8. Outdated Media: VHS Tapes, CDs, and Stacks of Old Books
For decades, our media collections were a source of pride. Shelves lined with books, records, CDs, and DVDs were a reflection of our personality and intellect. But in the age of streaming and e-readers, these physical collections can become a significant source of weight and clutter, taking up space that could be used for more active pursuits.
VHS tapes and cassettes are the easiest to address. The technology is obsolete, and the quality degrades over time. If they contain irreplaceable family memories, like home movies, now is the perfect time to have them digitized. Many services can convert old tapes to digital files that you can store on a computer or in the cloud, preserving them for future generations in a format that is easily shared.
CDs and DVDs are in a similar category. With streaming services offering vast libraries of music and movies at our fingertips, ask yourself how often you actually use your physical discs. Keeping a small collection of absolute favorites or rare finds makes sense. The rest can often be sold to second-hand stores or donated. The same goes for LPs, though vinyl has seen a resurgence. If you still actively use your record player, curate your collection to the albums you truly love listening to.
Books can be the hardest to part with. They feel like old friends. But a home filled with too many books can feel heavy and cluttered. A good strategy is to go through your shelves and be honest about what you will realistically read or reference again. Are there novels you’ve read once and won’t reread? Old textbooks? Outdated travel guides? Local libraries, schools, and non-profits are almost always grateful for book donations. For a retirement life that may include more travel, an e-reader can be a fantastic way to carry a whole library with you without the weight.
