Our grandparents love to drone on with stories of how hard things were when they crossed rivers and snow banks to go to school (and it was “uphill” both ways). Yet, for many, it still feels like everything was better in the “good old days” when life was less complicated and fast-paced. The world is constantly evolving, and what was once considered standard at home can quickly become a luxury.
Our lifestyles, habits, and expectations have shifted over time, and things that were once readily available and taken for granted have become increasingly rare. From full-service gas stations and clothes that outlived their owners to true friendships and home ownership, many things we can now only dream of were just part of a daily routine a few decades ago.
Some of the things we consider luxury today are intangible yet essential to our well-being. Here are a few things that were once the standard but may now be considered extravagant in changing times. We sourced our insights from experience, forum insights, and home experts to give you the best insights.
1. Single-Income Households
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“Work-from-home” and “stay-at-home” are so unique that they have earned their acronyms in today’s world, but one parent staying home while the other worked was once a regular arrangement. One parent would work outside the home to provide for the family’s needs, while the other would take care of the household and children.
The increasing cost of living and the lack of significant wage growth have made it more challenging for families to make ends meet with only one income. Dual-income households, where both parents work outside the home to support the family financially, have become more prevalent recently. One parent staying and managing the home is now reserved for the few who can afford it.
2. Clothes and Accessories Made to Last
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If you ask around, you’re likely to find someone who owns a piece of clothing that belonged to their grandma, and it probably looks better than your most recent purchase. Having clothes that lasted for generations was once normal, and people would invest in high-quality fabrics and tailored clothing.
Today, fast fashion and consumerism are the norm—we make cheap clothes fast, often worn for a short time. Good material that will last a few years is sold at a premium, and few can afford it. Even clothes from the same brand aren’t the same quality anymore. Most start sagging or running threads in a short while.
3. Real Wood For Furniture
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Have you seen a chest of drawers from the 80s? It’s stronger and has lasted longer than most marriages. Real wood was once the standard for furniture due to its durability and longevity. High-quality wood furniture could last for generations and was often passed down as family heirlooms. Craftsmanship and quality were valued, and furniture makers took pride in creating unique pieces with intricate details and designs.
Solid wood furniture has become a luxury today. Mass production and the rise of cheaper materials have made it challenging to find high-quality wood furniture. Many manufacturers opt for more affordable materials, such as particleboard.
4. Leisure Time
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Modernity is great, but the more productive we get, the less time we seem to have. In the present day, with the pressures of work and family responsibilities, leisure time has become rare. Leisure time is a regular occurrence, but many people find it challenging to make time for themselves to relax and enjoy their passions without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. Compared to the 1980s, Americans are taking almost 50% fewer vacations now.
The current work culture is one of the primary reasons why leisure time has become scarce. The increasing demands of the workplace and the need to balance family and social life have left little room for personal time. People who can make time for leisure activities are considered fortunate and privileged.
5. Owning A (Big) Home
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If you have watched the TV show, you’ve probably wondered how the Simpsons owned a big house and two cars, even though they only held temporary jobs. It may have been fiction, but most people had more spacious homes with additional rooms. Although bigger houses are being built, few people can afford them, and most are settling for smaller houses or even embracing a different way of life in an RV or tiny home.
However, with the increasing cost of owning a home and the growing popularity of minimalism, larger homes are now viewed as a luxury that is out of reach. The trend towards smaller and more efficient homes has gained momentum in recent years, with people opting for compact living spaces that offer convenience and affordability.
6. Home Entertainment
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Gone are the days when all you needed to do for home entertainment was buy a TV and an antenna. People relied on traditional media such as broadcast television and radio for daily entertainment. Today, almost every entertainment source requires a paid subscription.
Some mainstream channels are free, but you need to download apps or pay for the internet to watch them. While home entertainment has become more diversified and personalized, it also comes with a price tag (called “streamflation“. This has created a divide between those who can afford to pay for premium content and those who cannot.
7. Home Cooking
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There was a time when home cooking was the foundation of daily life, and eating out was a rare and special occasion. With the rise in popularity of fast food and convenience meals, cooking at home has gradually become less common.
As our lives have become busier and more fast-paced, the convenience of fast food and pre-packaged meals has become increasingly appealing. Cooking a full meal at home is now considered a luxury for those with the time, energy, and resources. It’s no wonder the COVID lockdowns brought back many home cooks and the rebirth of banana bread.
8. Privacy
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There was a time when birth videos weren’t paraded on the internet, and the whole world didn’t know what you had for dinner (at home or not). Besides, people had more control over their personal information and could choose who they shared it with. With the dependency on the internet, personal information has become more accessible, and maintaining privacy has become increasingly difficult.
Social media has become a necessary evil. Many people make money from it and cannot afford to be digitally invisible. Surveillance cameras are everywhere, and facial recognition technology and other tracking tools have further eroded privacy. Several years ago, it was predicted that privacy, especially data privacy, would be a luxury by 2025, and we’re living the statistics now.
9. Community and True Friendships
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“Your network is your net worth” is a common phrase, and it’s not all wrong. People would take the time to truly get to know each other, often spending hours chatting or sharing meals. They were invested in each other’s lives and would go out of their way to help one another. A study shows that most people now have fewer friends than 20 years ago.
Today, people’s priorities have shifted; people rarely get together for a backyard BBQ or game night and build friendships for the sake of friendships. The focus has shifted to accumulating more followers, likes, and connections rather than building deep and meaningful relationships. A true community beyond work is a luxury now, although it’s supposed to be a necessity.