12 Things Americans Do at Home That Brits Can’t Understand

Save to Find It Later!

Ever wondered about the everyday things Americans do at home that might seem a bit odd to Brits? From keeping the air conditioning on all summer to having fridges as big as some UK kitchens, here’s a fun look at 12 common American home habits that might raise an eyebrow or two across the pond.

1. Running air conditioning throughout the summer

In the US, it’s pretty normal to have the air conditioning on a lot when it’s hot out. This keeps homes cool and comfy, especially during those blistering summer days. For Brits, who might use fans or just open a window, this constant use of air conditioning might seem excessive, but in many parts of the US, it’s almost necessary to beat the heat.

2. Having refrigerators larger than some British kitchens

Americans love their big fridges! It’s not uncommon to see a refrigerator in America that’s larger than some kitchens in the UK. These massive appliances can store a lot of food and drinks, which is handy for big families or those who don’t shop daily. This might seem a bit much to Brits who are used to more compact kitchen appliances.

3. Keeping multiple televisions throughout the house

It’s quite common in the US for homes to have several TVs. Many families have a TV in the living room, another in the family room, and sometimes even in bedrooms. This might seem unusual in Britain, where having one or two TVs is more typical. In the US, it’s all about personal choice and comfort.

4. Using tumble dryers for nearly every load of laundry

While in the UK, many people hang clothes out to dry, in the US, using a tumble dryer for almost every wash is the norm. This is handy for quick laundry chores, especially in humid or rainy weather when drying clothes outside isn’t an option.

5. Owning dedicated rooms for specific activities

In America, it’s not rare to have rooms dedicated to a specific purpose like a home office, a game room, or a craft room. This idea of specialized spaces might seem luxurious or wasteful to Brits who are accustomed to using rooms for multiple purposes due to space constraints.

6. Storing huge quantities of food in pantries

Having a pantry loaded with food is typical in American homes. This means fewer trips to the grocery store and always being prepared. In Britain, where shops are often close by and homes smaller, having such a large stockpile of food might seem unnecessary.

7. Having multiple bathrooms for small families

It’s common in American homes to have several bathrooms, even for a small family. This can be super convenient, but might seem excessive to Brits who are used to making do with just one or two bathrooms.

8. Watching college sports as a major family activity

College sports are big in the US and watching these games is a major family pastime, similar to how some British families might watch football. The scale and enthusiasm for college sports in the US can be surprising to visitors from the UK.

9. Decorating homes months before holidays arrive

In America, it’s common to start decorating for holidays like Christmas months in advance. This prolonged festive season can seem a bit over the top for Brits, who typically start decorating closer to the holiday itself.

10. Buying household supplies in bulk

Buying in bulk is popular in the US, where people often buy large quantities of household items to save money and reduce shopping trips. This might seem unusual to Brits, who might not have the space to store bulk items or prefer buying fresher supplies more frequently.

11. Using garbage disposals in kitchen sinks

Garbage disposals are common in American kitchens, helping to dispose of food waste easily. This isn’t as common in the UK, where food waste is typically thrown in the bin or composted.

12. Maintaining enormous lawns

Large, well-maintained lawns are a common sight in American neighborhoods. This can be quite a contrast to the smaller gardens in the UK. The space and effort required to maintain such large lawns might seem like a lot of work to some Brits.