Many of us hold onto certain household items out of habit or comfort, especially those passed down through generations. You might find yourself using things that feel familiar but aren’t really necessary anymore.
Knowing which items you’re overusing can help you create a more efficient and modern living space. This article will help you identify some common items that Boomers still use but may have outlived their practical use in today’s homes.
Landline rotary phones
You might still have a rotary phone sitting on a shelf or even in use. These phones technically still work because the phone system supporting them remains intact.
Connecting a rotary phone to modern lines sometimes requires an adapter, but it’s possible. If you enjoy the nostalgic feel or want a simple backup, a rotary phone can still serve its purpose.
While not common in most homes today, these phones offer a different experience. They don’t rely on batteries or internet, making them surprisingly reliable when other devices fail.
Printed phone books
You might still keep a printed phone book around, even though smartphones have mostly taken over. These thick books were once essential for finding phone numbers and addresses in your neighborhood.
While they can be handy for quick reference, most people now use online directories or their contacts apps. Phone books are bulky and often go unopened, but some find comfort in flipping through the pages the old-fashioned way. If you haven’t switched yet, it might be time to consider a digital shift.
Encyclopedia sets
You might still have a big set of encyclopedias taking up space on your bookshelf. These multi-volume collections were once a prized source of knowledge and a symbol of status.
Today, you probably don’t need them as much since information is easily accessible online. Keeping them out of habit or nostalgia is common, but they rarely get used anymore.
VHS tape collections
You might still have a stack of VHS tapes gathering dust in your home. These tapes were once popular but are now mostly obsolete since most people no longer have VCRs.
Instead of holding onto them, consider digitizing your favorite memories. Services can help convert tapes into digital files, so you preserve moments without the clutter.
If you prefer to keep some originals, try donating or recycling the rest. You can also get creative and repurpose tapes for craft projects around the house.
Cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs
You might still have a bulky CRT TV sitting in your living room. These TVs use cathode ray tubes to display images, a technology popular from the mid-20th century until flat screens took over.
CRT TVs are heavy and use more power than modern sets. Their picture quality can seem outdated, with lower resolution compared to today’s HD screens.
If you enjoy the nostalgia, that’s great, but upgrading could save space and energy. Plus, newer TVs offer sharper images and smart features you’ll appreciate.
