The clutter in our homes is often easy to notice. From clothes accumulating in corners to overstuffed closets, this mess—though sometimes ignored—is always apparent. On the other hand, digital clutter often goes unseen and neglected until it significantly slows down a device or causes important emails to be missed.
Like physical clutter, it is beneficial for our mental health and the efficiency of our devices to engage in “digital decluttering” regularly. Below, we will outline what digital decluttering entails and offer tips for staying organized digitally.
To begin, what exactly is digital clutter? In essence, it is the disorganization of digital devices. Whether on a smartphone, computer, or tablet, this clutter can slow down both the device and the user due to the difficulty of navigating excess information. Digital clutter can manifest in various forms, such as an overflowing email inbox, a cluttered desktop, or apps that haven’t been used in years. Studies suggest that managing digital clutter can be as stressful as dealing with physical clutter.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to approach digital decluttering. A good starting point is to use services or tools designed to simplify the process. For instance, backing up important files to a cloud storage service allows for the removal of data from the device without losing the information. Additionally, hardware like external hard drives or flash drives can store old photos and documents, reducing the digital load on the device.
Other methods include deleting or clearing unnecessary data. Web browsers offer functions like “Clear Browsing Data” and “Clear History,” which can eliminate superfluous information. Regularly deleting the browser’s cache and cookies also helps. Uninstalling unused apps, including preloaded ones that came with the device, can significantly reduce digital clutter and improve device performance.
Updating software and apps is another important, though sometimes inconvenient, task. Updates are crucial for security, addressing the latest cyber threats. Outdated apps can also contribute to device sluggishness. Regularly checking for updates in the app store and system preferences, or simply accepting update prompts, can prevent potential slowdowns.
Finally, email inboxes are a common source of digital clutter. Overloaded inboxes can lead to various problems. Quickly clearing an inbox can be achieved by selecting all messages and using the “Archive” function. Organizing incoming emails with folders or labels aids in managing them more effectively. Unsubscribing from unneeded services reduces the influx of future emails, helping to maintain a clutter-free inbox.
For more tips on digital decluttering, please continue reading on to the infographic shared alongside this post.
Digital Declutter & Minimization Guide, was provided by Great Plains Communications, a managed wifi service provider
