Top 10+ Unnecessary Items Boomers Hold Onto That Take Up Space

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of magazines and newspapers often linger in boomer households, sometimes dating back decades. A 2024 survey by Statista found that 65% of baby boomers admit to keeping periodicals for nostalgic reasons or out of habit, even though they rarely revisit them.

This clutter can pile up quickly, taking over entire closets or spare rooms. With most archives now available online, the need for physical copies is nearly obsolete.

Many organizations, including the AARP, have advocated for recycling old paper goods to declutter and free up living space. Old paper can also attract dust and pests, posing health risks.

Letting go of these stacks can bring a sense of relief and open up valuable space.

Large China Cabinets and Dish Sets

China cabinets filled with ornate dish sets are a classic sight in many boomer homes. According to Pew Research Center, less than 20% of millennials express interest in inheriting these bulky heirlooms, preferring minimal and functional dishware.

These cabinets can dominate dining rooms, leaving little space for other activities. Often, the dishes are only used on special occasions, if at all.

Downsizing experts suggest donating or selling unused dishware, especially as resale interest in vintage china has dropped sharply since 2023. Keeping only a few versatile pieces can be just as meaningful without taking up an entire wall.

Plus, decluttering can make entertaining guests much easier and less stressful.

VHS Tapes and Cassette Collections

Despite the rise of streaming services and digital media, many boomers still hold onto boxes of VHS tapes and cassettes. A 2023 Nielsen report revealed that only 5% of U.S.

households still own a working VCR, yet millions of tapes remain stored in basements and attics. These tapes degrade over time and become unplayable, making them little more than sentimental clutter.

Digitizing cherished memories can preserve the content without the bulk. Donation centers rarely accept these items, as demand has plummeted.

Letting go of old tapes can create space for things that are actually used and appreciated. The process of digitizing can also be a rewarding trip down memory lane.

Outdated Electronics and Cords

Drawers and boxes full of outdated electronics—think floppy disk drives, old cell phones, and tangled cords—are common in boomer households. The Consumer Technology Association reports that Americans generated 6.9 million tons of e-waste in 2024, with much of it coming from home cleanouts.

These gadgets and accessories rarely see the light of day but take up considerable space. Proper recycling programs are now widely available and can safely dispose of or repurpose old electronics.

Keeping these items often stems from the belief that they might be useful someday, but in reality, technology advances so quickly that they become obsolete fast. Freeing up this space can make room for more essential items and reduce environmental impact.

Regularly decluttering tech can also prevent hazardous waste buildup.

Unused Exercise Equipment

Exercise bikes, treadmills, and weight benches are often purchased with good intentions but quickly become glorified coat racks. According to a 2023 study by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, over 70% of home exercise equipment is unused after the first year of purchase.

These bulky items eat up valuable real estate in basements and spare rooms. They’re also difficult to move and can be a safety hazard if left unused.

Donation and resale options are plentiful, especially as more people turn to compact, multi-use fitness gear. Letting go of outdated equipment can encourage healthier habits by making space for activities you actually enjoy.

A clutter-free environment is more motivating and energizing.

Formal Living Room Furniture

Many boomer homes feature a formal living room setup, complete with heavy couches, ornate tables, and decorative lamps. Yet a recent Zillow survey found that 62% of Americans now prefer open, flexible living spaces over traditional, formal rooms.

These rarely-used furnishings often serve more as dust collectors than practical seating. Downsizing experts recommend replacing or repurposing these pieces to better suit modern needs, such as creating a home office or hobby area.

Selling or donating formal furniture can also offer a financial boost, as vintage pieces are still in demand among collectors. The space reclaimed can foster a more relaxed, functional home environment.

Making this change can refresh the entire feel of a house.

Holiday Decorations for Every Occasion

Boomers are famous for their enthusiasm for holiday decorations, sometimes maintaining entire closets or attic rooms dedicated to the cause. A 2024 Home Organization Trends report noted that seasonal decor accounts for up to 15% of household storage use among baby boomers.

While festive, the sheer quantity can be overwhelming and hard to store efficiently. Many newer decorations are compact and multi-purpose, making it easier to celebrate without the clutter.

Donating or recycling worn-out items can reduce stress and simplify holiday prep. Keeping only the most meaningful pieces can make decorating more enjoyable.

Streamlined storage also means less time spent hunting for the right box each season.

Collections of Figurines and Trinkets

From porcelain figurines to souvenir spoons, collections of small decorative items are a staple in many boomer households. The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals reports that nearly half of Americans over 60 own at least three types of collectibles.

However, these items often end up gathering dust and adding visual clutter. Younger generations show little interest in inheriting such collections, with a 2023 YouGov poll revealing that only 12% of Gen Z respondents value them.

Selling or donating can help these trinkets find a new home where they’ll be appreciated. Reducing the number of displayed items can also make a room feel lighter and more spacious.

Letting go of excess trinkets often brings a surprising sense of freedom.

Old Paperwork and Receipts

Filing cabinets packed with decades-old paperwork are still common in boomer homes, even as digital record-keeping has become the norm. According to the IRS, most personal tax documents only need to be kept for three to seven years, yet many people hold onto them indefinitely.

This clutter not only takes up physical space but can also make finding important documents more stressful. Shredding and recycling unnecessary paperwork can instantly declutter a room.

Secure digital storage options are now safer and more reliable than ever, making the transition easier. Downsizing paperwork can also help protect against identity theft and loss.

A streamlined filing system is both practical and liberating.

Unused or Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets

Boomers are notorious for holding onto every kitchen gadget ever gifted or purchased, from bread makers to melon ballers. A 2024 Consumer Reports survey found that 60% of kitchen drawers in boomer households contain items not used in over a year.

These gadgets take up valuable drawer and counter space, often making meal prep more difficult. Paring down to the essentials can make kitchens more functional and enjoyable.

Many unused gadgets can be donated to community centers or thrift stores, where they’ll get a new life. Keeping only what’s truly needed creates a more organized and inviting cooking space.

Less clutter means more joy in everyday kitchen routines.