15 Things Boomers Refuse To Throw Away That Are Just Gathering Dust

Ah, Boomers—true connoisseurs of nostalgia, champions of “you never know when you might need that,” and guardians of items that haven’t seen the light of day since disco died.

While some of their cherished possessions might qualify as charming vintage treasures, others are more like quirky museum exhibits from a personal collection no one asked to tour. From obsolete electronics to stacks of yellowing manuals for appliances that no longer exist, Boomers have a unique talent for turning garages, attics, and basements into time capsules.

Why throw out that dusty landline phone when it “still technically works”? And don’t even think about tossing those VHS tapes—they might come in handy if Blockbuster ever makes a comeback. This lighthearted list dives into 15 things Boomers just can’t let go of, even as the dust bunnies multiply.

Prepare for a sentimental (and slightly sneezy) trip down memory lane, one cluttered shelf at a time!

1. VHS Tapes

Remember the era of “Be kind, please rewind”? Meet the VHS tapes, possibly the most stubborn squatters in Boomer households. These chunky rectangles are packed with ’80s classics, home movies, and Jane Fonda workouts.

Alas, they sit untouched, as the VCRs went the way of the dodo. Some folks hold onto the hope that nostalgia will trigger the need to watch these relics again. But until then, these tapes are just collecting dust, waiting for their big comeback—or a garage sale. They are a reminder of a time when streaming meant running to the rental store in the rain.

Who knows, maybe one day, these tapes will be worth their weight in gold to collectors. Meanwhile, they rest in peace, sharing attic space with other “too valuable to toss” treasures.

2. Landline Phones

Landline phones, once the lifeline of communication, now sit forlorn and forgotten. Picture a rotary phone, its dial spun more times than a DJ’s record. Next to it, a cordless phone with an antenna longer than your arm.

They haven’t rung since the early 2000s, yet Boomers keep them around like trophies of the analog age. Maybe it’s the sentimental value or the sheer durability that makes these phones hard to bury. Or perhaps it’s the fear that one day, the digital age might fail us, and these relics will be our only connection to the outside world.

Until that doomsday, they lie dormant, a testament to how far we’ve come from tangled cords and busy signals. These phones remain a conversation starter—just not the kind that involves actual talking.

3. Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias, the once-esteemed tomes of knowledge, now gather dust like unturned pages of history. These hefty volumes were the Google of their day, providing facts at a flip. Yet, as the digital age dawned, their relevance waned.

Boomers keep them as symbols of wisdom, even if they haven’t been cracked open in years. Perhaps there’s a comfort in knowing that a world of information sits within those pages, even if it’s outdated. While they may not hold the latest data, these books offer a nostalgic trip to when research involved more than scrolling and clicking.

They remain steadfast on bookshelves, guardians of a slower, more deliberate way of learning. If nothing else, they’re excellent paperweights or fuel for a literary-themed workout session.

4. Old Desktop Computers

Old desktop computers, the once-mighty titans of technology, now stand as hulking monuments to a bygone era. These machines, with their colossal CRT monitors, were cutting-edge in their heyday. Now, they occupy precious space in attics and basements, kept ‘just in case’ they’re needed again.

Perhaps it’s the nostalgia for the dial-up days or the hope of recovering forgotten files that makes them hard to toss. Yet, their time has passed, and they quietly await a call to action that may never come.

Clunky keyboards, dinosaur mice, and tangled cords accompany them, relics of a time when computing required patience and a generous desk. While they may never power up again, they serve as a reminder of how swiftly technology evolves.

5. Boxes of Family Slides

Boxes of family slides are snapshots of cherished moments, now trapped in tiny squares and stored away. Each slide holds a fragment of history—a vacation, a birthday, a candid smile. Yet, without a projector to bring them to life, these images remain unseen, gathering dust.

Boomers keep these boxes, hoping one day they’ll shine light on these memories. However, the effort of setting up a slide show often sends these slides back into oblivion. They represent a time when capturing memories meant more than a quick tap on a screen.

While their digital counterparts have taken over, these slides persist as tangible ties to the past, relics of family gatherings filled with storytelling and laughter. Who knows, maybe one day, they’ll have their moment back in the spotlight.

6. Film Cameras

Film cameras, once the pride of photography, now sit as decorative artifacts of an analog world. Boomer households often house these vintage beauties, a testament to the art of capturing moments on film. Yet, without film to feed them, they remain silent, capturing nothing but dust.

Perhaps it’s the tactile joy of winding film or the anticipation of developing photos that makes these cameras hard to part with. They serve as a reminder of a time when every shot counted, and there was no instant gratification.

While digital cameras dominate today, these relics hold a certain charm—a nod to the artistry of photography. They might not snap another picture, but they continue to inspire, perched proudly on shelves like trophies of a once-thriving hobby.

7. AOL Free Trial CDs

AOL free trial CDs, the shiny discs that once promised endless internet access, now rest as relics of the dot-com era. Stacks of these CDs can be found in Boomer homes, each offering ‘1000 free hours’ of dial-up delight.

Though their service is long obsolete, these discs remain, like medals from the early days of the internet. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia for chat rooms and instant messages that makes them hard to discard. Or maybe it’s the colorful designs that add a vintage touch to any room. While they no longer serve their original purpose, these CDs have found new life as coasters, art projects, or conversation pieces.

They stand as a testament to the early days of digital exploration, a reminder of how far we’ve come from the days of “You’ve got mail.”

