If you’ve got an old phone or computer tucked away in a drawer or closet, you’re not alone. Most of us do.
Maybe it’s the flip phone you used back in the day, or a laptop from when your kids were still in school. They’re not useful anymore, but it’s hard to know what to do with them, so we keep them.
Tech clutter feels different. It’s not like tossing an old sweater. A lot of these devices still look fine. Some might even still work.
But sometimes, we hang onto them because a small part of us wonders if we’ll need something from them one day.
Maybe there are family photos saved on that phone, or important documents buried somewhere on the laptop. That “just in case” feeling can make it hard to let go.
And then there's the cost. We remember how much these things were when we bought them, and it feels wasteful to throw them out.
But when they’re just sitting there collecting dust, they’re only taking up space.
If you’re ready to finally clear them out but don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through simple steps to help you sort, save what matters, and let the rest go
But Why Do We Usually Keep Old Devices We Never Use?
It’s surprisingly easy to end up with a pile of old phones, tablets, or laptops.
Maybe you’ve bought something new, then, you tell yourself you’ll deal with the old one later, and then it gets tucked into a drawer or closet. Before you know it, years have gone by and it's still sitting there.
We often hold onto old tech because it feels like we might need it again. Maybe you thought it could work as a backup, or you were nervous your new phone might break.
Then time passed, and you never touched it. (but it’s still there)
Letting go feels harder with electronics. Because there’s the extra step of clearing out personal information, figuring out where to take it, and hoping you’re doing it right.
That can feel like too much for one little device, so we put it off.
Cost is part of it, too. Some of these gadgets were expensive. Even if the tablet won’t hold a charge anymore, it feels wasteful to throw away something you paid good money for.
And then there’s that nagging thought that what if there’s a photo or file you forgot about? Even if you haven’t checked in years, the idea of losing something important makes you stop.
These feelings are completely normal. But when we hang onto every old device “just in case,” they start to pile up. One turns into a stack, and suddenly that drawer or shelf is full.
Where Old Devices Usually End Up
If you’ve lived in the same house for years or moved a few times, chances are old phones, computers, and cords have ended up scattered in places you rarely look at.
These things often get set aside with the idea that you’ll deal with them later. But later turns into years—and they’re still sitting there.
You might find an old phone tucked in the kitchen junk drawer, mixed in with rubber bands, batteries, and takeout menus.
Maybe there's a charger at the bottom of your nightstand, or a tablet hiding in the back of the closet. Some things stay in boxes from your last move—the ones you never fully unpacked.
And if you’ve raised kids or grandkids, there might be even more: a cracked iPad, a laptop that stopped working, or random cords that no one can identify anymore. It all builds up without us realizing it.
What to Keep, What to Clear, and What to Wipe First
Before you can figure out what to keep or let go of, it helps to bring all your old tech into one spot.
Grab a basket, a bin, or even a laundry hamper, and walk through the house. Check the usual hiding spots—junk drawers, closets, nightstands, old purses, and those unpacked boxes from your last move.
Pull out anything you find: phones, tablets, laptops, random cords, chargers, and even memory cards.
Once you’ve gathered everything together, set it somewhere you can see it—like the kitchen table or a corner of the living room. That way, it won’t get forgotten again.
And more importantly, you can start going through it little by little without feeling overwhelmed.
Start with one item. Plug it in and see if it still works. Does it power on? Can you use it the way it was meant to be used? If it’s completely dead or doesn’t respond, that’s usually a sign it’s past its useful life.
Then ask yourself how long it’s been since you used it. If it’s been more than a year—and you already have a newer device that does everything better—it may not make sense to keep it anymore.
For instance, if there’s an old flip phone you’ve held onto just in case, but you’ve been using a smartphone for years, chances are you won’t go back to the old one.
We often keep tech because it was expensive or we feel guilty letting it go. Maybe it was a gift, or maybe you think someone else might need it someday. Those are understandable reasons.
But if it’s been sitting untouched and no one has asked for it, it might be time to be honest about whether it’s still serving a purpose.
Keep only the things that are still useful to you. If there’s a laptop you still use now and then to check emails or store photos, keep it.
But if you’ve got three old phones and two outdated tablets collecting dust, most of those can probably go.
Before you move forward with any next steps, take a moment to protect your personal information. That means logging out of email and apps, deleting photos or documents, and removing any memory cards.
Most devices have a reset option in their settings, which clears everything. If you’re unsure how, a quick search using the device model will give you step-by-step instructions.
And don’t forget to double-check for personal memories or info before you wipe anything. You might come across family photos, contact info, or saved passwords you forgot about. Save what matters before you hit delete.
This step isn’t about rushing—it’s about making clear decisions with confidence. Once you know what’s still useful and you’ve backed up anything important, the next part becomes a whole lot easier.
How to Let Go Responsibly
Now that you’ve sorted through your old devices, wiped your personal info, and set aside what you no longer need, it’s time to follow through and actually let them go. And that can be the hardest part—but it doesn’t have to be.
You might feel unsure about what to do next, especially if the idea of throwing electronics in the trash doesn’t sit right.
And you’re not wrong. Phones, laptops, cords, and chargers are full of materials that shouldn’t end up in a landfill. The good news is, there are safe, simple options that make the process easier.
Start by checking nearby stores. Many big-name places like Best Buy or Staples accept old electronics—even things like chargers or computer accessories.
They’ll make sure your items get recycled the right way, so you don’t have to worry about where they end up.
If something still works, consider giving it a second life. Your old tablet or laptop might not be useful to you anymore, but it could make a big difference to someone else.
Local nonprofits, women’s shelters, or school programs sometimes accept gently used devices to help families who can’t afford new ones. A phone that’s been sitting in your drawer might become someone else’s only way to stay connected.
Another option is to sell working items. It takes a little more effort, but it’s doable. You can post them on resale apps or local marketplace groups online.
If the idea of selling doesn’t appeal to you, even giving it away in a local “buy nothing” group is a great way to pass it along to someone who truly needs it.
And for the creative types—if you enjoy DIY projects—you might even find fun ways to reuse old tech. Some people turn a phone into a music player for the car, or use parts for home decor. That’s totally optional, of course. Only do it if it feels fun, not like another to-do.
Whatever path you choose, the key is to follow through. Once you’ve made the decision to let something go, take the next step right away. Drop it off, schedule a pickup, or list it online within the next few days.
Otherwise, there’s a good chance it’ll sneak back into storage and sit there all over again.
Clearing Tech Clutter Helps You Feel Lighter
Sometimes the smallest piles cause the biggest stress. Old cords, phones, and laptops may not take up much room, but they sit there quietly, reminding you that you still haven’t dealt with them. Even if you don’t see them every day, your mind still knows they’re there.
Clearing out these unused devices isn’t just about organizing drawers or shelves. It’s about creating a space that feels easier to live in.
When you take the time to let go of things you no longer use, you make room for more peace and less pressure. That matters, especially in the little corners of life we often overlook.
You don’t need to finish it all in one day. Even removing one old phone or dropping off a few cords for recycling is a win.
And if you’re looking for something to keep you motivated while you work through it, the Free Self-Care Decluttering Bingo is a fun way to keep moving. It’s easy to use and gives you small, doable challenges to help you feel good while making progress.
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