Most people these days have an Apple phone, an Android, or a Google phone, which means the lightning-fast world of mobile phone technology has left your old flip phone in the dust. But they aren’t totally worthless.
While some people enjoy the simplicity of a simple flip phone – just texts and calls for me, please – most don’t spare a second thought if they come across their old model. Some communities even look down on them, since drug dealers and other criminals use them as burner phones. If you’re looking for a little bit of cash and have enough of these lying around, search for the closest place to trade them in.
Might as Well Use Them as Coasters
Technology grows by leaps and bounds, and something that used to be ubiquitous and common in the nineties, and even the 2000s, is now hopelessly outdated. So goes the sad song of the floppy disk, which in our current age might as well be used for something else – a single email holds far more information.
Unless you're an internet historian or want to teach your kids about the dark days of the early World Wide Web, toss these in the trash. Anything you can get from them is free on the internet, most likely.
Film Development is About as Common as Milkmen
Hipsters and people who just can't bear to part with their old film camera may still use this service, but otherwise getting your film development is a waste of time. Everybody has a camera in their pocket, and many have easy printers to use, which means mailing your film to a development facility only to wait patiently for an envelope of photos (which might not even look good) is hopelessly outdated.
Professionals might still develop their own film, but most cameras and printing equipment is good enough for anybody. Even a Polaroid prints its own pictures.
Turn These Old Items Into Attractive Decorations
You probably have a few paper maps stashed in your glove compartment, but in the age of smartphones and wireless maps, they're getting less and less use as a cheerful electronic voice guides people to their destinations. But there's no need to toss them all into the trash – some maps, if kept well and hung in the right way – can make for charming wall hangings.
Otherwise, most maps can take their place alongside floppy disks, servant buttons, milk cabinets, and the other items that you'll find on this list. They're outdated and probably not helpful.
Load Up Netflix Instead
Nothing brings the word “obsolete” to mind like a VCR. Unless you're quite young, you probably have some VHS tapes hanging around in old boxes, but it's difficult to convince yourself you need a VCR unless you're very interested in recording television shows. Even DVDs have taken a hit thanks to better formats, streaming, and being able to bring up almost anything on Youtube
They were the favorite way to watch and re-watch your favorite shows or movies, but these days they're relegated to the trash heap. Some places may pay good money for a well-kept model, but if it's used enough, leave it for the garbageman.