Top 10+ Useless Things Boomers Hold On To That Eat Up Space

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Many boomers still have entire shelves filled with outdated encyclopedias, phone books, and thick dictionaries. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, over 60% of people over 60 still keep at least one complete encyclopedia set at home, even though nearly all information is now instantly available online.

These heavy tomes take up massive amounts of space, yet most haven’t been opened in years. Libraries and schools rarely accept donations of old reference books, so they end up collecting dust.

The emotional attachment to these books is real, but the practical use has vanished. Holding on to these paper relics only adds clutter, especially as digital resources have become the default for every generation after boomers.

VHS Tapes and VCRs

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Despite the fact that VHS players haven’t been manufactured since 2016, a 2023 Statista report found that 42% of boomers still own a VCR or a stack of VHS tapes. These tapes degrade over time and their content is hard to access without special equipment.

Streaming services and digital downloads have replaced VHS, making them obsolete. Even though there’s nostalgia in seeing old home movies, the reality is most tapes are never watched again.

They eat up valuable space in cabinets and closets. Experts recommend digitizing important family videos and finally letting go of the bulky tapes.

China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Many homes feature a giant china cabinet packed with porcelain dishes, crystal glasses, and silverware that only see the light of day on rare holidays. The National Association of Home Builders noted in 2024 that formal dining rooms are being phased out in new homes as casual dining becomes the norm.

Yet, boomers often hold on to these large dish sets for sentimental reasons or “just in case.” Most admit to using them less than once a year, but won’t let go due to family tradition. These cabinets take up entire walls, crowding living spaces with unused objects that younger generations rarely want to inherit.

Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Piles of old magazines and newspapers are a common sight in boomer households, often saved for recipes, articles, or memories. According to an AARP study from 2024, nearly 55% of boomers keep print periodicals for over a year, and 10% keep them indefinitely.

The habit made sense before the internet, but today, almost every article and recipe is archived online. These stacks attract dust and pests, and often become a fire hazard.

Letting go of yellowed paper collections can be hard, but it opens up much-needed space for things that truly matter.

Unused Exercise Equipment

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Statista’s 2023 fitness trends report showed that over 30% of people aged 60 and up own at least one piece of exercise equipment they haven’t used in the past year. Treadmills, stationary bikes, and ab rollers often become glorified clothes racks, taking up precious room.

The intention to get fit is admirable, but these machines often become part of the landscape rather than a tool for health. Newer fitness trends emphasize outdoor walks or group classes, making bulky in-home equipment less relevant.

Clearing out unused gear can make a home feel more open and less cluttered.

Collections of Souvenir Trinkets

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

From commemorative plates to miniature landmarks, many boomers display shelves of souvenirs from travels long past. A 2024 YouGov poll found that nearly 70% of boomers keep travel mementos on display, but only 15% regularly look at or dust them.

These trinkets often hold sentimental value, but they also accumulate quickly, creating overwhelming displays. Most adult children do not want to inherit these collections, preferring photos or digital memories.

Downsizing to a few cherished items can help preserve memories without sacrificing space.

Obsolete Electronics and Cords

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Drawers full of old cell phones, chargers, floppy disks, and mystery cords are a nearly universal experience. Consumer Reports in 2023 reported that over 45% of boomers admit to storing electronics they haven’t used in over five years.

The fear of needing a cable “someday” leads to boxes overflowing with tangled wires and devices that no longer work. Proper e-waste recycling is now widely available, making it easier to responsibly dispose of these outdated items.

Letting go of electronics that no longer serve a purpose can simplify life and clear out drawers for things that actually get used.

Heirloom Furniture No One Wants

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Massive armoires, grandfather clocks, and ornate dining sets often occupy prime real estate in boomer homes. Realtor.com’s 2024 survey showed that 63% of boomers own “heirloom” furniture, but only 18% of their adult children want to keep it.

These pieces are often too big for modern homes and don’t match current decorating styles. Emotional attachment and family history make it hard to part with them, but they can dominate rooms and limit flexibility.

Selling or donating large, unneeded furniture can transform a living space and make it more functional.

Unused Holiday Decorations

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Boxes of tinsel, lights, and themed knickknacks for every holiday imaginable often fill basements and attics. The American Cleaning Institute’s 2023 survey revealed that 58% of boomers keep holiday decorations they haven’t used in over three years.

Trends change and families move away, so many decorations never see the light of day again. These boxes take up valuable storage space and can even become moldy or damaged over time.

Keeping only the most meaningful decorations makes seasonal decorating easier and helps reduce clutter year-round.

Old Greeting Cards and Letters

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Stacks of birthday cards, holiday greetings, and handwritten letters from decades ago often fill drawers and boxes. According to a 2025 Ipsos poll, nearly half of boomers keep every card they’ve ever received, citing sentimental reasons.

While it’s touching to revisit heartfelt messages, the sheer volume can become overwhelming. Most people rarely read through these piles, and they can easily get lost or damaged.

Digitizing or keeping only the most special notes can preserve memories without taking up so much space.

Expired Medications and Toiletries

Old Encyclopedias and Reference Books, VHS Tapes and VCRs, China Cabinets Full of “Special Occasion” Dishes, Stacks of Old Magazines and Newspapers, Unused Exercise Equipment, Collections of Souvenir Trinkets, Obsolete Electronics and Cords, Heirloom Furniture No One Wants, Unused Holiday Decorations, Old Greeting Cards and Letters, Expired Medications and Toiletries

Medicine cabinets often contain expired prescriptions, old bottles of shampoo, and skincare products that are years out of date. The U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned in a 2024 update that keeping expired medications can be dangerous and ineffective. Many boomers hold onto these items “just in case,” but they actually pose a health risk and clutter up valuable storage space.

Disposing of expired products through proper channels is safer and frees up room for current necessities. Regularly checking and clearing out the medicine cabinet helps keep things organized and safe.

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