Clutter in our homes is often noticeable. From clothes heaped in a corner to an overflowing closet, this disorder—though sometimes overlooked—never goes completely unnoticed. Conversely, digital clutter remains largely invisible and neglected until it causes a device to slow significantly or results in important emails being missed.
Similar to physical clutter, it is beneficial for both our mental health and the efficiency of our devices to periodically conduct a “digital decluttering.” Below, we will explore what digital decluttering entails and offer tips for better digital organization in the future.
To begin, what constitutes digital clutter? Essentially, it is the disorganization of digital devices. Whether on a phone, computer, or tablet, this clutter can slow down both the device and its user due to the difficulty of navigating excess information. Digital clutter manifests in various forms, such as a crowded email inbox, a cluttered desktop, or apps that haven’t been used in years. Studies show that the stress of managing digital clutter can be as anxiety-inducing as dealing with physical messes.
Thankfully, there are numerous strategies for digital decluttering. A good starting point is to use services or tools designed to simplify the process. For example, backing up important files to a cloud-based storage service allows for the removal of data from the device without losing the information. Additionally, hardware such as external hard drives or flash drives can be used to 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 remove 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.
Maintaining updated software and apps is another important, though sometimes bothersome, 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 Outdated apps can also contribute to device sluggishness.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 cause a range of issues. 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 helpful information centered around digital decluttering, be sure to take some time to read through the infographic provided alongside this post.
Digital Declutter & Minimization Guide, was provided by Great Plains Communications, a cloud connect provider
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