This year we have spent more time on our personal computers than ever before, so things are probably starting to look a little messy over up in the personal digital headquarters.
Just as a cluttered mess can become overwhelming in the studio, so can an overflowing email inbox or a computer desktop littered with electronic files.
Follow this simple 5-step guide on how to de-clutter your digital workspace to be more organised which will help boost your productivity.
Anticipate that de-cluttering won’t be easy
- First thing to understand is that if you haven’t digitally decluttered in some time, be aware that the process can be overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start. Then start to get your desktop into order by deleting unneeded folders and files.
Don’t forget your download folder
2. It is easy to leave useless files in your downloads folder; but sorting through this folder will not only make it easier to find recently downloaded files, but it will also free up some more valuable storage space too.
Unsubscribe from those pesky e-newsletters that are clogging up your inbox
3. Do those newsletters spark joy anymore? If not, you know what to do… Simply search for the word ‘unsubscribe’ in your email platform to locate newsletters more easily to give the chop.
Next up – tackle the inbox
4. It’s the dreaded feeling of turning on your smartphone or logging in to your work computer, and seeing the inevitable: the full inbox. Getting your inbox in order is one of the best things you can do to boost your productivity, especially if you are working from home and using emails daily to communicate with your clients and colleagues. Delete emails you no longer need then implement a flexible filing system to keep your emails organised in the future. A great system to go by is the FAST system. Once you read it, decide whether to File it, Assign it to someone, Store (or Scan) for future reference, or Trash it.
Time to take out the trash
5. Remember to empty the trash and recycling bins on your desktop to free up some space. De-cluttering really is that easy, plus it will help to free up storage space, too.