12 Things Americans Consider Normal for a Family of Four That Brits Would Call Excessive

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When you look at family life in the United States, you’ll notice some habits and items that seem just typical for an American household. But if you chat with someone from Britain, they might find these norms a bit over the top. From huge cars to extra fridges, Americans do love their space and convenience! Let’s walk through a few things that are common in American homes, but might surprise a Brit.

1. Having Two Large Cars

For many American families, having two big cars is just part of daily life. Whether it’s running kids to school, heading to work, or taking a family trip, each car gets its fair share of use. In the US, where cities are spread out and public transport isn’t always handy, having two cars makes things a lot easier. Unlike in Britain, where things are more compact and public transport is more reliable, the need for even one large car isn’t as common.

2. Owning a Refrigerator Big Enough for a Week’s Food and Then Some

In American kitchens, a big refrigerator is a must. It’s common to see a fridge stocked with enough food to feed the family for a week or more. This saves on trips to the grocery store and helps with meal planning. In contrast, many British homes stick with smaller fridges, reflecting more frequent shopping trips and smaller kitchen spaces.

3. Keeping Another Fridge or Freezer in the Garage

Alongside the main kitchen fridge, it’s not unusual for American households to have an additional fridge or freezer in the garage. This comes in handy for storing extra beverages, frozen goods, and bulk purchases. It’s a convenience that highlights the American preference for buying and storing in large quantities, a contrast to the British approach of shopping more frequently for fresh items.

4. Buying Toilet Roll and Kitchen Roll in Enormous Multipacks

When it comes to household supplies like toilet paper and kitchen towels, Americans often buy in bulk. Huge multipacks are not only economical but also mean fewer shopping trips. This kind of bulk buying is less common in Britain, where consumers typically buy just what they need for the short term.

5. Having Several Televisions Around the House

It’s pretty normal in an American home to have multiple TVs. You might find one in the living room, another in the family room, and maybe even in bedrooms. This setup caters to different viewing preferences and schedules within the family. In many British homes, however, having more than one or two televisions can seem excessive.

6. Buying Drinks by the Case

Americans often buy soft drinks, water, and other beverages by the case. This practice is especially common when preparing for gatherings or just to have a stock at home, ensuring that a cold drink is always at hand. This bulk-buying habit is less usual in Britain, where purchases are generally smaller.

7. Doing a Huge Warehouse-Store Shop

Shopping at large warehouse-style stores is a favorite activity for many American families. These stores allow buying groceries, electronics, clothing, and more in bulk, often at discounted prices. This way of shopping, which can seem quite overwhelming to Brits, caters to the American love for big savings and fewer shopping trips.

8. Having a Bathroom for the Children and Another for the Parents

In many American homes, having more than one bathroom is typical, often with a separate one for the parents and another for the kids. This setup offers convenience and privacy, accommodating the busy morning routines. In Britain, homes with multiple bathrooms are less common due to space constraints and different living styles.

9. Keeping Months’ Worth of Household Basics in Storage

It’s not unusual for an American family to have a stash of household essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and canned goods, enough to last several months. This habit of stocking up is rooted in the idea of preparedness and making sure there’s always enough at hand. In contrast, British households typically buy just what is needed for the near future.

10. Owning Enough Outdoor Furniture for a Small Café

American homes often feature extensive outdoor living spaces, complete with enough furniture to host a small gathering. This reflects the American love for outdoor entertaining and enjoying spacious backyards. In Britain, where outdoor space can be more limited, such extensive setups are less common.

11. Having an Entire Room Dedicated to Children’s Toys

In the US, it’s quite common for homes to have a room entirely dedicated to children’s toys. This toy room helps keep the rest of the house orderly and gives kids a space to play. This kind of dedicated space is less usual in Britain, where homes might not have the extra room to spare.

12. Needing a Large SUV Just to Transport Everyone and Their Belongings

For many American families, a large SUV is essential for transporting not just people but all their stuff too—from sports equipment to groceries and school bags. The size and versatility of an SUV make it ideal for family life in the spread-out American landscape. In Britain, smaller cars are more common, reflecting shorter distances and smaller family loads.