Digital Declutter: The Benefits and Full Checklist

We live in a world where our devices have become a part of our lives. Whether we admit it or not, we depend more on technology than we should.

With the floods of information coming our way, the necessity to organize and store all these pieces of data comes.

Digital Declutter: The Benefits and Your Complete Checklist

But it takes a lot of work. It comes with the knowledge of how to arrange and name your files, what to keep, and what to delete.

More than ever you need to make a rational decision on what should be ignored versus when to react right away.

In this post, we'll explore the benefits of a digital declutter, and how it can increase our well-being and productivity.

Because - the easier you find what you're looking for - the faster work gets completed. It's a fact.

Let's dive in and see what you can do to make your life way easier and simplified.

What is a Digital Declutter?

Let's start with something basic. We are all familiar with physical decluttering where you get rid of items you no longer need.

But what exactly do we mean by performing a digital declutter?

It's the removal of files and information that fail to serve any purpose anymore. Whether we talk about old emails or notifications on your phone, the game is the same each time.

Remove space, to free it up for new data. Moreover, it frees your mind from worrying about these unimportant matters.

When you are exposed to an organized and easy-to-navigate workspace, you are more likely to experience calm and enjoy your work. As simple as that.

Why Is Digital Decluttering Important?

Increased Productivity and Focus

It's a common habit to keep files you're working on located on your desktop. And newly downloaded files to the default folder (usually Downloads).

But is it really the most productive way? I'm guilty of this, too, and trying both ways, I know how helpful decluttering is.

Having many icons on a crowded desktop is a distraction, and it's hard to spot the one you need immediately.

While you are searching through all files to reach the desired one, you get stuck with loads of unnecessary visual info.

No wonder you will get tired more easily. Overloading with information is an issue, and there are ways to combat it.

Improved Mental Health

If we are constantly bombarded with messages and notification sounds, this creates an environment of stress.

You lose track of what's important and get easily distracted by minor events. To keep your sanity it's best to declutter your digital space and ensure a peaceful and calm work day.

Don't fall victim to others and rush into reading and replying. Do it on your own terms and convenience to preserve your mental health.

Better Digital Organization

One of the most important benefits of a digital declutter is that you will get a better file organization. This will not only help you find what you need quickly.

It will also prevent unnecessary frustration potentially leading to better health. And what about security?

You will know how to quickly locate confidential files that you have to delete. Fewer files equals better workspace and saved time.

How to Declutter Your Digital Space

Step 1: Creating a Plan

It's hard to start when you don't know how. To help identify the exact starting point, create a simple plan. It may include the areas that need decluttering by priority. For example, your devices: phone, tablet or laptop.

Then, add the online accounts you possess, like email and social media accounts. You can further split these into smaller mini steps like cleaning your desktop, or a particular folder.

Step 2: Delete Unnecessary Files and Apps

Deleting will help you reduce the clutter and keep only what's important. Start with removing unused apps, old or duplicate files, etc.

To automate the process of finding duplicate files, you can use a duplicate finder app. It's yet another useful tool you can benefit from.

For some documents, you might need to manually open and check if the content is necessary for your work. But, if you take the mindset of considering it as a game, you might have a lot of fun with this task.

Make sure to empty your recycle bit at the end. That's how you make sure everything is gone for good.

Step 3: Organize Your Files and Folders

The next step is the actual arranging of the items. You can create additional folders if needed, and rename documents with difficult or unclear names.

Make sure to use easy-to-remember titles, so you can locate them by searching in the future. Keep different projects in separate folders for neat organization and proper navigation.

It's up to you to place the criteria and make your whole workspace as convenient as possible.

Step 4: Unsubscribe and Unfollow

Email can get busy with all these offers, promo codes, and events coming your way. To stop receiving too many of those, it's best to unsubscribe from the ones you're no longer interested in.

That prevents extra efforts in checking and eventually deleting those messages. The same goes for social media following.

To keep yourself updated on the most relevant information, simply unfollow irrelevant accounts to you.

That will keep you focused on what matters the most to you, and give you a better environment to follow your aspirations.

Step 5: Backup Important Files

It's best to back up the files that matter the most. That's how you will prevent losing access to your documents if you accidentally delete any of them.

Review your online accounts as well, and decide if they might benefit from a backup.

Step 6: Create a Maintenance Plan

So far, so good. It's time to maintain your efforts. What you want to achieve is a cozy digital place you can enjoy.

To keep your information organized, you may need to go through all 5 steps above again in the future.

How often you will do the maintenance depends on your schedule and personal preferences, but once every two months is a good start.

Another option for a maintenance plan is to make little effort every evening or in the morning.

Doing small amounts of decluttering each day will ensure you're always productive and organized.

Digital Declutter Checklist

Let's review the main points again, and put them simply. Here are the key steps you can take to go through a digital declutter. Use them as a reference to guide you through this important process.

        ➤ Create a plan

        ➤ Delete unnecessary files and apps

        ➤ Organize your files and folders

        ➤ Unsubscribe and unfollow

        ➤ Backup important files

        ➤ Create a maintenance plan

Final Thoughts

Digital decluttering is a great way to boost your productivity, improve your mental health, avoid distractions, and get better organization of your items.

While following the steps from this post, you will become more aware of what's really important, and reduce the level of stress you experience daily.

Moreover, decluttering will save you time that you can use for a break or do other important tasks.

Keep your space neat and cozy, and enjoy the whole process! Have you ever decluttered your workspace digitally? How did it feel?

Let me know in the comments!