Time marches on, as they say, and just as fashion trends cycle, so too do the must-have items in our homes. For baby boomers, those once-essential gadgets and decor pieces might now be gathering dust, taking up valuable space, or simply looking a tad out of place in the 21st century.
Letting go can be liberating! It frees up physical and mental space, making your home feel lighter and brighter. Sometimes, holding onto things past their prime can feel like carrying unnecessary baggage. This isn’t a directive to erase your past, but an invitation to thoughtfully curate your present living space. After all, a more organized home can contribute to a more peaceful mind.
Old Magazines And Newspapers
Stacks of old magazines and newspapers can quickly accumulate and become dust collectors. While some articles might hold sentimental value, it’s unlikely you’ll reread them all. Consider recycling them regularly to prevent clutter from taking over. You can always find information online if you need to revisit a topic.
Avocado Green Appliances
Remember when avocado green was all the rage? Refrigerators, ovens, and even washing machines sported this earthy hue. While they may hold sentimental value, these appliances are likely less energy-efficient compared to modern models. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances more than 10 years old can use significantly more energy than newer, Energy Star-certified versions. This monumental saving is equivalent to cutting consumers’ collective energy bills by $21 billion through 2043, according to the Department of Energy.
Tube Televisions
Those bulky CRT televisions were once the centerpiece of our living rooms. However, flat-screen TVs offer superior picture quality and take up considerably less space. Plus, many older tube TVs lack the necessary inputs for modern gaming consoles and streaming devices. Consider recycling your old set responsibly; many electronics stores offer take-back programs. In 2023, approximately 63% of households in the United States owned a smart TV, a testament to the shift in technology.
Rotary Phones
While they might evoke a sense of nostalgia, rotary phones are largely impractical in today’s world. Landlines themselves are becoming less common. According to a statistic from the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 73 percent of American adults in 2022 lived in households with only wireless phones, while barely over 1 percent had only landlines. Those tangled cords and the inability to see who’s calling just don’t fit our fast-paced lives anymore.
Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders were a popular decorating trend for a good stretch, adding a touch of visual interest to rooms. However, many of these patterns now look dated. Removing them can instantly freshen up a space and provide a cleaner, more contemporary feel. It might take a little elbow grease, but the results can be quite transformative for your home decor.
Cassette Tapes And Players
For many boomers, mixtapes were a labor of love. However, with the advent of digital music, cassette tapes and players have become mainly obsolete. While some audiophiles still appreciate the sound of analog, most people have transitioned to streaming services and digital libraries. Consider digitizing any irreplaceable recordings to preserve those memories without the clutter. The Recording Industry Association of America reported that recorded music revenues in the U.S. in 2023 continued strong growth for the eighth consecutive year.
Encyclopedia Sets
Once a valuable source of information, bulky encyclopedia sets have mainly been replaced by the vast resources available online. While they might look impressive on a bookshelf, they often go unused. Encyclopaedia Britannica, a household name in the U.S., ceased publication of its print version in 2012, explicitly citing the overwhelming shift towards digital consumption and platforms like Wikipedia. It’s a sign of how much access to information has changed.
Cluttered Spice Racks With Expired Herbs & Seasonings
Over time, spice racks can become a graveyard of forgotten herbs & seasoning. Spices lose their potency after a year or two, impacting the flavor of your healthy food and favorite recipes. Take some time to declutter your spice collection, discarding anything that’s past its prime. For optimal flavor, it is always best to use fresh or recently purchased spices in your cooking.
Outdated Kitchen Gadgets
That bread maker you used twice, the single-use avocado slicer – we’ve all accumulated kitchen gadgets that seemed like a good idea at the time, but now take up drawer space. If you haven’t used a gadget in a year, it’s probably time to let it go. Think about streamlining your kitchen with versatile, frequently used kitchen tools.
Linens With Stains Or Tears
We all have those old towels or bedsheets that have seen better days. Holding onto linens that are stained, torn, or threadbare doesn’t do your home any favors. Consider repurposing them as cleaning rags or donating them to animal shelters, which can often use old fabrics. It’s a small step towards a tidier home improvement and a good deed.
Clothes That No Longer Fit Or Are Out Of Style
Our bodies and fashion tastes change over time. Holding onto clothes that no longer fit or reflect your current style takes up valuable closet space. Decluttering your closet makes getting ready each day much simpler and helps you feel more organized. Plus, by donating or selling items you no longer need, you’re giving them a second life and contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle.
Bulky Furniture That Dominates A Room
Large, bulky furniture pieces can make a room feel cramped and outdated. Consider replacing them with lighter, more versatile pieces that better suit your current lifestyle and aesthetic. Often, a few smaller, well-chosen items can make a space feel more open and inviting. Think about functionality and flow when arranging your living spaces.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
