Today, I stopped to think about the oldest item in my home that I still use every single day. Not something tucked away in a closet or a “just in case” backup item (because I have lots of those), but something that earns its keep year after year, decade after decade.

For many of us, these items remind us that things used to be built to last. Whether it’s a heavy-duty appliance from the 1970s or a wool coat that’s seen more winters than a snowplow, there’s something deeply satisfying about using something that’s stood the test of time.

Museum Pieces in the Kitchen

Take appliances, for example. My parents’ old avocado-green refrigerator—made sometime in the early 1980s—wasn’t fancy. It didn’t have touchscreen controls or 20 preset modes. But it worked. Every. Single. Day. The motor hummed like it was brand new, and the design was simple enough that if anything ever did go wrong, it was actually repairable.

Contrast that with the experience of a friend who bought a brand-new fridge when she moved into her new place. It gave out barely a year later. One year! She spent another few thousand after just purchasing a new home that was supposed to have a new fridge.

Wear and Wear Again

Then there’s clothing. I have a wool coat I bought over ten years ago. Still warm, still stylish enough to pass for modern, and not a single tear or fray. The trick, of course, is consistency—your body can’t change too much. But as long as it fits, it’s good to go. That coat doesn’t just keep me warm; it has nostalgic value.

Some of the clothes you buy today—fast fashion—are cheap but don’t last. Thin fabric, shoddy stitching, and trends that barely survive a single season. It’s fast fashion in every sense—fast to buy, fast to wear out, fast to forget.

Technology’s Expiration Date

Of course, some things are just doomed to become outdated no matter how high their quality is. Tech, for one. Your smartphone may be only a few years old, but eventually, apps stop updating, batteries weaken, and it’s time to buy a new one. Same goes for laptops, TVs, and other gadgets. 

We’ve come to accept that as normal, but maybe we shouldn’t. Perhaps we should explore the possibility of developing products with durability in mind, rather than just focusing on profit margins. I’d rather buy once in a decade than renew and update every two years.

The Value of Things That Last

There’s something irreplaceable in an item that’s lasted decades. It’s proof that craftsmanship matters. That longevity is possible. That not everything needs to be disposable. I mean, I don’t have sentimental value attached to every appliance that I buy. But it’s nice to have something around for a while.

So—what’s the oldest thing you still use daily? A coffee maker from the 70s? A cast iron pan passed down from a grandparent?  

Whatever it is, give it a thanks of appreciation next time you use it. Things like that are getting harder to come by.