Spring is a good time to reset—not just in your home, but on your devices. While physical clutter is easy to see, digital clutter builds quietly and can cause just as much stress. Phones full of unused apps, inboxes with thousands of unread emails, and constant notifications make it harder to focus and stay organized.
Digital decluttering helps reduce that noise. It’s not about deleting everything or starting from scratch. It’s about taking small steps to clean up your digital spaces so your phone and computer work for you—not against you.
What Is Digital Decluttering?
Digital decluttering is the process of reviewing your devices and removing or organizing what’s no longer helpful. This can include clearing out your inbox, deleting old photos, managing app notifications, or reorganizing files and folders. The goal is to create a cleaner, more focused experience when you use your technology.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with one area and take it step by step.
Start with Your Inbox
Your inbox is a good place to begin. Emails pile up fast, and most people have hundreds—sometimes thousands—of unread or unnecessary messages.
Start by unsubscribing from newsletters and promotions you no longer read. Most email platforms offer quick unsubscribe tools to help with this. Next, search for old promotions or updates from companies you don’t engage with anymore and delete them in batches. For emails you need to keep, create folders to organize them by topic. Labels like “Receipts,” “Projects,” or “To Review” can help you find what you need faster and keep your inbox manageable moving forward.
Review the Apps on Your Phone
Over time, phones get crowded with apps we rarely open. Take a few minutes to scroll through your device and remove anything you haven’t used in the past month. After that, group your remaining apps into folders based on function—like health, work, or entertainment. Keep only your most-used apps on your home screen and move the rest to another page or folder. This helps limit distractions and makes your device easier to navigate.
Set Boundaries with Social Media
Social media can be useful, but too much of it—especially when unfiltered—can lead to information overload. Take time to unfollow accounts that no longer feel relevant or helpful. You can also review your own profile and remove outdated posts or photos. If you find yourself scrolling more than you’d like, consider setting time limits using built-in tools like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android). These simple steps can make your experience more intentional.
Organize Your Notes and Bookmarks
Digital notes and browser bookmarks can become disorganized quickly. Open your notes app and delete anything you no longer need. Combine notes that belong together and update titles so they’re easy to search later. In your browser, sort bookmarks into folders like “Reading,” “Work,” or “Recipes” and remove anything you haven’t clicked in months.
Clean Up Notifications and Subscriptions
Constant pings and pop-ups can make it hard to stay focused. Open your settings and turn off notifications from apps you don’t need to hear from daily. This one step can have an immediate effect on your attention and stress levels.
It’s also a good time to review subscriptions. Look at what you’re paying for—apps, streaming services, or online tools—and cancel anything you’re not using regularly.
Don’t Forget Photos
Photos take up space and are often overlooked. Go through your camera roll and delete duplicates or blurry shots. Back up what you want to keep to a cloud service, and then remove them from your phone to free up space. You’ll keep your memories safe while making your device easier to use.
One Step at a Time
Digital decluttering doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with one small change and build from there. Whether it’s clearing out your inbox or deleting unused apps, each step brings more clarity and less distraction.
For more support, ALLtech members have access to tools and resources through SupportLinc, including counseling, digital wellness coaching, and strategies for managing screen time. It’s an easy way to stay grounded while navigating your digital world.