Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we provide a few ways to declutter your digital life and start the year and your digital presence on a clear slate.
As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the things we’ve held onto—memories, habits, and sometimes even clutter. While the idea of letting go can feel overwhelming, the end of the year offers a perfect opportunity to start fresh. Think of all the files cluttering your desktop, the emails piling up in your inbox, and the apps you haven’t opened in months! Each of these represents a moment, decision, or intention that you’ve kept close, often for longer than necessary. Much like those old habits or unspoken thoughts we cling to, our digital clutter can weigh us down, even if it’s hidden behind screens. Here are a few ways to declutter your digital life:
Organizing files and storage
Start your journey by organizing your files and storage systems. Open your desktop or cloud drives and take a good look at what’s accumulated. Delete duplicates and outdated documents, and create a logical folder structure that makes it easy to locate important files in seconds. If you are using a Mac, it is easy to organize your files on the desktop by using a feature called Stacks. This feature stacks all files on the desktop into categories. For example, every screenshot will be stacked into one category. This step is not just about cleaning up but about establishing a method for maintaining order in the future. Just as you wouldn’t want to start a new year surrounded by physical clutter, begin 2025 with a digital environment that feels light and functional.
Updating passwords and enhancing security
Another crucial step is updating your passwords and tightening your online security. Our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital world, which makes cybersecurity more vital than ever. Many people reuse passwords across accounts, leaving themselves vulnerable to breaches. Use this time to create unique, strong passwords for each account and store them in a secure password manager. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. These small actions can bring peace of mind, knowing your digital presence is more protected as you step into the new year.
Clearing digital clutter
Your inbox might be another source of digital clutter that’s easy to overlook but hard to manage once it spirals out of control. Go through your emails systematically, deleting what you no longer need and archiving what’s worth keeping. Create different folders and set new filters for your inbox so that your emails are categorized accordingly. Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails you never read. The fewer distractions in your inbox, the easier it will be to focus on what matters.
Getting rid of apps
Consider the apps and software you’ve accumulated on your devices. Delete the apps you no longer use, and update the ones you rely on to their latest versions for optimal performance. This practice isn’t just about saving storage space but also about decluttering your mind. Every app you see on your phone or computer is a visual reminder of an unfulfilled task or an abandoned goal. Streamlining your apps can help you focus on what truly adds value to your daily life.
Starting your digital life fresh in 2025 is about more than tidying up; it’s about creating a space that reflects your goals and aspirations. So, as you let go of what no longer serves you in your physical and mental space, extend that same energy to your digital life. Here’s to a brighter, more organized, and purposeful 2025—may it be your most productive year yet!