8. Clothing from the ’70s and ’80s

Clothing from the ’70s and ’80s, including polyester suits and disco-era attire, hang proudly in closets, waiting for their fashion revival. Boomers keep these threads, convinced that bell-bottoms and shoulder pads will make a triumphant return.

These clothes, in vibrant hues and patterns, tell tales of dance floors and daring styles. While they may not fit like they used to, they hold memories of youth and revelry. Occasionally, they make an appearance at themed parties, where they shine once more.

Until then, they remain time capsules of sartorial history, hanging alongside modern wardrobes. These garments remind us that fashion is cyclical, and every trend has its day in the sun. Who knows, perhaps one day soon, these outfits will strut the streets once more.

9. Cassette Tapes

Cassette tapes, once the kings of sound, now sit in forgotten shoeboxes, their melodies trapped in magnetic reels. Boomers hold onto these mixtapes and albums, each tape a curated collection of moments and memories.

While the cassettes slowly deteriorate, the nostalgia they evoke remains strong. Perhaps it’s the joy of creating a mixtape or the thrill of pressing play that makes them hard to discard. Despite the rise of digital music, these tapes stand as a testament to the art of analog listening.

They represent a time when music was a tactile experience, involving rewinding, fast-forwarding, and the occasional pencil to fix a tangled tape. Though they may never spin again, they hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember the magic of a perfectly crafted mixtape.

10. Old Remote Controls

Old remote controls, the guardians of bygone entertainment systems, now lie dormant in drawers, their purposes long forgotten. Boomers keep these buttoned relics, convinced that one day they might need to operate a device that vanished long ago.

Each remote tells a story of TVs and stereos past, complete with cryptic buttons and fading labels. Despite the odds of finding a matching device being slim to none, these remotes remain, a testament to the complexity of entertainment setups from yesteryears.

Perhaps it’s the belief in their functionality or the memories of simpler times that makes them hard to toss. While they may never control anything again, they serve as a quirky collection of technology’s evolution, each one a small piece of electronic history.

11. Grandfather Clocks That Don’t Work

Grandfather clocks, majestic timekeepers of the past, now stand silent, their tick-tocks lost to time. These stately pieces, often inherited as family heirlooms, have stopped chiming since the Reagan era. Yet, Boomers keep them as monuments to craftsmanship and nostalgia.

Each clock, with its intricate design, tells a story of generations past. Though they may no longer mark the hours, they remain fixtures in homes, adding a touch of elegance to any room. Perhaps it’s the hope that one day they’ll come back to life or the memories they hold that make them hard to part with.

Until then, they stand tall, a testament to the timeless allure of mechanical artistry, even in an era dominated by digital precision.

12. Rusty Tools

Rusty tools, the relics of hands-on craftsmanship, now lie forgotten on workbenches, their utility overshadowed by corrosion. Boomers keep these tools out of a reverence for a bygone era of DIY spirit.

Each wrench and screwdriver tells tales of projects completed and lessons learned. While they may no longer be the go-to for repairs, they serve as mementos of a time when fixing things required elbow grease and determination. Perhaps it’s the hope of restoration or the sentimental value that makes them hard to discard.

Though modern tools have taken their place, these rusty relics remain, a testament to the enduring appeal of manual labor. They may never turn a bolt again, but they hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember their former glory.

13. Filing Cabinets Filled With Old Papers

Filing cabinets brimming with old papers stand as silent sentinels of the past, guarding documents long past their expiration date. Boomers keep these cabinets filled with receipts, bills, and warranties, each piece of paper a testament to meticulous record-keeping. While much of it is obsolete, the thought of tossing it all feels reckless.

Perhaps it’s the ‘just in case’ mentality or the fear of needing a document that makes these papers hard to discard. In a world where digital files reign supreme, these cabinets remain as bastions of the analog age.

They are a reminder of a time when important information was tangible, not stored in the ether. Although rarely opened, their presence offers comfort—a paper trail of life’s many transactions.

14. Gift Wrap and Boxes

Gift wrap and boxes, the unsung heroes of special occasions, occupy closets in Boomer homes, waiting for their moment to shine. Stacks of wrapping paper, bows, and boxes stand ready to adorn gifts, though opportunities seem few and far between.

Boomers keep these supplies, prepared for the next grand celebration that calls for beautifully wrapped presents. Yet, the act of reusing or repurposing often leads to accumulation rather than usage. Perhaps it’s the notion of resourcefulness or the joy of a perfectly wrapped gift that makes them hard to part with.

While they may not see much action, these supplies offer a glimpse into the art of gift-giving, where presentation was as important as the present itself. Until their time comes, they remain, ready to transform simple gifts into tokens of love.

15. Fine China and Silverware

Fine china and silverware, the crown jewels of dining, often remain untouched, reserved for occasions that never seem to arrive. Boomers keep these elegant sets, each piece a work of art, waiting for the perfect moment.

Plates with intricate patterns and gleaming silverware speak of dinners past, where elegance and etiquette reigned. Yet, as casual dining becomes the norm, these treasures find themselves sidelined. Perhaps it’s the hope of hosting a grand affair or the memories of family gatherings that make them hard to part with.

While they may not grace the dinner table often, they remain cherished, a reminder of the days when every meal was an event. Until their next appearance, they rest in cabinets, a testament to the enduring allure of tradition and craftsmanship.