Digital Declutter

Over time, our digital lives can become just as cluttered as our closets or garages. Old files, forgotten apps, and a crowded inbox don’t just take up space — they can slow you down, make it harder to find what you need, and even create security risks.

A little intentional “digital cleaning” can make your devices faster, your data easier to find, and your online life more secure. Here’s how to get started:

1. Clear Out Unused Files

• Start with the biggest culprits: Check your desktop, “Downloads” folder, and “Documents” folder.
• Delete or archive: If you haven’t opened a file in a year, ask yourself if you truly need it. Move important files into clearly labeled folders.
• Empty the recycle bin/trash: Deleting a file often just moves it to a holding bin; emptying it will actually free up space.

Pro Tip: Back up important items to an external drive or cloud storage before deleting.

2. Remove Unnecessary Apps & Programs

• Audit your devices: Look for apps or programs you haven’t used in the last 6–12 months.
• Free up space & speed: Removing unused apps often improves performance.
• Check permissions: As you uninstall, review app permissions. Apps you no longer use can still hold access to your personal data.

3. Tidy Up Your Inbox

• Unsubscribe: If a newsletter no longer interests you, click “unsubscribe” instead of deleting it every week.
• Sort with folders or labels: Create categories like “Bills,” “Travel,” “Family,” or “Receipts” so important messages are easier to find.
• Archive or delete: Old messages can clutter search results. Archiving keeps them out of the way, but still searchable.
• Use search tools: Most email platforms allow you to quickly find and remove large or old attachments to free up storage.

4. Organize Your Photos & Media

• Delete duplicates: Many phones take multiple versions of a photo. Keep the best, delete the rest.
• Sort by albums or events: Organizing by date or theme makes finding memories easier later.
• Consider a cloud backup: Services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Amazon Photos can store pictures securely and free up device space.

5. Bonus: Boost Security While You Declutter

• Update passwords: Use a password manager to store strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Close old accounts: Delete or deactivate accounts you no longer use. Each unused account is a potential target.
• Review privacy settings: While cleaning, take a moment to check app and account privacy options.

6. The Payoff: Peace of Mind

Just like a freshly cleaned room, a decluttered digital space feels lighter and easier to manage. You’ll enjoy faster devices, find what you need more easily, and have the peace of mind that comes with a little extra security.