11 Entertainment Items That Are Just Taking Up Space
It is easy to accumulate entertainment items over the years, but not all of them are still needed. Often, we find ourselves hanging on to things that no longer get used. These items take up valuable space, leaving us with less room for things that matter. It might be time to sort through and let go of what no longer brings joy or function. Here are a few things you might want to reconsider holding on to.
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Old DVDs and Blu-rays
DVDs and Blu-rays used to be the go-to for movie lovers, but streaming has changed how we access films. These discs can easily take up space on a shelf, and in many cases, the movies are available in better quality online. Physical media is becoming less necessary as more people opt for digital content. If you are not rewatching these films often, it might be time to part with them to create more space in your home.
Even though many people still enjoy collecting DVDs or Blu-rays, they may not serve the same function they once did. With the rise of streaming services, most people find it easier to watch content from their devices. Additionally, these items can easily get scratched or damaged, making them even less practical. Consider donating or selling these old discs to free up some space.
Unused Video Game Consoles
Video game consoles that no longer get used can take up valuable space in your entertainment area. Many people keep older systems, even when newer ones offer better graphics and features. These consoles may also become obsolete, with fewer games and accessories available for them. If you find yourself not playing them anymore, it might be time to think about selling or donating them.
While vintage video game systems can have some collector’s value, they may not provide much enjoyment if they are no longer in regular rotation. The space they occupy could be better used for something more relevant to your current entertainment setup. If you are unsure what to do with them, check the resale value before you decide. Donating them to a local charity or passing them on to a friend who appreciates them might be another option.
Old CD Collections
Many people hold on to their old CD collections even though music streaming services have made physical music storage outdated. These items take up space and are rarely used in the digital age, where albums and playlists are just a few taps away. Not only are these collections bulky, but they can also be a hassle to store properly. If you still have CDs lying around, consider donating them or selling them.
The problem with keeping a CD collection is that it is often just taking up valuable storage space. Many of the albums available on CDs can be accessed digitally with higher convenience. If you need to declutter your entertainment space, getting rid of old music media can be a great first step. Many libraries or charities will accept them, or you can sell them online to make room for newer, more practical items.
Outdated Gaming Accessories
Gaming accessories, such as old controllers, consoles, or even specific peripherals for games you no longer play, can clutter your space. Many of these accessories are specific to particular consoles that you might have upgraded or replaced. As technology advances, these accessories can become obsolete and take up valuable storage space. If these items are gathering dust, it may be time to dispose of them or recycle them responsibly.
Though some gaming accessories may have sentimental value, they can often be left behind as your gaming preferences evolve. Items like old controllers and unused charging stations for systems you no longer own are simply taking up space. Before throwing them away, check to see if they can be sold, recycled, or donated. You might be surprised how much extra space you can create by clearing out these unnecessary items.
Unread Books or Magazines
Books and magazines that have not been read in years often end up sitting on shelves, occupying space. If you have a stack of unread books or back issues of magazines, they could easily be replaced with digital versions. In today’s world, there is no shortage of digital reading material, which can be accessed on tablets, e-readers, or even smartphones. If you are not re-reading these items or referencing them, it might be time to let them go.
Books and magazines can also accumulate over time, leading to clutter in your living space. While some people enjoy collecting books for sentimental or aesthetic reasons, others may find they simply are not getting read. The best way to handle this situation is to donate books you do not plan on reading. If the magazines are outdated, recycle them or pass them on to someone who may enjoy them.
Old Game Cartridges
Game cartridges from older gaming systems are a common item that ends up taking up space, especially for those who are no longer playing on those systems. While some cartridges can have value to collectors, most people keep them because they once held sentimental value. However, without the right system, these cartridges are just clutter. If you no longer own the system they work with or do not intend to play them again, it is a good idea to let go of these items.
The rise of downloadable games and digital gaming platforms has made physical game cartridges less practical. If you have old cartridges sitting in boxes, consider checking their value online to see if they are collectible. Otherwise, donate or sell them so others can enjoy these pieces of gaming history. These items no longer serve a purpose if you are no longer engaging with them.
Old Television Sets
Old television sets, especially those from previous decades, often take up valuable space without offering much benefit. With the arrival of modern smart TVs, most older models are obsolete and unused. If the television is not in use and is just taking up space in a room, it might be time to dispose of it or recycle it. Many cities have recycling programs for electronic waste, which ensures they are disposed of responsibly.
Older televisions can be heavy and difficult to move, which makes them even less convenient. Many of these sets are simply taking up storage room or gathering dust. If the TV is no longer in working condition, it may be better to recycle it. For televisions that still work but are no longer needed, donating them to charity is a good way to give them a second life.
Unused DVDs and Blu-ray Players
While DVD and Blu-ray players once held a central role in the entertainment setup, streaming has made them largely redundant. These players take up space and rarely get used, especially when most content is available online. If you still have a DVD or Blu-ray player sitting around unused, consider donating it or recycling it. With most people accessing content through smart TVs or streaming devices, these players no longer serve a useful purpose.
Old DVD and Blu-ray players can also take up valuable entertainment space in your home. If you are still holding on to one, consider whether it is worth keeping. If it is not in use and you are not planning to watch physical media, it might be time to part with it. You can donate or recycle these players to clear up space for more useful items.
Old Gaming Headsets
Old gaming headsets that are no longer being used can quickly take up valuable space. Many gamers upgrade their headsets as technology improves, leaving behind perfectly good ones that are still functional but no longer needed. If you are not using an old gaming headset, it might be time to clear it out. These headsets can often be sold, donated, or recycled to make room for new items.
While older gaming headsets may still have some use, they often take up more space than they are worth. If you do not plan to use them again, letting them go can free up much-needed storage. Many charities or local groups accept gently used electronics, so consider donating the headsets. Alternatively, selling them online can allow someone else to enjoy the equipment.
Old Entertainment Magazines
Entertainment magazines often have limited shelf life, especially as the internet becomes the go-to source for the latest news. These glossy publications were once highly sought after for celebrity gossip and entertainment updates, but now they sit untouched, gathering dust. The world of entertainment has evolved, and magazines have been replaced by digital content that is more current and easily accessible. If you have piles of old magazines, it may be time to recycle them or pass them on to someone who enjoys the nostalgic value.
Many entertainment magazines take up a surprising amount of space and are rarely revisited after their initial excitement fades. Keeping them around for the occasional flip-through may not be enough to justify their space in your home. By clearing out old issues, you can free up much-needed room for more relevant and useful items. If the magazines hold historical value, consider donating them to a local library or collector.
Old VHS Tapes and VCRs
VHS tapes and VCRs were once an essential part of home entertainment, but now they are outdated and rarely used. With the rise of DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming, VHS tapes have become obsolete, and most people no longer own a working VCR. If you have a collection of old VHS tapes that you do not plan to watch, it may be time to part with them. Donating or recycling these tapes will help free up valuable storage space.
Many people hold on to VHS tapes for sentimental reasons or because they believe they might watch them again. However, without a VCR to play them, these tapes serve no practical purpose. Even if the tapes are in good condition, the technology required to play them is becoming increasingly rare. Consider donating them to a vintage shop, or check with a local recycling center for responsible disposal options.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.