Almost a third of Gen Z claim their car is their ‘second home’

A poll of 2,000 vehicle owners found 23% of the younger generation use their motor for storing things - three times more than Boomers (7%). And while 31% of Gen Z and 19% of Millennials claim they spend so much time in their car it’s like their second home, less than one in 20 Boomers feel the same.

It also emerged phone chargers, wet wipes and carrier bags are among the top 40 things which permanently live in vehicles. But while Gen Z are most likely to keep a travel cup, headphones and spare shoes in their car, Boomers are prepared with an A-Z map book and a first aid kit. Drivers are also prepared for all bouts of weather, with an ice scraper and umbrella the two most popular items to store, followed by sunglasses and gloves. With lip balm, a pair of shoes and a hairbrush to hand for any last-minute socialising.

A spokesperson for car brand Dacia, which commissioned the research alongside its AR app’s Boot Organiser tool, said: “Our cars have become an extension of our homes, so much so they’re becoming filled with lifestyle items. 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. 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 research also found 41% of owners have had to reconfigure items in their boot to fit things in when going on a holiday in the UK, taking an average of 18 minutes to do so. Others have had to rearrange the space when taking rubbish to the tip (31%), heading out on a day trip (26%), and going to the airport (22%). With suitcases (26%), bikes (17%) and food shopping (16%) the top things people struggle to fit into their car boot.

The OnePoll data also saw eight in 10 claim the size of a boot is important when choosing a new car, as 11% admitted they often leave the house with everything ‘but the kitchen sink’. Following the findings, professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn, has teamed up with Dacia to give drivers tips on how to pack their boot efficiently.

Vicky advises creating a checklist to tick off as you go and pack strategically, and said if you think twice about whether or not to bring something it’s likely it’s not actually needed. And if you’re arriving at a destination late, make sure the items you’ll need are at the top of the luggage, such as wash bags.

Vicky said: “With summer approaching, suitcases will likely cause some issues for road trips. 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.

“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. 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.”