The Never-Ending Excuses

We often have a plethora of creative excuses for holding onto our gadgets. Here are some common ones, though I’m sure many of you could think of others:

• Emotional Attachment. Perhaps you received a vintage Atari as a child, and it sparked a lifelong connection to all your tech. Although it’s understandable to cherish that first console, keeping everything that followed—cables, laptops, etc.—isn’t healthy. Consider preserving just that Atari and discarding the rest.
• The Nerd Excuse. As a tech enthusiast, I can relate. I still own four MacBooks when I realistically only need one. This tendency to hold onto gadgets gives us satisfaction, but it’s unsustainable—financially and environmentally—especially with new tech emerging each year.
• Procrastination. Time is limited, but so is space. New gadgets pile up while old ones are forgotten. If you took the time to find them new homes, someone else might benefit from your unused tech.
• Future Need. Most of the time, we don’t end up needing that old tech. As technology evolves, many of our cables and chargers become obsolete, and we often find that we’ll never switch on that Intel MacBook Pro again.
• Assumed Value. We might think our old tech will appreciate over time, but that’s rarely the case. Most gadgets depreciate rapidly, and it’s unlikely that today’s devices will be worth much in the future.
• Not Knowing How to Dispose. Some people genuinely don’t know how to get rid of old tech. While this may be more common in rural areas, many tech-savvy individuals still let their gadgets pile up out of laziness.
• Wildlife in the Attic. Some may even say there’s an owl in their attic as an excuse. While amusing, it’s worth asking what that really stops you from doing.

It’s evident that many people cling to old electronics. I bet some of you have multiple outdated phones stashed away, along with a tangled mess of cables that’ll never be used again. Each new purchase just adds to the clutter, and you may even still have old MP3 players or other forgotten gadgets collecting dust.

We likely possess more unused tech than what’s available in stores at any given moment. This trend needs to change.

So, What Can We Do?

The first step is recognizing the problem. Although we might have our reasons to keep certain items, there are compelling arguments against it. Evaluating the value of holding onto something versus the benefits of passing it on can vary from person to person. Here are some motivations I’ve found helpful when decluttering my tech:

• Monetary Gain. Selling old gadgets can provide some cash. Even if an item is worth only $10, it’s still better than letting it collect dust. Over the past three years, I’ve made around $1,000 from selling old tech—money that could go toward something new.
• Creating Space. A clutter-free environment can lead to a clearer mind. Freeing up space allows for better use of your home, and can even inspire new projects or creativity.
• Gift-Giving. Instead of discarding old tech, consider giving it to someone who would appreciate it. Electronics can be expensive, and passing them on to the right person can be more rewarding than throwing them away.
• Environmental Impact. Recycling old electronics can help save the planet. Many stores offer free recycling services, and by rehoming your gadgets, you contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources.

The Obvious Bottom Line

It’s clear that we often hold onto more unused items than necessary. I remind myself that I don’t need backups for everything. I have several old monitors that I should sell, even though I fantasize about using them for a project. The reality is, I probably won’t find the time.

The same goes for that Intel MacBook Pro—it’s time to let it go. Keeping unused items around is neither practical nor beneficial for you or the environment. Preserve only the items that genuinely hold meaning, and find a way to move on from the rest.

Holding onto every gadget is not only impractical but detrimental. Start decluttering today!

Tomorrow, you’ll likely buy more gadgets anyway…