Author: admin

 

So much of our lives depend on technology today that we are often glued to our phones and devices. Out of necessity, habit and boredom, we check the constantly updating information available to us.  Since you’re already there scrolling, follow one or more of these tips and take a few minutes to enjoy the satisfaction of making room in your device storage, and enjoy the social aspect of our media more fully.

---

1. Remove any apps or games that you either don’t use frequently or that take up too much time

This one is easiest.  That addicting game or “helpful” app someone told you about (or the ones your kids or family members downloaded for you) is not just taking up storage on your device, it can probably takes up valuable time.  If you choose not to part with these, at least organize apps as they appear on your device i.e. apps by user, category, or frequency of use.

 

2. Delete unwanted texts

Scroll through your text thread and delete the obvious (unknown numbers, and saved contacts you don’t text often or don’t foresee needing to text again right away.)  Then delete group conversations that have ended, and overlapping group conversations.  Boom.

 

3. Delete superfluous emails

We all do it.  We frequently check our emails and watch the message count climb without taking any action.  So take the opportunity to clear up some memory, save loading time for important messages, and to make the task more efficient each time email is checked.

 

It is up to you to decide what is “unnecessary”.  And depending on how much email you receive, you don’t have to do this all at once.  Easy places to start are emails that are already in the trash but haven’t actually been deleted from you device.  Emails filed as junk also make good candidates for deletion.  The “bulk action” of deleting many of them at a time will give you the momentum to look into the current situation of your inbox.

 

If your rewards and retail memberships or newsletters aren’t already shuttled elsewhere, older messages and updates can be deleted if they are (or were) time-sensitive whether they have been opened or not.  Any expired coupons, promotions, offers or reminders can go.

 

Or better:

 

4. Unsubscribe from any newsletters you don’t read or benefit from

Perhaps we’ve signed up to receive emails or deal notifications (either on purpose or on accident) and don’t foresee spending money with the sender soon.  In this case, consider parting with the constant (well-worded and beautifully designed) suggestions on how to spend our funds and time.  Usually your rewards/memberships are not cancelled when you opt out of receiving these – just your subscription to the emails.  Don’t worry.  If you decide you want to receive those emails again, you can resubscribe.

 

Many of these newsletters are useful and offer great deals.  In this case, keep the subscription, but delete any promos or offers you know you won’t use, or might be tempted to use (for example, the sale on that thing you like but might already have that ends at midnight).  This is helpful in the effort to resist the temptation to splurge on certain things.

 

5. After reading an email, do something with it

Professional organizers often employ the method of taking action with an object once it has been picked up so as to avoid moving and putting away the same item over and over again.  Implement that technique here with your email.  Once you’ve read it, take action: move to trash (chuck it), save (keep it), or keep as new (think about it).  It’s like cleaning the closet or the attic.  Nobody really knows you did it.  But it’s so satisfying.

6. Delete any notes, memos or lists that are done with

Lists, documents, alarms and other time-sensitive files can be deleted once they’re expired.  Once those items are bought or done, that list can go.  You’ve attended that meeting or event, used those notes, snoozed that alarm or heeded it – and moved on.  Don’t look at the same to-dos over and over again.  Even better than being able to cross an item of a list is being able to remove the list altogether.

 

Another great thing about this is that these reminders are often synced across devices via email.  So deleting it in one place frees space in many places.

 

7. Unfollow some people on social media

 

This may be tricky.  Maybe it isn’t.  We don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or create awkward social situations.  But really, the whole purpose of these networks is to enjoy meaningful association. (Although it is also good for many other things. Petty interactions, awkward lurking, and simultaneous sensory overload and vegetation.)

 

Ghost followers are easy to delete (are they even always real people?), but others might be trickier.  You don’t have to delete impulsively.  Gradually pare down by being a good follower and friend.  Do that first and it will be easier to discern who you share positive and productive interactions with, and those who you really want to follow because you enjoy their media.

 

If you manage social networks for business or as a means to promote an organization, a large network can have its advantages.  Still.  Consider those companies and individuals you with whom you have real and continuous exchange.  You can spend more time building those relationships if you let a “courtesy” follow go.

 

 

These are only 7 ways decluttering your device helps to make life simpler.  Would you say the list items get progressively harder?  Let Pinch and Cinch know if you’ve found these suggestions helpful.  How do you “clean” your device?  Let us know in the comments below.