At Realign Pro, we call digital clutter hidden clutter, since it’s seemingly invisible. When we think of clutter, we seldom think about what’s on our devices. Though we don’t see it, it’s still there, and it’s still clutter.
To digitally declutter efficiently, start small, sort files into categories, ask yourself key questions, organise what you decide to keep, and maintain the habit.
Start Small
To begin with, ensure you choose one area, such as a file or desktop user. Starting with your entire computer will overwhelm and discourage you, and you’ll be much less likely to reach your decluttering goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once, and have small goals.
It didn’t take a moment for the space to get to this level of chaos, so logic tells us it won’t take a moment to get it back into a state of calm.
Sort Documents Into Categories
Sort files on your computer into categories, putting similar or like documents into folders. Group like files together, such as medical documents, financial records, family members’ names, occupational therapy outcomes, etc.
Then, decide whether you’ll keep the file and name it, delete it, or decide later. If you put an item into this category, note it for later on another document.
Sorting files into categories will help you make quick decisions about long-held items, ensuring you declutter as fast as possible. Set a timer for 30 minutes so you don’t get burned out. At the end of each 30-minute interval, take a five to 10-minute break.
Ask Yourself Key Questions
After filing files into each category, ask yourself key questions about whether you use the file regularly, whether it brings you joy or serves a purpose, and whether you’ve used it in the last year.
Asking yourself questions like this will help you make important decisions about whether you should keep or delete the file. Most importantly, don’t fall into the trap of deciding to just buy more storage. It’s an extra expense you could avoid by decluttering. Deal with the mess.
Organise What You Keep
After you’ve decided what you’ll keep, be sure to keep items in clean, logical order. Use bins, labels, drawers, and more to organise your items so they’re easily findable and tidy. Keep items you use often easily accessible, such as often-referred-to documents, software, and other files.
Maintain the Habit
After you’ve decluttered, find a way to maintain the order you’ve worked so hard to create. Set a regular time to review the files you’ve accumulated, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly.