You’ve probably noticed how your Boomer parents or relatives hold on to things that seem totally unnecessary to you. These items often spark a clash between generations, with you ready to toss them out while they see real value or memories attached.
This article explores the common items Boomers keep around that you’re likely to want gone right away. Understanding these differences can make it easier to navigate those conversations about what stays and what goes.
Old paper records and vinyl albums
You’ve probably seen those stacks of old paper records and vinyl albums sitting around your parents’ place. To them, these aren’t just clutter—they’re memories you can hold and sometimes play.
Vinyl records especially have a certain vibe with their big album covers and that unique crackle when the music starts. Even if you’re all about streaming, your parents likely treasure these as links to their past.
Outdated tech like VCRs and landline phones
You might still find a VCR tucked away in your parents’ house, even though no one uses VHS tapes anymore. It’s a piece of tech that feels like a relic today, replaced by streaming and on-demand services.
Landline phones are another common holdover. While they bring a sense of comfort or nostalgia, you probably see your kids rolling their eyes. Mobile phones have made landlines nearly extinct in most homes now.
Plastic grocery bags saved for reuse
You probably have a stash of plastic grocery bags tucked away somewhere—under the sink or in a crowded drawer. Boomers hold onto these bags, thinking they’ll come in handy for trash liners or carrying lunch.
Even if you don’t use them often, the pile keeps growing. Kids today usually ditch these bags quickly, preferring reusable totes and avoiding clutter. But for Boomers, it’s a habit of saving “just in case,” even if most bags never actually get used.
Manual can openers from decades ago
You might find a heavy, metal can opener in your Boomer parents’ kitchen drawer that looks like it’s from another era. These manual openers don’t rely on batteries or plugs, which means they rarely break down.
Unlike flashy electric versions, these old-school tools give you more control and don’t make noise. Boomers often keep them because they last forever and work every time, even when newer gadgets fail or run out of power.
If you’re used to tossing outdated tools, this one might surprise you with its staying power.
Fabric softener sheets stuffed in drawers
You probably have a drawer crammed full of fabric softener sheets somewhere. They’re great for laundry, but at some point, you find yourself holding onto way more than you actually need.
Kids often see these as clutter. They don’t get why you keep a stash that won’t get used anytime soon. Tossing out old sheets can free up space and make your drawers less chaotic.
Broken kitchen gadgets “just in case”
You probably notice your parents hanging onto old kitchen tools that don’t work quite right anymore. A can opener that jams or a blender missing a button might live in a drawer, “just in case.”
They believe these gadgets could still be useful one day, even if they haven’t been touched in years. To you, tossing them seems obvious, but to them, it’s about being prepared and not wasting things.
Expired coupons saved for years
You might find a stack of expired coupons in your boomer parents’ drawers. To them, these aren’t just old scraps of paper. They’re habits formed from years of clipping every deal, just in case.
Even when coupons are past their date, Boomers keep them around. It’s less about the value now and more about the idea that something useful can still come from them. This patience to save and wait contrasts sharply with tossing things immediately.
Rolodex or paper address books
You might find a Rolodex or an old paper address book at your parents’ place. These were once the go-to way for keeping contacts organized.
Today, you just save numbers on your phone or in cloud storage. Paper lists feel slow and outdated compared to the instant access your digital contacts offer.
Still, Boomers hold onto these for the nostalgia or in case technology fails. But for you, they’re probably just clutter that gets tossed quickly.
Handwritten recipe cards from family
You probably have those old recipe cards passed down from grandparents or parents. They’re often stained and worn but carry a lot of memories.
While you might see them as clutter, your parents see a connection to family traditions. These cards hold more than ingredients—they tell stories.
You might prefer digital recipes, but those handwritten cards are a physical link to your family’s past. They’re slow to go, even if you don’t use them often.
Typewriters gathering dust
You probably have one of those old typewriters sitting in a corner, still holding onto memories. They were once the go-to tool for writing, built to last and heavy as a brick.
Today, your kids see them as bulky relics, worthless compared to laptops or tablets. They won’t understand the charm of those click-clack sounds or the satisfaction of pressing those keys.
While you might feel nostalgic, your kids will likely toss it without a second thought, seeing it more as clutter than a keepsake.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
