20 Things Boomers Keep That Younger People Would Just Toss
Boomers are masters of holding onto stuff younger generations would’ve trashed years ago.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Younger folks embrace minimalism and everything digital. On the other hand, Boomers often hang on to items that feel nostalgic, practical, or just too good to throw away. From old-school appliances to paper records, these household staples are still tucked away in garages and closets across the country. Here are 20 things Boomers tend to keep that younger people wouldn’t think twice about tossing.
1. Plastic Grocery Bags
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Boomers save them by the hundreds, stuffed in drawers or inside other bags. They reuse them for trash, lunch, or pet cleanup.
2. Expired Coupons
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Even long after the expiration date, Boomers keep coupons in drawers or clipped to the fridge. The thrill of a possible deal keeps them hanging on.
3. Owner’s Manuals
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Stacks of paper manuals live in file folders “just in case.” Boomers prefer having the physical guide handy for every appliance or gadget. Younger people usually Google instructions or watch a YouTube video instead.
4. Old Greeting Cards
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Birthday, holiday, or thank-you cards from decades ago are saved like mini time capsules. They hold sentimental value, even if the sender is long gone.
5. Tupperware Without Lids
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The container might be missing its match, but it’s still “good for something.” Cabinets overflow with mismatched sets waiting for the perfect use.
6. Telephone Books
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Yes, some still have a Yellow Pages in a drawer or by the phone. It’s backup in case “the internet goes down.” For younger people, it’s bulky, outdated, and irrelevant.
7. Buttons in a Tin
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Every shirt button, coat snap, or spare fastener is tossed into the “button tin.” This is a sewing tradition passed down through generations.
8. VHS Tapes
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Even without a working VCR, those old tapes are kept for nostalgia—or hope of converting them “someday.” They hold memories, family videos, or favorite movies.
9. Receipts from Years Ago
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Receipts pile up in folders, wallets, or boxes—just in case there’s a warranty claim or return opportunity. It’s a paper trail obsession.
10. Fabric Scraps
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Every leftover piece from sewing or craft projects gets tucked away for “future use.” Boomers see possibility in every inch of fabric.
11. Travel Maps and Brochures
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Even with GPS, many Boomers hold on to road maps and old tourist pamphlets. They’re souvenirs, memory triggers, or emergency backups.
12. Broken Electronics
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Old radios, toasters, or remotes sit in storage “just in case they can be fixed.” Boomers often believe in repairs over replacements.
13. Glass Jars and Containers
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Pickle jars, sauce bottles, and jelly containers become drinking glasses, storage, or flower vases. Boomers don’t waste good glass.
14. Instructional Booklets from Appliances
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Boomers keep the paperwork that came with the blender from 1992—just in case. It’s all part of the “what if” mentality.
15. Old Calendars
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Many Boomers hold onto past calendars for photos, artwork, or scribbled memories. They become mini time capsules or nostalgic reference points.
16. Greeting Card Envelopes
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Even after reading the card, Boomers save the envelope—sometimes with notes or return addresses. It feels wrong to toss a personal touch.
17. Gift Wrap Scraps
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Used but barely wrinkled wrapping paper is carefully folded and stored. Boomers know how to get one more use out of everything.
18. Keys with No Known Lock
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You’ll find mystery keys in every Boomer’s keyring or junk drawer. No one remembers what they unlock, but they’re “too important to toss.”
19. Duplicate Tools
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Three hammers? Five screwdrivers? Boomers keep them all “just in case someone needs one.” Young folks prefer minimalist toolkits.
20. Baggies of Extra Screws
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Leftover hardware from furniture assembly ends up in labeled baggies “just in case it breaks.” Boomers keep them organized and accessible.