10 Things Americans Keep in the Garage That Brits Somehow Fit Inside the House

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Ever peeked into someone’s garage? It’s pretty interesting to see what ends up in there. In America, garages are like a bonus storage room. But in Britain, people manage to fit all that stuff inside their homes somehow. Let’s explore what Americans generally store in their garages that Brits keep inside their houses.

1. An extra refrigerator

Americans often have an extra fridge chilling in the garage. This second fridge usually holds overflow from the main one, like drinks for a party, extra milk, or those big holiday meal ingredients. In British homes, space is a bit tighter, so most folks don’t keep a spare fridge; they just make do with the one in the kitchen.

2. A chest freezer

In many American garages, you’ll find a chest freezer. This extra bit of cold storage is perfect for buying in bulk and storing big items, like turkeys or large quantities of frozen veggies. Brits, who often shop more frequently and have smaller kitchens, usually skip the big freezer and work with what fits under the counter.

3. Bulk groceries

When you’ve got a warehouse store membership and a garage, buying in bulk makes a lot of sense. Americans use their garages to store large quantities of canned goods, paper products, and other bulk buys. Over in Britain, where homes and shops are often closer together, people usually buy just what they need for a short while.

4. Huge packs of household supplies

Giant packs of toilet paper or paper towels are often seen in American garages. It’s all about grabbing these deals when they’re on sale. In contrast, British homes, which frequently lack the extra storage space, tend to stick to buying only as much as can be neatly stored away in a cupboard.

5. Sports equipment

Garages in America make a great spot to toss the sports gear after a game. From baseball bats to soccer balls, if it’s played outdoors, it’s probably stored in the garage. British homes, with their inventive storage solutions, often keep this gear in wardrobes or under the stairs.

6. DIY tools

Do-it-yourself projects are beloved in America, and the tools for these jobs often land in the garage. This makes it easy to keep all the drills, saws, and hammers organized and out of the way. Brits are just as handy, but they’ll likely store their tools in a shed or a designated cupboard at home.

7. Seasonal decorations

Seasonal decorations in America can fill entire garage shelves! From Halloween to Christmas, there’s a decoration for every season. British homes, with less space to spare, tend to minimize the number of decorations they store, keeping only the most beloved or multipurpose items.

8. Children’s bikes

In the U.S., children’s bikes often end up in the garage. It’s convenient for playtime outside. In the UK, these bikes might be stored in the garden shed or even inside if there’s room, to keep them safe and out of the weather.

9. Camping equipment

American garages often serve as the resting spot for tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear. This makes gearing up for a trip quick and straightforward. In Britain, where homes are smaller and such trips might be less frequent, camping gear is often rented or borrowed instead.

10. Boxes of things nobody quite knows where else to put

Almost every American garage has at least one box that’s full of “miscellaneous” items. These are the things that don’t really have another home. British homes, facing the same dilemma, often dedicate a drawer or a shelf to these mysterious odds and ends, or they get rid of them.