Are you ready to organize the hypothetical filing cabinet that is your digital space? If you’re like most people, you probably spend a great deal of time online, whether it be on your mobile device or your computer. Just like your home space, your digital space needs regular cleaning up to ensure that you can function at your fullest potential.
In this blog, we’re going to share our top tips for digital organization. The following list is not in any specific order.
1. Get Rid of Files You No Longer Use
If you’re one of those people who has dozens of folders taking up residence on your desktop, you could be unnecessarily cluttering up your digital space. Think of unused files as receipts lining the doors of your car––they’re unnecessary and messy! You don’t need them. So get rid of them, before you give yourself time to ponder when you’ll need ‘file XYZ’ again.
2. Declutter Your Apps
We don’t have to know you personally to know that you probably have a lot of apps on your phone, tablet, or laptop (or all three!). Let’s face it, it’s inevitable to avoid downloading apps on mobile devices––especially work-related apps. However, too many apps can be distracting, so consider scheduling a monthly purge to free up space on your home screen or desktop.
Remember, if you ever need an app again in the future, you can always download it again.
3. Give Your Files Purposeful Names
Digital organization isn’t just about letting go of things that no longer serve you, it’s also about creating a system to help you stay on top of projects, and other important tasks. Once you have a general idea of the files you want to hold onto, consider coming up with a naming system to keep yourself organized.
4. Unsubscribe From Certain Content
How many times a day do you have to weed through emails that begin with, “Hey ____! Click here for a promo code to save 15%!” Since we’ve already discussed content that no longer serves you, it’s time to discuss subscribed content that no longer serves you.
Online newsletters are like a stack of unread magazines, and they take up just as much space. They flood your inbox and leave very little room for important emails. If online newsletters are no longer serving you, or you no longer are interested in receiving them––unsubscribe!
Unsubscribing from newsletters and other email campaigns is a good way to free up space in your inbox.
5. Store Digital Articles in One Location
Do you scroll through the internet and save articles to read for later? If so, you probably notice that articles take up a lot of free space on your desktop. Instead of having to weed through them constantly, consider creating one location to store all of them.
6. Use a Password Manager
If you have an online account, then you have user credentials. Did you know that the average online user has more than 100 passwords stored in their computer? That’s a lot of passwords to have to remember.
Instead of storing all of your passwords somewhere on your computer––where they can be stolen––consider using a password manager to manage your passwords online. It’s safe, and it’s a great tool to use to generate strong passwords for future use.
For more information about business management and tips for small businesses, explore our blog.
