7 Things Utah Boomers Seriously Need to Ditch This Year

Utahns of all ages have stuff they hold onto, and baby boomers are no exception.

But it’s 2025, and it’s time to clear out the clutter and let go of certain things that might be holding you back. This isn’t about being judgmental; it’s about making room for fresh adventures and new ideas.

So, here’s a gentle and friendly nudge toward some items and habits boomers should consider releasing for good.

Hoarding Those Old Tech Gadgets

We get it—those old flip phones, fax machines, and bulky computers carry memories. Maybe it’s the phone you used to call your kids at college or the first computer you ever bought.

But holding onto ancient tech doesn’t make your life easier, and often, these devices just gather dust. Technology moves quickly, and newer devices are lighter, faster, and more secure.

Plus, they make it even easier to stay in touch with family and friends.

Keeping these older gadgets around might even pose safety risks. Batteries degrade, screens crack, and old electronics can leak harmful chemicals if not properly stored.

Our advice?

Take your old gadgets to a recycling center or an electronic waste disposal site.

Stacks of Outdated Magazines

Sure, magazines were wonderful ways to learn new things and unwind years ago. You might even have kept issues because they featured your favorite celebrities, recipes, or gardening tips.

But now, most magazines have digital versions, meaning you can access thousands of issues without cluttering your coffee table. It’s like having a library right in your tablet or computer.

If you still have stacks around the house, consider why they’re there. Are you really going back to read them again, or have they simply become part of the scenery?

Donating your magazines to a local library, school, or recycling center clears space in your home and helps others who want to travel back in time enjoy reading them, too.

Switching to digital can also be kinder to your eyesight. You can easily adjust fonts, lighting, and even audio narration, making your reading experience more comfortable.

We’re willing to bet you might wonder why you waited so long to make the switch!

Clothes From Decades Ago

Fashion trends are cyclical, so sometimes old clothes can seem new again. But be honest: does that tie-dyed shirt from 1969 really bring you joy, or does it just take up closet space?

Hanging onto clothes you haven’t worn in years usually means less room for things you truly love and feel great wearing today.

Clearing out your closet doesn’t mean getting rid of everything sentimental. Keep a few favorite pieces that genuinely make you smile or have special meaning.

But everything else?

Consider donating to thrift stores, charities, or even costume shops that could put vintage styles to good use.

Boxes of VHS Tapes

If your entertainment center still holds shelves of old VHS tapes, it’s time to reconsider their value. Videotapes degrade over time, and soon, you might not even have a working player to watch them on.

Nowadays, movies and TV shows are easy to stream from home, with clearer pictures and better sound quality.

If your tapes have precious family videos or special moments, now’s the time to convert them to digital.

Many local stores offer affordable conversion services. Digital files are safer, easier to share, and won’t fade or get damaged with time.

Letting go of physical tapes frees up room, reduces dust, and makes your living space more inviting. You’ll also enjoy your favorite memories without worrying about a tape jamming or breaking halfway through watching.

Paper Bills and Documents

Keeping every bank statement, bill, or receipt from decades past might feel responsible, but paper piles can quickly become overwhelming.

Most banks, utility companies, and government agencies have shifted to electronic records, providing secure storage that you can easily access at any time.

Going digital doesn’t just declutter your home—it reduces the risk of losing important paperwork due to floods, fires, or simple misplacement.

Furthermore, digital files are easier to organize, search, and share if necessary, making tasks like taxes or home refinancing simpler.

Start slowly. Pick one type of bill or record to switch to paperless each month.

Soon, you’ll wonder how you managed the mountain of paperwork before, and your home will feel lighter, too.

Furniture You Don’t Actually Like

That couch you inherited from Aunt Judy or the giant dining table that never really fit your dining room?

It’s okay to let them go.

Furniture should fit your lifestyle and your comfort, not just sit there because it’s always been there. Holding onto items you don’t genuinely enjoy or use can make your home feel crowded and stressful.

Donating furniture to charitable organizations, shelters, or secondhand stores can greatly benefit others. Meanwhile, you get a fresh start.

Choose pieces that fit your current lifestyle, comfort, and taste—maybe something smaller or easier to clean.

Feeling good about your space is more important than sticking with furniture that doesn’t serve you anymore.

An Overfilled Pantry

Stockpiling canned goods and food staples was once considered practical, especially for boomers raised by parents who lived through tough economic times.

But now, having a pantry overflowing with expired goods isn’t necessary or helpful. Regularly checking your pantry and refrigerator for outdated items helps keep your family safe and your meals tasty.

Start by taking everything out and checking dates.

Throw away anything expired, spoiled, or no longer needed. Donate extra items in good condition to food pantries or shelters—this not only helps others but also gives you more space and clarity about what you actually have.