10 Things Brits Used to Learn to Do Themselves That We Now Pay Someone Else For

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Remember when people used to fix things around the house or tinker with the car in the driveway? There was a time when doing it yourself was the norm, from mending your own clothes to cutting the kids’ hair. Nowadays, it seems easier to just pay someone else to handle these tasks. But let’s step back and explore some of these skills that were once common in many British homes.

1. Basic Car Maintenance

There was a time when checking the oil, changing a tyre, or even replacing the spark plugs was just part of owning a car. These days, most of us would rather leave it to the professionals. Sure, modern cars are more complex, but basic car maintenance can save you a bunch of money and it’s not as complicated as it seems. It’s also a great way to understand how your car works, which can make you feel more in control of your own vehicle.

2. Repairing Clothes

Rips, tears, and missing buttons often mean a trip to the tailor or a new purchase. However, fixing clothes is one of the simplest ways to save money and extend the life of your wardrobe. Sewing on a new button or patching up a hole can be very satisfying, much like solving a small puzzle. Plus, it’s a step towards being more sustainable with your fashion choices.

3. Decorating a Room

These days, if we want to spruce up our homes, we might call in a decorator or an interior designer. But painting walls, choosing fabrics, and arranging furniture used to be a personal project. Taking the time to decorate your own space isn’t just potentially cost-saving, it also makes your living space more personal and cozy since you’ve poured a bit of yourself into its look and feel.

4. Fixing a Bicycle

Whether it was patching a tire or adjusting the brakes, maintaining a bicycle was once essential know-how, especially for younger generations. Nowadays, we often head to the bike shop for even small repairs. Learning to maintain your bike not only saves you money, it also keeps you riding smoothly and can even be a fun activity to do with friends or family.

5. Mending Shoes

Shoe repair shops are harder to find these days, as we often just buy new shoes when our old ones start to wear out. Yet, resoling shoes, gluing a loose insole, or polishing out scuffs can dramatically increase the lifespan of a good pair of shoes. It’s cost-effective and keeps your favorite comfy shoes on your feet longer.

6. Simple Appliance Repairs

When a toaster or a vacuum cleaner broke down in the past, the initial reaction was to try and fix it. Now, our first thought is often about buying a replacement. However, many minor appliance issues, like a clogged filter or a loose plug, are surprisingly simple to fix. Learning a bit about how your appliances work can save you money and unnecessary waste.

7. Cutting Children’s Hair

Going to the barber or hairdresser for every little trim can quickly add up. Many parents used to cut their children’s hair at home. With a bit of practice and the right tools, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time together and save a trip to the salon.

8. Basic Gardening Jobs

Gardening can be therapeutic as well as practical. Growing your own veggies, pruning the bushes, or even just mowing the lawn were all tasks that kept us connected to our homes and to nature. It also helps us appreciate the seasons and the satisfaction of nurturing growth through our own efforts.

9. Putting up Shelves and Doing Small DIY Jobs

From hanging a picture to assembling furniture, small DIY tasks were once typical weekend projects. Today, we might hire a handyman instead. Learning to do these jobs can not only be a money-saver but also incredibly fulfilling. It’s a great feeling to look at a shelf or a fixed cabinet and know you did that with your own hands.

10. Repairing Things Before Deciding to Replace Them

Our throwaway culture often tells us to buy new rather than fix old. But learning to repair things around the house—from a leaky faucet to a squeaky door—can be a smart and satisfying skill. It teaches problem-solving and patience, not to mention it’s kinder to your wallet and the planet.