Spring isn’t just for purging closets and scrubbing baseboards—it’s time to tackle your digital cleaning, too. If your inbox is overflowing, your phone is gasping for storage space, and you have passwords from 2012 still in rotation, it’s time for a digital spring cleaning.
Look, I know—there’s nothing particularly fun about organizing your files or updating your passwords. But let’s be honest: scrolling past 3,000 unread emails every day isn’t exactly a stress-free existence. And the one time you need to find an important document? Suddenly, your desktop looks like that kitchen junk drawer—overflowing with things you swear you’ll deal with later but never do.
So, if you’ve ever had to delete an app just to take a photo, or you’re still using the same password for your bank account and your Netflix login (not great, Linda), let’s talk about small but mighty ways to refresh your digital world.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Review and Secure Your Online Accounts
Raise your hand if you have accounts you don’t even remember signing up for. (Me too, friend. Me too.)
- Close unused accounts – If you haven’t logged in since the Obama administration, it’s probably safe to say goodbye.
- Update passwords – If you’re still using your childhood pet’s name, it’s time for an upgrade. A password manager like 1Password or LastPass can help.
- Enable two-factor authentication (MFA) – Yes, it’s annoying. But so is identity theft.
- Review privacy settings – Make sure your personal info isn’t floating around for the internet to enjoy.
Step 2: Clean Up Your Inbox (Even If You’re Still Using an AOL Account)
Look, I get it. My inbox is a disaster too. In fact, I still have my AOL email account. Do I take my own advice here? Absolutely not. But I do know what the experts say:
- Unsubscribe (selectively) – If your inbox is 90% promo emails, start hitting “unsubscribe” (except from mine, obviously).
- Use filters and labels – Auto-sort messages so your important emails don’t drown in a sea of spam.
- Archive or delete old messages – If that promotional email from 2015 hasn’t been opened yet, you don’t need it.
Step 3: Organize Your Digital Files (Because Finding Stuff Shouldn’t Be a Scavenger Hunt)
If your desktop looks like a black hole where files go to be forgotten, let’s fix that.
- Sort documents into folders – Make it make sense. Create a system that actually works for you.
- Purge old files – If you haven’t opened it in years, it might be time to let it go.
- Back up important data – Whether it’s cloud storage or an external hard drive, don’t risk losing what matters.
Step 4: Refresh Your Social Media (Yes, That Includes Unfriending)
Your social media should be a joy, not a stress-inducing mess.
- Unfollow accounts that don’t spark joy – Marie Kondo your feed.
- Review privacy settings – Who can see your stuff? Tighten things up.
- Clean up old posts – If it doesn’t represent who you are today, it might be time to archive it.
Step 5: Free Up Space on Your Devices (So They Stop Judging You)
You know that moment when your phone tells you “Storage Almost Full” like it’s personally offended by your choices? Let’s do something about that.
- Delete unused apps – If you haven’t opened it in six months, you don’t need it.
- Clear your cache – A little digital refresh speeds things up.
- Organize your photos – Delete duplicates, create albums, and back up what matters.
Your Digital Cleaning Checklist
? Review and close unused online accounts.
? Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
? Install software updates on your devices.
? Remove unused apps and review permissions.
? Clear out old browser data and extensions.
? Organize and declutter files.
? Back up important data.
? Clean up your inbox and set up filters.
? Review and update privacy settings.
? Refresh social media profiles and remove old posts.
? Free up device storage and organize photos.
A digital detox doesn’t mean disappearing from the internet—it’s about making your online life work for you, not against you. So, pick one (or two, or five) things from this list, give it a go, and enjoy the sweet relief of a little less digital clutter.
And if decluttering all of this feels overwhelming, start small. Simplicity is the goal here, not perfection. If you want to go deeper into clearing out the things that no longer serve you—not just digitally, but in life—check out my Simplicity Me Course. It’s all about making space for what actually matters (and yes, that includes a cleaner inbox).
