11 Small Things Poor People Notice In Middle Class Homes That The Middle Class Have No Idea Are Classy
If you have these things in your home, you’re at least a tiny bit wealthier than you might think.
Look Studio / Shutterstock Most people who grew up poor didn't get the same luxuries as everyone else. From low-quality schools to not-the-safest neighborhoods, poor people live in a state of discomfort that many don't experience in their daily lives.
That being said, the difference between the lower and middle classes is constantly shrinking. What was once a glaringly obvious difference is now becoming harder to discern. Even so, there are small things poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea are classy. Without realizing it, many middle-class families possess 'luxury' items that most people wish they had. From fancy sofas to security systems, sometimes these differences are all too easy to spot, even if middle-class families don't realize it.
These are 11 small things poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class have no idea are classy
1. Having two sinks
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The first small thing poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea is classy is having two sinks. Most people grew up having to fight over the bathroom sink. Whether it was washing their hands or brushing their teeth, there was nothing more frustrating than dealing with a small bathroom sink in the morning. However, when entering a middle-class family’s home, poor people can’t help but notice the two faucets.
Feeling slightly intimidated, many poor assume that this middle-class family is wealthier than they let on. And while they may not be, there’s no denying that a little extra wiggle room goes a long way. According to the American SPCC, “Home environment impacts mental health; organized, well-lit spaces improve mood, while secure homes reduce anxiety.” So, even if they aren’t rich, they should count their blessings. Having a double sink is a feature most people don’t get.
2. A fridge with an ice maker and water dispenser
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If a person who grew up poor wanted water, they’d have to turn on their faucet and drink tap water, as constantly buying water bottles would add up. However, small things that poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea are classy, such as having a fridge with an ice maker and water dispenser. It might be more common for middle-class homes, but poor people are still amazed at the convenience of it all.
Not only do middle-class families get water without wincing at the taste, but they also don’t have to violently bang the ice tray on the countertop to make their drink cold. So, while many don’t think twice about their water and ice privileges, those who grow up poor instantly notice that change as soon as they walk into their home.
3. A guest bedroom
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All poor people know the feeling of dread that arises when their family says, “Your family members are staying for the week.” Feeling irrationally upset, it was never fun to give up their bedroom just to get pushed to sleep on the living room couch or worse, right next to their parents. However, small things that poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea are classy, such as having a guest bedroom.
Sure, it might not seem like a huge deal for a middle-class family, but for those who grew up poor, having a guest bedroom would’ve saved them the frustration that came with giving up their space. No longer needing to dread their grandparents' sleeping over, kids could enjoy their visit while simultaneously having an exit plan when their grandparents became too nosy.
While this might not seem like a huge deal, according to teacher and author Diana Raab, Ph.D., “Having your own sacred space can lead to emotional well-being.” So, if a middle-class family has that extra bedroom to spare, they aren’t just flexing their wealth in front of others. They’re also saving their kids the panic of having to rearrange their things so their grandma doesn’t touch their Pokémon collection.
4. Matching dishes
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Most poor people don’t think twice when grabbing a plate in the morning. Whether it’s a random Disney plate or a plate they got at a thrift store, most poor people don’t have only matching plate sets in their kitchen. That being said, small things that poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea are classy, such as having an actual plate set. No, it’s not enough to have a decorative one on their dining room table. In typical classy fashion, their cupboards are only filled with matching neutral plate sets that look straight out of a magazine.
And while plates are just plates at the end of the day, there’s something different about eating off a $60 plate set. Blame it on the consumerism mindset, but there’s no denying that having a good quality plate set or two does make a middle-class household feel more fancy.
5. Stairs in the home
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It might seem like the norm for some, but having stairs in the home wasn’t always all that common. Especially in the South, it’s normal to see one-story homes with a basement that looks like something straight out of a horror movie, if they’re lucky. However, small things that poor people notice in middle-class homes, which the middle class may not realize are classy, include having stairs in the home. Not only do they have a home downstairs, but they also have their bedroom upstairs, which is probably away from their parents.
It seems tribal to those who always had this in their homes, but for the people who grew up poor with barely any wiggle room or privacy, this was a massive sign of wealth. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, stairs are present in around 49% of people's homes. So while it might feel like everyone has it, think again. Half of Americans don’t experience the embarrassment of accidentally falling down the stairs in front of their family.
