7 Essential Products That Every British Home Needs
Dusty dumbbells, a cupboard full of carrier bags, and empty appliance boxes that you keep “just in case”—you will find all of these things in the average British home, and none of them are useful. The older you are and the longer you’ve lived in your home, the more likely you are to accumulate cupboards and closets full of junk.
But what about the stuff we actually need? What are the things that should be in every home; the things that should always be in reach? It’s time to stock up!
A Simple Tool Kit
Every home needs a basic tool kit. You can’t keep hassling the handyman (or a helpful family member) every time a screw needs tightening or a nail needs hammering. You don’t need to go big and can pick up a cheap kit for just a few quid. Build your own to save even more money and make sure it includes:
Super Glue
From fixing broken spectacles and mugs to mending shoes and toys, there are endless uses for super glue. It’s not just the strong stuff that’s useful, either, you’re free to choose from an array of glues, from the weaker stuff used for metals (such as securing pins in watch bracelets, a practice that’s recommended on most Rolex watches, as well as watchers from many other brands) to potent resins that will stick to anything and everything.
A Can of WD-40
WD-40 is a simple water displacement product on the surface but dig underneath and you’ll find an incredible multi-use product that can help you out in a pinch. It’s also cheap, so there’s no reason not to keep a can or two on standby.
Commonly used to fix squeaky hinges, WD-40 is also great at removing debris from metal, unsticking stubborn adhesives, preventing rust, and keeping your tools in tip-top shape.
Rechargeable Batteries
AA and AAA batteries always seem to be one of those things you have too much of when you don’t need them and can’t find when you do. Make your life easier by buying a few packs of rechargeable batteries, ensuring you always have some of these commonly used batteries ready to go.
Emergency Supplies
These products don’t just make your life easier; they could also save it. Every home should have the following to guard against and deal with common disasters:
Power Banks and Extension Cords
Power banks are essential if you’re always on your phone or need a laptop or tablet for work. They will save you a lot of stress in the event of a power outage, and you can also take them with you on extended trips when you might not have access to power.
Make sure you have some extension cords as well. Whether you’re setting up Christmas lights or dragging electrical heaters out of the garage and giving them a chance to shine, these things are worth their weight in gold.
Kettle and Coffee Machine
Kettles are not as British as afternoon tea, queuing, and moaning about the weather, but try telling that to an American. They’re often amazed at our obsession for these fast-boiling devices, as they’re resigned to using hobs and microwaves across the pond. It all comes down to our higher voltage, and if you’re not taking advantage of that, you’re in a very small minority.
Coffee machines are also very common in the UK. In fact, they are one of the most common items found in British kitchens—alongside the humble kettle, of course. Even if you’re more of a tea drinker, it’s good to have a cheap coffee machine on hand so you can properly cater to your coffee-drinking guests.
Summary: Products for Every British Home
If you have all of the above products, great, you’re good to go! Just make sure you keep your stocks strong. If not, it’s time to whip out that Amazon app or head to your local supermarket. You’ll thank us at some point!
