What to Do With Boomer Junk: Declutter Without Regret
Heirloom Cloud Corporation
Digital transformation of all content for consumers and industry.
We all have it—or our parents do. Boxes of boomer junk tucked away in attics, garages, and spare closets. Old photo albums. VHS tapes of graduations and birthdays. Film reels labeled “Summer ‘68.” The stuff is irreplaceable… but it's also in the way.
So what’s the right thing to do?
Boomer junk isn’t trash. But it doesn’t belong in cardboard boxes either. The key is to preserve what matters while letting go of what doesn’t.
Why Boomer Junk Feels Hard to Part With
Baby Boomers (and their kids) often struggle to part with old media for a few reasons:
- Emotional Attachment: That VHS tape might be the only copy of a wedding.
- Guilt: Throwing away a family photo feels like dishonoring history.
- Uncertainty: You're not sure what’s even on half those tapes.
This paralysis leads to clutter, both physical and emotional.
Digitize First, Then Declutter
Before tossing or donating anything sentimental, digitize it.
At Heirloom, we turn physical memories—like VHS tapes, photo albums, and 8mm film reels—into secure digital files stored in the cloud. That means:
- You won’t lose a single memory
- You can access them from anywhere
- You can finally let go of the physical clutter
Imagine clearing out three boxes and keeping every important moment. That’s the freedom digitizing gives you.
Decluttering Services Can't Do This for You
Most decluttering services will help you sort and haul, but they won’t preserve your memories.
They’ll ask: “Keep or toss?” But what about: “Digitize and share”?
Heirloom gives you that third option—preserve and let go—so you can declutter without the guilt trip.
Don’t Wait—Media Doesn’t Last Forever
Those tapes and reels are decaying as we speak.
- VHS tapes degrade after 20–30 years
- Photo prints fade in direct light
- 8mm film reels become brittle and unplayable
The best time to preserve your memories was yesterday. The next best time is now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s considered “boomer junk”? Old home media like VHS tapes, film reels, cassettes, and photo prints stored away but rarely viewed.
Is it wrong to throw away my parents’ memories? Not if you digitize them first. You’re preserving the memories while freeing up space.
How do I know if something is worth digitizing? If it’s a unique memory, rare format, or family moment—it’s worth it. Better safe than sorry.
Can I digitize a whole box of tapes? Yes! Heirloom lets you send any number of tapes, and you only pay per item we successfully convert.
What do I do with digitized content? Share it with family, create digital albums, or just enjoy knowing it’s safe in the cloud.