Digital Clutter Is As Real As Physical Clutter

Think about it... the photo app on your phone likely stores thousands of photos, most of which are not categorized and some which are no longer needed or wanted.

The notes app on your mobile device is another app that likely has numerous entries. Are these entries organized in any particular way? Are there entries that are no longer relevant and are causing digital clutter on your device?

Email. How many emails do you have lurking around that are begging to be filed or deleted?

I understand this type of clutter and I get frustrated by this type of clutter just as I do physical clutter. When I want to retrieve my note for grocery shopping, I don't want to have to scroll through potentially hundreds of notes. I want the grocery note to be filed where it is easily retrievable and I want all irrelevant notes removed from my phone.

Believe it or not, you can clean up your digital clutter!

Hint: I like to clean up digital clutter while watching tv or on a rainy day when there is not much else to do. And believe it or not - there is satisfaction in decluttering the digital space!

Here are some ways you can declutter your digital devices:

1. Organize Files and Folders: Create a logical folder structure on your computer (or in your cloud-based storage) and move files into their appropriate places. Delete duplicates and outdated files. Think of the folders on your computer or in the cloud just as you would folders in a filing cabinet. Each folder gets a specific label and only the items that fit in each category are placed in the folder.

2. Clean Up Your Email Inbox: Archive old emails, delete unnecessary ones, and set up filters to automatically sort and file incoming mail. Creating folders in your email to sort and file is very beneficial. The folder filing system for email works similarly to that of the physical filing cabinet and digital folders on your computer or cloud-based storage. Some email folder labels I use: receipts; school; bills.

3. Unsubscribe from Emails: Yes, it is ok to unsubscribe from emails! You can unsubscribe from newsletters you do not read and promotional emails that you no longer need. Think of it this way, if you typically delete every email from a particular company or vendor without even opening the email - it's likely time to unsubscribe.

4. Declutter Your Computer Desktop: Remove any unnecessary files and shortcuts from your desktop. Keep only the essentials visible. Having more icons than needed on your desktop screen creates visual clutter. Removing these from the desktop screen does not mean you have to delete the file or app, you are simply no longer housing the shortcut on the desktop screen.  Another option is to place all of the items into folders on your desktop. This will reduce visual clutter, but the items will still be located on the desktop screen.

5. Organize Your Photos: Sort through your digital photos, delete duplicates, blurry shots, and anything else you don't need (that screenshot of an event schedule you needed, but the event is now in the past). Use cloud storage or an external drive to backup your photos. Create a folder system within your photos to help you organize and file photos.  This filing system will make it so much easier to retrieve a picture when you want it.

Spend some time, make a plan of action to tackle your digital clutter!

Are you ready to begin creating your own unique organizational lifestyle?

I offer comprehensive organization solutions. Organizing encompasses more than physical space(s). Your daily routines, meal planning, schedule, and calendar all play a key component in living a stress-reduced, organized lifestyle. 

If you are searching for an organizer that can help you create the organized lifestyle you dream of, reach out today and let's chat about how I can help you!

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