If you want to increase your productivity, having an unorganized workplace, especially when working from home, can work against you. Whenever we think of messy, digital clutter—most of the time—doesn’t get the attention it deserves. If you have devices filled with emails, apps and files this clutter can impact your work and productivity and also put your information at risk.
Digital clutter is when your data and files in your digital devices are disorganized, whether that is by having full storage, a crowded desktop or lots of unread emails, a messy digital space can not only slow down your devices but it can also slow you and your productivity down.
Looking to achieve digital minimalism and find ways to increase productivity? Here are some tips to deal with digital clutter.
Declutter Your Desktop
With devices having increased storage it’s common to start accumulating files in your desktop and lose track of everything you have saved. To declutter your desktop, think of it as organizing your closet, removing any files and apps you no longer need, then creating folders such as documents, photos, work, and organizing your files into each category.
Organize Your Phone
Your phone is a great tool for communicating with friends and family and keeping memories, so it’s easy to start accumulating files you don’t need anymore. Start by freeing up storage space, to have your phone looking like new. Go through your list of apps and delete the ones you no longer need. Make sure to backup your photos and delete any screenshots that are taking up space and photos you don’t mind having off your phone.
Purge Your Email
Tackling an inbox full of unread and spam emails can be a hassle, but doing so will help you make sure you don’t miss important emails as they arrive. It’s a great idea to create an email account dedicated to emails you might want to see but don’t really need to reply or check often. Add labels to categorize your emails, such as “urgent” and “follow up” to keep track of important messages that need to be addressed.
Having a decluttered digital space is very important for your productivity and safety, but keeping it organized can be difficult. To help with that, schedule monthly digital decluttering sections, delete any unused apps and files on a regular basis, and when downloading files make sure to add them to a specific folder.
Want to find out more ways to deal with digital clutter and the benefits of having an organized device? Check out The Zebra’s infographic below:
