Central heating, double/triple glazing, electric shower, microwave, landline phone, family car.

I didn't consider us poor at the time because there was always food on the table, we were well dressed and we'd have good Christmas/birthday presents etc.. but looking back we definitely struggled at times in other ways.

I always remember how fucking cold the house was back then, no amount of clothes would warm you. Could see your breath in every room in the really bad weather even with the fire going. Every room had a draught. The only warm room was the living room with the open fire, the rads elsewhere were lukewarm at the best.

Baths were fucking horrendous. We shared bath water as kids! If you were the eldest like me it would be freezing and filthy by your turn. Especially worse in the winter.

Your dinner, had to be eaten there and then if you wanted it hot. No microwaves. No wasting gas to reheat on the stove.

Phones. Didnt have one until mid to late 90s. Had to use the local payphone the other side of the estate where if it wasn't broken, there was a queue!

Family car, took the bus everywhere which was grand but id image with several young kids at once was an absolute nightmare!

They're only the essentials!

I dont think Id go too long with an electric kettle, coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher, dryer, phone, computer and 2 dozen other non essentials back then but certainly make life easier these days.