6. A paved driveway
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Those who grew up living in a poor area already know that parking was terrible. Whether it was a small parking space or no parking space at all, low-income individuals had to find a way to fit multiple family cars into one space, all while maintaining their sanity. However, small things poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class have no idea are classy, such as having a paved driveway.
It might not sound like much, but having a paved driveway is a blessing that most people don’t receive. No longer having to figure out parking or wake a family member up in the morning, begging for them to move their car, middle-class families can go in and out of their home as they please. So if someone has a paved driveway, they count themselves lucky. Most people who grew up poor aren’t always given that luxury.
7. A trash can hidden in a cabinet
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Everyone’s been in this confusing predicament before: they’re trying to throw out a plate, but there’s no trash can in sight. Not knowing what to do, they awkwardly turn towards the host and ask, “Where’s your trash can?” And while most poor people will respond by pointing at the corner of the kitchen, small things that poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea are classy, include having a trash can hidden in the cabinet.
Sorry, but having a trash can hidden in a cabinet is a bit abnormal. At least for a poor person, it’s not viewed as normal to pull out a compartment to throw away a plate of food. While it absolutely might save space, in the end, having it tucked away is a bit unnecessary and can be more confusing than helpful when someone is visiting their home. Still, there’s no denying that having as much space as possible in a home can be a good thing.
According to author Suzann Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP, and Professor James Pawelski, Ph.D., “With more space to think, feel, and move around, we felt happier and more peaceful. And we experienced physical benefits as well.”
So, while their guests might be confused, always remember that a little extra wiggle room is beneficial.
8. A garbage disposal in the sink
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There’s no worse feeling than cleaning out a plate and then digging around afterwards to take out the leftovers. However, for most poor people, it wasn’t considered a significant issue and was simply viewed as another part of daily life. However, small things poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class have no idea are classy, such as having a garbage disposal in the sink. If someone doesn’t have to dig through their sink to empty it properly, they’re not just lucky, but viewed as richer than the average person. Even if this isn’t the case, only around half of Americans have garbage disposals in their sink.
And while poor people might think they’re missing out on the luxury of garbage disposals, according to Sustainable America, “Food waste can introduce contaminants such as PFAS or plastics, hindering the potential for treated wastewater to be reused for soil amendments or fuel.” Considering that millions of tons of food are wasted, constantly using a garbage disposal is harming our environment in irreversible ways.
9. A swimming pool
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When someone wants to go swimming, they’ll either need to find the closest community pool near them or get a blow-up pool and pray for the best. Given the high cost of pools, most people can’t afford them due to the expense and upkeep. According to the Pool Butler, most people can expect to spend between $500 and $800 a year on chemicals and equipment alone. This is why a small thing that poor people notice in middle-class homes, which the middle class has no idea is classy, is having a pool.
Sure, they might’ve thought about getting one during those summer days when they want to cool off. However, the cost of installing a pool and maintaining it alone isn’t in everyone’s budget. On the flip side, some middle-class families have one and are able to maintain it with ease. And while they might not think much of it, for a person who grew up poor, this is a huge sign that someone has a little bit of wealth.
10. An automatic garage door opener
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Another small thing that poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea about is that having an automatic garage door opener in their home is considered classy. Believe it or not, not everyone has the luxury of pressing a button and having their garage door open.
For some, they have to get out and do it themselves or ask their partner to open it for them before they get home. Now, is it the end of the world? No, not exactly. It may be slightly frustrating, but most people will manage to survive. Yet for those who are a bit classy with more money than others, they might invest in a garbage opener to save themselves the heartache.
11. More than one bathroom
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Finally, the last small thing poor people notice in middle-class homes that the middle class has no idea is classy is having more than one bathroom. It might sound hard to believe for those who grew up with two bathrooms, but many people are still fighting over who gets to shower first. As most poor people know, holding in their bladder or tapping their foot impatiently as they wait for their sibling to come out is a universal experience for many.
Yet for some people, they never had to go through the frustration of missing the bus because someone took too long scrolling on their phone. So, if someone has two or more bathrooms in the home, congrats. You’re missing out on the universal frustration that is sharing space with someone else.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
