1. Clean Up Your Inbox
Your email inbox is often the digital asset that is in most need of a Spring cleaning, and as such, is often a dreaded task by many. However, there are better methods to cleaning up your inbox than individually deleting all those unread emails. Start by unsubscribing from promotional emails that you no longer want (most emails have an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the message). Then, begin deleting emails from certain addresses you no longer subscribe to in bulk. If even this is too much of a hassle, consider using online tools to help you delete unwanted emails even more efficiently.
2. Audit Your Subscriptions
While letting your inbox overflow can be an annoyance, not keeping track of your subscriptions can be a costly oversight. While decluttering this Spring, consider checking your online credit card statements or trusted third party website to see if there are any subscription services you weren’t aware you were paying for and cancel them to prevent repeat charges. While you are at it, consider canceling any unwanted or duplicate subscriptions. This is a quick and easy way to declutter this Spring, and more importantly, a task that could save you hundreds of dollars every year.
3. Organize Your Files and Photos
Your computer and phone likely hold a treasure trove of files and photos, but how many of them do you actually need? Start by deleting duplicates, blurry photos, and files you no longer use. Then, begin to organize what you want to keep. If you use a device for both work and personal uses, consider creating different folders to separate the two. Running low on hard drive space? Cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive are free, safe to use, and a great way to back up important work files or cherished family pictures, all while freeing up space on your devices.
4. Comb Through Your Profiles and Webpages
Digital assets such as social media pages or blog sites are a wonderful way to stay connected and creative, but they can quickly become outdated, inactive, or oversaturated with content. While you’re cleaning things up, going through your social media pages and websites to check for content or information that is outdated, inaccurate, or no longer relevant to your page. This is also a great time to review your privacy and security settings on social media accounts or other sites your use.
5. Secure Your Logins
With so many social media accounts, subscription services, and online platform logins to remember, it’s easy to lose track of your list of passwords for each and every one. On top of that, passwords that have remained the same for a significant amount of time are more likely to appear in leaks which puts your data at risk. This Spring, take the opportunity to update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts when possible. If you are someone who struggles keeping track of all of those different usernames and passwords, you can try using a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each account.
While Spring cleaning can be a pain, it doesn’t have to be a yearly process. Once your digital spaces are tidy and secure, set up a routine to keep them that way. For some, setting aside 10 minutes each week to sort through your inbox, delete unneeded photos or files, and review your online real estate. Small, consistent efforts can prevent clutter altogether.
Spring cleaning your digital life may seem like a daunting task, but it bears benefits that extend beyond the season. By setting aside time to declutter and secure your digital life, you’ll have a far more efficient, enjoyable, and safe online environment. Once you’re done deep cleaning appliances and reorganizing furniture, open up your desktop and clean up your digital life too!