Johann Hunt
There’s a good chance your home is filled with items you don’t really need anymore. Over time, technology and smarter choices have introduced alternatives that make older products look, well, a bit obsolete. Let’s look at those 20 household items. You might be surprised by what you’re still holding onto and what the new upgrade offers.
Disposable Razors
It may seem like a quick and easy solution to use disposable razors for shaving. But electric razors and subscription-based services offer a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative. They last longer, save you money, and, most importantly, don’t land in the trash every few days.
Ironing Boards
Who has the time for ironing boards now? Steamers are faster, less messy, and don’t require an entire setup. Moreover, wrinkle-resistant fabrics mean you rarely need to break out the ironing board in the first place. Just hang your clothes and steam away.
Plastic Shopping Bags
The convenience of plastic bags at checkout made them the standard for carrying groceries. Today, even stores are choosing better alternatives like paper and jute bags. You can also replace them by keeping a few reusable shopping bags that are stronger and bigger. Once you get in the habit, you’ll never forget them.
Checkbooks
Remember when writing checks was the only way to pay your bills? It felt official, secure, and, well, like an adult thing to do. Now, digital payment apps and bank apps are faster and more convenient. You don’t need to wait for checks to clear when everything can be done with a tap.
Landline Phones
A landline was the most popular device for making calls and using the internet in homes until the 2000s. After 2017, landlines just couldn’t compete with any of these capabilities: texting, video calls, multimedia attachments, high-speed internet, and constant connectivity. If you have a vintage landline, find a collector and get $100 to $200 for it.
Alarm Clocks
Like the beep-beep of a traditional alarm clock? You can get the same tone on your phone, which is always by your side. You can download an app or customize your alarm to sound however you like. However, for those who prefer to start the day without a phone nearby, a traditional alarm clock still makes the perfect alternative.
Window Air Conditioners
When summer heat hit, window units helped people stay cool on a budget, but central air conditioning and portable units are far more efficient and less of an eyesore. New options provide better cooling, use less energy, and save you the hassle of cleaning and replacing bulky units.
Paper Calendars
Calendars used to be the best way to organize the month, marking off important dates with a pen. Today, phone reminders and digital calendars keep everything in sync. You’ll never have to hunt down a pen to update your schedule again. So, don’t spend too much on customized paper calendars and stationery.
Manual Thermostats
Adjusting the temperature by yourself might have felt like the best way to control your home’s climate. But it’s 2024, and there are smart thermostats like Nest. Use one to automatically adjust your heating and cooling based on your habits. No more fiddling with dials to keep things comfortable.
Paper Bills and Statements
Are you still getting and stocking paper bills? You might just be paying for this unnecessary service. Go paperless and manage everything online in a few clicks without giving away a penny. It’s faster, more secure, and, let’s be honest, much easier to stay organized without having piles of paper accumulating in your drawers.
Film Cameras
Between the ’60s and the ’90s, film cameras were no doubt the best choice to capture special moments. Right now, they are just collectibles, and using them is a waste of our resources. If you want your images and videos to have a vintage look, go for filters instead.
Phone Books
Those heavy phone books helped people find contacts. You currently have online directories and mobile phones for that. So grab these books from the attic and let them go to a paper recycling factory instead. This is the only use they’ve got now.
Scented Candles
While they’re great for setting a cozy mood, scented candles are too much work—the scent fades fast, and the candles burn quickly. Switch to electric diffusers or essential oils; they’re safer and more efficient. Plus, no open flames mean no worrying about burning down the table runner and rug when you fall asleep.
Paper Towels or Tissues
It’s easy to grab a paper towel for every little spill, right? Well, cloth rags and reusable cleaning wipes can do a much better job without the waste. You don’t need to buy bundles of tissues when you’ve got durable, washable options that are better for your wallet.
Plastic Water Bottles
Reusable bottles, like those from Hydro Flask or S’well, keep your drinks colder (or hotter) longer and reduce single-use plastic waste. Plus, they’re lighter and easier to carry. On the other hand, plastic water bottles are not very sustainable even though they are everywhere.
Fax Machines
Fax machines once dominated offices and home setups, offering a “secure” way to send documents. Emails and cloud-based file-sharing systems are currently far more popular. People even have workplace jokes about emails and documents. So, ditch the machine. Sign, scan, and send documents online to save time, paper, and money.
Cotton Swabs
Do you still rely on cotton swabs for ear cleaning or makeup touch-ups? There are cleaner, more eco-friendly alternatives on the market. For example, silicone tips and reusable makeup applicators. More importantly, when it comes to ear cleaning, doctors recommend avoiding swabs altogether to prevent damage.
DVD Players
Back in the day, DVD players were the heart of movie nights. You’d pop in your favorite film and enjoy a great evening. After 2007, services like Netflix and Hulu gave instant access to thousands of movies without the need for any physical media. Sell those players and the DVDs to earn some extra cash.
Flashlights
Flashlights used to be an essential item for power outages or nighttime adventures. Now, most smartphones have built-in flashlights that are brighter and more accessible. There’s no need for it when you’ve already got one in your pocket. So, don’t buy a flashlight for your home until necessary.
Butter Dishes
A butter dish can surely keep the butter soft and easily spreadable. But most butters are now available in fridge-safe, resealable containers or in sticks with convenient wrappers. There’s no need for a separate dish to hold it. Your butter is just as accessible in its original packaging, and you can skip the extra dishwashing.