17 Old School Items Every Gen Xer Should Toss
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Sandwiched between the optimistic Boomers and the tech savvy Millennials, Generation X is buried with memories attached to material things. These were once the products that defined cutting edge life. Times are different now, and the merely indispensable has become dust gatherer in attics, and basements.
It’s not just about following trends, it’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you. Holding on to old gizmos and things is not nostalgia, it’s clutter. Let’s take a walk down memory lane, with some practicality and a dash of humor, and see what it’s time to move on from.
Cassette Tapes and VCRs
Do you remember the old mantra of “Be kind, rewind”? These devices were the ruler of the ‘80s and ‘90s, but have been replaced by streaming services for a long time now. Yes, there’s a certain cachet to putting an old tape into the player, but how long has it been since you actually did so? Not even Goodwill wants these anymore, so it’s high time to put these to retirement.
Pagers
Pagers were once the pinnacle of cool for doctors and teens who had overly concerned parents. Since smartphones have taken over the form of communication, who needs that one pager just in case? If you’re not starring in a period drama set in the ‘90s, it is time to let go.
Encyclopedias
Before Google, these hefty books were the homework lifesavers you needed. But now? Doorstops or makeshift standing desks are much more useful. With one click of a button, you have access to accurate, up to date information, so you don’t feel the need to hang on to your encyclopedias for their “charm.”
China Cabinets
In the old days, showing fine china was a status symbol. Today, they’re bulky relics of a different era, full of dishes they rarely pull out. For most Gen Xers, they’d admit they don’t even use those plates to eat — they are just taking up space.
Beaded Car Seat Covers
The days of those massaging wooden beads on the driver’s seat, cruising around. These were quirky, but honestly, modern ergonomic chairs and cushions have made these obsolete. If no one has asked for a backseat bead massage in years, it’s time to break it off.
The Yellowed Plastic Storage Containers
Tupperware parties were popular, who didn’t end up with a mountain of mismatched lids and faded containers? But let’s be real: Plastic stained isn’t the stuff of kitchen contests. Say goodbye to dubious leftovers and invest in glass or BPA free containers.
Photo Albums
This one might sting a little, yes. With digital photo storage, you don’t have to have stacks of bulky albums collecting dust. Without the fear of sticky album pages falling apart, you can scan your favorite pictures and relive those memories.
Old Gym Equipment
How many of people have an ancient treadmill or old stationary bike lurking in the background as a “just in case” they decide to take up working out again? If your machine is more coat rack than cardio, it’s time to go. Cluttered spaces stress us out – no one needs that energy in the home gym, according to studies.
Compact Discs
When CDs came into the market, they were magical: crystal clear sound, and shiny appeal. Today’s streaming and downloads are no match for them. If you aren’t raking in money from an original Nirvana album or opening a museum, those jewel cases aren’t doing anything but taking up space.
Fanny Packs From the ‘90s
Not only are fanny packs back in style, but it isn’t the neon monstrosities of decades past. If yours screams Saved by the Bell, it is time for an upgrade. Its practicality is one thing, but we’re not hell bent on rehashing Fresh Prince wardrobe choices.
Spices and Pantry Items That Have Expired
Have you looked in your spice rack lately? A few of those jars could be older than your firstborn. According to USDA, ground spices have a shelf life of one or two years; toss the 1994 nutmeg and make room for fresh, flavorful seasonings.
Old Stereo Systems
Do you remember those huge sound systems that had those huge speakers? Your friends used to be jealous of them. Compact wireless options however have taken over. Those bulky systems are taking up space unless you’re running a retro music studio.
Beanie Babies
They were a craze that promised fortunes that never came. If you have a collection sitting around doing nothing, most of them aren’t worth more than a trip to the thrift store. Your shelf space isn’t free, but nostalgia is.
Manual Typewriters
Odds are you don’t need an old typewriter even if you’re trying to write like Hemingway. They’re definitely cool as decorative pieces, but they aren’t practical for today’s needs. Without hauling around 20 pounds of keys and ribbons, you can still appreciate vintage vibes.
Rolodexes
Your smartphone is a Rolodex, calendar, and everything else all rolled into one, let’s be honest. We don’t need a spinning wheel of business cards anymore. It is a device to ditch, but keep the memories.
Old Magazines
Stacks of National Geographic and Rolling Stone may just feel sentimental, but they probably just gather dust. Don’t be shy about recycling those old issues — libraries and online archives have got you covered.
Big, Boxy TVs
You might remember when tube televisions were the cornerstone of every living room. As flat screens offer better picture quality and take up less space, these giant boxes are now relics of the past.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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