5 Tips to Digitally Declutter
Digital Organizing is the type of work that elicits the strongest reactions from clients and peers alike. Most people say, “Wow, I should really do that.” Our lives are inundated with an overwhelming amount of digital clutter. From overflowing inboxes to a multitude of unused apps cluttering our devices, it's easy to feel weighed down by the virtual chaos. Use the tips below to get started on your own digital organizing project.
Assess Your Digital Landscape: Begin by taking stock of all your digital assets, including emails, files, photos, apps, and accounts. Identify areas where clutter tends to accumulate and prioritize those that require immediate attention.
Digital Values: Many people save a digital copy "just because." Digital storage is storage too, and it is very possible to have too much! Before you decide to save that article, meme, or receipt, consider its utility both short and long term. Is this item worth the time and energy it will take to find a final home for it?
Organize Your Digital Spaces: Establish a systematic approach to organizing your digital spaces. Create folders and subfolders to categorize files and emails, making it easier to locate and access information when needed. Consider implementing a consistent naming convention to further streamline organization.
Streamline Your Email Inbox: Tackle your overflowing inbox by implementing email management strategies. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and promotional emails, and create filters to automatically sort incoming messages into relevant folders. Aim to maintain a clean inbox by regularly archiving or deleting old emails. Set a time during the week (or the work day, depending on volume) when you can review your inbox and clear out unneeded items.
Secure Your Digital Identity: Strengthen your online security by reviewing and updating your passwords regularly. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. A standalone password manager will usually have a cost associated with it, but it is a worthy investment for the peace of mind that it will offer you. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
Declutter Your Devices: Take inventory of the apps installed on your devices and delete those that serve no purpose or are rarely used. Organize your home screen and app folders to prioritize essential apps and minimize visual clutter. Use your device’s existing features (focus status, favorites, etc) to simplify your life. Similarly, declutter your digital files and photos by deleting duplicates and organizing them into meaningful folders.
Digitally Detox Social Media: Evaluate your social media usage and consider unfollowing accounts that no longer align with your interests or values. Limit the time spent scrolling through feeds by setting boundaries and utilizing productivity tools to curb excessive screen time. Remember, quality trumps quantity when it comes to digital connections.
Backup and Sync Data: Safeguard your digital assets by regularly backing up important files and photos to secure cloud storage services. This not only protects your data from loss or corruption but also frees up valuable storage space on your devices. Take advantage of synchronization features to ensure seamless access to your files across multiple devices. There are many options for cloud storage – we suggest picking one where you already have an account and consolidating everything there.
Know When to Ask for Help: Digital organizing is in high demand for a reason. For many people, it is still too daunting to try to face your digital landscape alone.
Digital Organizing Course: Take a crash course in the world of digital organizing with our at-home course!
Hire a Professional: Believe it or not, we love to do this work and are happy to put in the hours to help you get it done!
By following these steps, you can declutter your digital life and create a more streamlined and harmonious digital environment. Embrace the journey towards digital minimalism and revel in the newfound sense of clarity and tranquility it brings.
