Your digital space is just as prone to clutter over time as your living space is. A periodic decluttering spree keeps it light and neat. It is essential to retain your productivity and stay stress-free because digital clutter spells trouble at work and in your personal life. Just imagine the stress when an overcrowded computer crashes in the middle of an important work meeting. Similarly, a loaded phone may hang when you have to search for something on the fly. Keeping your devices clean gets your digital life on track. Thankfully, getting rid of digital clutter isn’t a lot of work. These easy steps will have you covered.
Get rid of old electronics
Let’s start with a physical cleanup. Retaining outdated devices sounds tempting, but you must steer clear of the habit. Dispose of old devices as soon as you get the newest ones. Old devices are notorious for retaining data even after you delete it. Ensure that you wipe your old computers, mobile phones, printers, scanners, copiers, and Wi-Fi routers thoroughly before disposing of them. Seek professional help if you aren’t sure about the right steps.
Empty trash
The next step is to take out the trash from your devices. It does not take a lot of time and effort to empty the recycling bin, so you must do it often. Don’t just clean out old files and downloads, but make sure you trash them for good. You will not want to retain redundant files and programs in the hard drive because they take up space and slow down devices. Remove them permanently to accelerate your computer’s performance.
Remove the duplicates
Digital declutter isn’t complete until you get rid of duplicates in all your devices. It is easy to pile up on duplicates, and they cram your space even without the slightest signs of their presence. But it is easy to find and remove duplicate photos and files with a duplicate finder. The effort is minimal, and your devices run at lightning speed as they have much more free space. Also, make it a habit to steer clear of storing duplicates in the first place.
Refresh your online presence
Your digital space also includes your online presence, so make sure it is in place too. Check your online profiles and social media accounts to review the current privacy and security settings. Ensure that you share only as much as is needed and with people you can trust. It isn’t a good idea to have your location services turned on for several apps and accounts. Poor digital privacy is a dangerous practice as you may end up compromising your security. Refreshing your online presence from time to time is a wise thing to do.
Digital clutter can hamper your professional productivity and personal privacy. Keeping your devices clean simplifies life, so make sure you have a proper schedule to manage things. A little effort takes you a long way. Don’t shy away from these simple measures because they can keep your digital space clean and healthy.