8 min read Title: The Complete Guide to Digitally Decluttering Your Computer

The New Year has arrived, and many individuals are utilizing this opportunity to declutter, organize, and simplify their lives. While tidying up closets and garages may be the first tasks that come to mind, there is another project that can greatly impact one's life.

Engaging in a digital declutter can enhance productivity, reduce overwhelm, and optimize the performance of devices and machines. Let's explore the benefits of decluttering your digital life and a few simple steps you can take right now.

Why Digital Decluttering is Important for your Computer

You may not realize how much digital clutter affects you until you regain control over it. By minimizing clutter, you will be able to swiftly find the necessary data and files, allowing you to spend less time searching and more time working.

Completing a digital declutter can provide mental relief and improve your ability to focus. As you organize and declutter your digital information, you will also notice improved device speed and enhanced protection against hackers.

How to Clean Up Your Computer

To ensure your computer operates at its peak performance, it is crucial to keep up with maintenance and conduct regular digital cleaning. Begin with these five tips:

1. Remove Unused Apps

Every app on your computer and other digital devices takes up storage space and burdens your operating system. Your computer has to sort through files, create shortcuts, and install app updates as you work. Additionally, each app can serve as a potential target for data-mining companies and hackers, meaning that the fewer apps you have, the better.

Take the time to go through all the apps on your devices and uninstall any that you no longer use. If you need the app later on, you can always reinstall it.

2. Organize Your Files and Folders

For Windows 10 users, begin the process by navigating to "Settings," then click on "System" and "Storage." This will allow you to identify which folders are taking up the most space, enabling you to sort through and delete large files that are no longer needed. This will free up memory and operating space.

You can also uninstall pre-installed and unused programs by going to "Settings," clicking on "Apps and Features," and deleting any undesired apps.

3. Run Diagnostic and Cleaning Programs

One easy way to clean up unnecessary apps and files is by running diagnostic and cleaning programs. For example, CCleaner is available for both Windows and macOS and can clean up files, update drivers, optimize device performance, and more. Paid programs such as System Mechanic for Windows and CleanMyMac X for macOS can also aid in streamlining the cleanup process.

If you are not tech-savvy or lack the time, consider hiring a digital decluttering expert to assist you with cleaning up your computer's files.

4. Clean Your Most Used Web Browsers

We spend a significant amount of time using web browsers, and without regular maintenance, they can quickly become cluttered. Follow these steps to clean up your browser and ensure it functions properly:

Delete Your Cache, Cookies, and History:

Regularly clearing out your cache, cookies, and search history helps protect your privacy and eliminates unnecessary information. Here's how to do it in some popular browsers:

Google Chrome:

- Go to "Settings"

- Click on "Security and Privacy"

- Click "Clear Browsing Data"

Microsoft Edge:

- Go to "Settings"

- Click "Privacy, Search, and Services"

- Scroll down and click "Clear Browsing Data"

Firefox:

- Go to "Preferences, Privacy, and Security"

- Navigate to "Cookies and Site Data"

- Click "Clear Data"

Safari:

- From the Safari navigation bar, click on "History"

- Click "Clear History"

Organize Your Bookmarks:

Bookmarks and shortcuts are useful for quickly accessing apps, files, and websites, but they can become inconvenient if not maintained. If you have numerous bookmarks to sort through, now is the perfect time to declutter and make them more manageable.

Deleting a large number of bookmarks can be overwhelming, so start by creating a backup of everything you have saved. This way, if you accidentally delete something important, you can easily retrieve it.

Each browser has a slightly different method for exporting bookmarks:

- Google Chrome: Click on Menu >> Bookmarks >> Bookmark Manager >> Export Bookmarks

- Microsoft Edge: Click on Menu >> Settings >> General >> Import or Export >> Favorites >> Export to File

- Firefox: Click on Menu >> Library >> Bookmarks >> Show All Bookmarks, then click on the Library window and click Import and Backup >> Export Bookmarks to HTML

- Safari: Click File >> Export Bookmarks

After exporting your bookmarks, save them in a secure location. Next, delete bookmarks you no longer need using your browser's bookmark manager. Right-click on a bookmark and click "Delete." You can delete multiple bookmarks at once by holding down the "Ctrl" key as you left-click on them. If you find that you need a more organized system than what your browser provides, consider using a third-party bookmark management tool.

5. Clean Up Your Desktop

Many individuals accumulate numerous documents and shortcuts on their computer's desktop. Without an organized system, it can quickly become chaotic and difficult to navigate.

To start tidying up your desktop, move all loose documents into your "My Documents" folder and organize them into subfolders. Create shortcuts on your desktop only for the files and folders you frequently use. Regularly review your desktop, file loose documents, and delete unnecessary shortcuts.

Don't Forget to Declutter Your Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is a convenient and easy way to back up digital files. However, similar to physical computers, it can become overwhelming if not properly organized and maintained.

Creating a folder system can help you keep your files organized. While arranging your documents, take the time to purge items you no longer need. Additionally, adding a folder titled "Old" or "Archive" can serve as a temporary storage space for files before permanently deleting them. If you haven't needed these files after a specified period, it may be time to confidently purge them.

Clean Your Email Inbox

Email inboxes can also become overwhelming due to the accumulation of numerous messages. Start by unsubscribing from any email subscriptions that no longer interest you or provide value. You can do this manually as messages come in or use tools that help you bulk unsubscribe, such as Unroll.me, LeaveMeAlone.app, and SaneBox.com.

Next, follow these steps to simplify and declutter your email inbox:

Set up Priority Inbox:

Gmail users have the option to utilize "Priority Inbox," which separates important emails to a designated space. This allows you to focus on urgent matters without distractions from sales, newsletters, and other messages that can be reviewed later.

Implement Filters:

Many email systems enable the creation of filters for incoming emails. Using filters, you can have specific emails skip your inbox and be automatically directed to designated folders, allowing you to sort through them at a more convenient time. This organizational method not only helps keep track of emails but also minimizes inbox distractions.

Utilize a Calendar or Task Management System:

Instead of storing emails in your inbox for follow-up, consider scheduling follow-ups on your calendar or using task management tools to organize your to-do list. Platforms like Trello offer integrations that allow you to move emails from your inbox to a task list with a click of a button.

Seek Professional Help If Needed:

Planning and executing a digital declutter can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. If you find the task too daunting, consider hiring a professional decluttering service. An expert can guide you through the initial decluttering process and help you establish a system that is easy to maintain. Explore highly skilled experts offering their services on platforms like onegigs.com.

By following these tips and decluttering your digital life, you will experience improved productivity, reduced overwhelm, and enhanced computer performance. Take advantage of the New Year to start your digital declutter and enjoy the benefits it brings to your daily life.