New Jersey: Packing Heavy in the Garden State
I’m practically the poster child for overpacking. I’ve always believed it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to packing, so I tend to throw in extra of everything – bras, socks, underwear, an extra toothbrush, you name it. Plus, those who listen to us on the radio know I’m a germaphobe, so I always pack multiple pairs of flip-flops to ensure my feet never touch the floor, not even in the shower.
Recently, I stumbled upon a survey that caught my attention: “The U.S. States With the Most Overpackers [2024 Survey]”. It got me intrigued to learn more about how my fellow New Jerseyans handle their packing habits. Certainly, I can’t be the only one who packs for a month when it is only going to be a week-long stay. This survey looked into how much people typically pack. It also looked into when they start packing. I know for me, I have to start at least a week ahead of time. The study found that extra fees influence their packing decisions.
How Does New Jersey’s Packing Stack Up?
According to the survey conducted by UpgradedPoints.com, Pennsylvania takes the crown for the state with the most overpackers. I am proud to say, as a New Jerseyan, it turns out we are not far behind. That means New Jerseyans also like to pack more than the average American, especially when it comes to essentials like shirts, pants, shoes, underwear, and socks.
The survey also revealed what goes into our packing habits. It seems a good number of us start packing a few days before the trip. I have to start laying out my clothes and accessories a good week before the trip to go over every outfit that I plan on wearing every single day. On the other hand, there are folks like my husband who like to leave all the packing until the very last minute.
Do East Coasters Pack Differently Than West Coasters?
It seems like we from the East Coaster like to be prepared for any situation. Whether it’s a formal event or a casual day out, we will have the attire to go with the flow. On the other side of the coast, there are states like Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington that prefer to keep it light when it comes to packing. They kind of have that minimalist mindset which carries over into their packing. It would honestly make packing and unpacking less stressful but, I just can’t seem to adopt that mindset. I like having my stuff!
Maybe it’s time for us New Jerseyans to rethink our packing strategies and save ourselves from those dreaded overweight luggage fees. After all, do we really need five pairs of shoes for a week-long trip? Probably not.