage for easy access upon late arrivals at destinations.
As summer looms and road trip season kicks off, Vicky warns, “With summer approaching, suitcases will likely cause some issues for road trips.” Vicky Silverthorn, the organising queen, shares her ultimate car boot packing guide – “It’s best to put them in the boot sideways rather than stacking them and soft cases are great to fit around hard ones to optimise the space – I’ve been trying it out in the Dacia Bigster, and I have loads of room spare.”
She understands the dilemma we often face before a big trip: “We all know how tricky it can be when you’re going away and suddenly need to fill the car with everything you’ll need, be it kid’s toys and nappies or festival and camping gear.” To tackle this issue, Vicky advises reorganising your boot seasonally: “Remove the seasonal items you no longer require which seem to live in your boot – such as ice scrapers – and make room for what you know you’ll be using, like picnic blankets and beach towels.”
Dive into VICKY SILVERTHORN’S TOP 10 TIPS FOR PACKING A CAR BOOT:
- List it: Draft a ‘Packing Checklist’ so nothing gets left behind – plus, it encourages smarter packing.
- Be ruthless: If you’re unsure about an item, leave it out. Less is often more.
- Hidden spaces: Utilise every nook, including under the boot floor – perfect for stashing wellington boots.
- Sideways suitcases: Arrange luggage side by side to avoid unloading the entire stack for access.
- Gravity rule: Heaviest items go at the bottom, layering up in weight order.
- Don’t learn the hard way: Soft cases are brilliant for fitting around hard cases in a boot, making the most of every bit of space.
- Squeezy does it: Pack items tightly to prevent them from sliding and moving about as you drive.
- It’s child’s play: If you’re bringing one along, ensure your pushchair is easily accessible for when you arrive.
- Boot foresight: If you’re arriving late at your destination, always pack the items that you’ll need upon arrival at the top, such as wash bags.
- Only the essentials: Use an easily accessible rucksack or storage container to hold key items that you can grab quickly, like chargers and headphones.
TOP 40 THINGS DRIVERS PERMANENTLY STORE IN THEIR CAR:.
- Ice scraper.
- Umbrella.
- Pen.
- Carrier bags.
- Sunglasses.
- First aid kit.
- Phone charger.
- Hand sanitiser.
- Tissue/napkins.
- Wet wipes.
- A-Z map book.
- Gloves.
- Picnic blanket.
- Notepad.
- Water bottle.
- Lip balm.
- Pair of shoes.
- Coat.
- Hairbrush.
- Deodorant.
- Dog lead.
- Suncream.
- Wellies.
- Travel cup.
- Camping chair.
- Snacks.
- Football.
- Headphones.
- Spare change of clothes.
- A ‘sick’ bucket for travel sickness.
- Sports / gym kit.
- Mirror.
- Pushchair.
- Cutlery.
- Children’s toys/books.
- A potty.
- Empty takeaway boxes / cups.
- Changing mat.
- Bags of rubbish for the tip.
- Nappies.