Digital Decluttering Tips
Organization and Action Steps for Digital Decluttering
Here are a few tips that will help you lighten the load of an overflowing inbox and digital files that are bursting at the seams. Often, we talk about decluttering actual physical belongings. We can see the clutter, so it is easier to make a decluttering plan. Digital clutter, however, is more difficult to address and locate what is taking up too much space. That is because digital clutter can be buried deep inside your computer. Or it’s in places we never look. Look to The Uncluttered Life’s Declutter Deck® for tips and tricks about home organization.
Organization
There are many digital spaces that are not files and email. These spaces are anything where you have a username and password to access them. Sometimes, we forget about many of these digital spaces.
If you use a password manager, look through it to declutter items you no longer use. The password manager will act as a guide, since many of the websites are located in one place.
Action Steps
Gather. Put all your devices (phone, table, computer) together.
Break these items down into smaller components. An example, for instance, is your browser. Look at your bookmarks and declutter those, including extensions, etc. Another example is Facebook. Declutter friends, pages, groups, and any place that takes up time and space in your brain that you no longer have the patience or energy to visit.
Do one thing at a time. Just like decluttering your physical items, do not attempt to do everything at once.
Designate a home for everything. Depending on what you’re addressing, it’s going to look different since all items are different. It might be file folders, Instagram posts that you’ve saved but no longer visit, collections or song playlists. Don’t strive for perfection. Just get the workflow moving.
Move things into their new homes. You’ll see, over time, what works best for you. The great thing about digital space is it’s easier (and lighter) than moving physical objects.
Make a routine and stick to it. Figure out what you need to do daily, weekly, monthly and annually.