Holding onto the Past: Spain’s Obsession with Obsolete Electronic Devices and the Balancing Act of Decluttering

In 2024, a study was conducted on the usage and consumption of technology among Spaniards. The results showed that 29% of the population kept five or more obsolete electronic devices at home, not just mobile phones. This trend was widespread in Spain, with 85% of the population admitting to keeping at least one unused device, ranging from smartphones to multimedia players and computer accessories.

The favorite “relic” among Spaniards was their old mobile phones, with 67% admitting to holding onto older models. However, drawers and storage rooms also housed media players, computers, video game consoles, and virtual reality headsets. The main reasons for keeping these devices included the possibility of needing them in the future, nostalgia, or simply forgetting about them.

Despite the attachment to outdated devices, many people acknowledged that they could part with them eventually. Some reasons for getting rid of obsolete devices included selling them second hand for economic benefit, creating more space at home, or ensuring they would never be used again.

The study highlighted the mixed emotions and practical considerations that come into play when deciding whether to keep or discard old technology. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, it’s important for individuals to strike a balance between holding onto sentimental items and decluttering their living spaces.