# Revamp Your Digital Life: Simple Strategies for Organization
Written on
Chapter 1: The Need for Digital Organization
Are you overwhelmed by digital clutter? Many find themselves struggling to keep their online presence organized. Just as physical spaces like kitchens and offices benefit from organization—popularized by trends like #RestockTok on TikTok—so too does our digital life. In today’s world of emerging social media platforms, side gigs, and a flood of emails, it can be challenging to maintain order.
As someone with ADHD who witnessed the rise of smartphones, I accumulated a significant amount of digital mess and often struggled to locate essential information. By 2020, the situation reached a tipping point. Juggling four jobs, freelancing, an online master’s program, and thesis research left me unable to find critical articles. My freelance projects were scattered across various Google Drives, and I could never remember my passwords. It was clear that a change was necessary, prompting me to streamline my digital footprint for better efficiency.
After two months of trial and error, I developed a system that worked for me. Below, I outline three straightforward steps anyone can adopt to declutter their digital space.
Section 1.1: Step 1 - Unsubscribe from Unwanted Emails
To reduce the volume of emails in your inbox, start by eliminating unnecessary newsletters and advertisements. Simply scroll to the bottom of these emails and click on the “unsubscribe” or “stop receiving emails like this” link. This process may require confirmation on a web page, but tackling this as emails arrive will help clear out spam over time.
Section 1.2: Step 2 - Establish a Folder System
One of my most significant challenges was locating documents among a disorganized Google Drive. The key takeaway? You absolutely need folders! While a complex naming system isn't essential, having organized folders is crucial. I created three main folders: personal, professional, and freelance, each with relevant subfolders.
- Personal Folder: Contains creative writing, important documents, and budgeting.
- Professional Folder: Houses my CV, writing samples, and accolades.
- Freelance Folder: Includes client work, Medium articles, and Etsy details.
For those interested in reorganizing their documents, I offer a blank folder template on my Etsy shop.
Subsection 1.2.1: Step 3 - Aim for “Inbox Zero”
Achieving "Inbox Zero"—having no unread emails—sounds ideal but can be challenging during busy periods. Here are a few strategies to help you work toward this goal:
- Dedicate 30 minutes in the morning and evening to email management.
- Archive emails older than a month.
- Unsubscribe from unwanted emails (a reminder to reiterate this point!).
- Report spam as it appears.
- Utilize a folder system to locate older emails efficiently.
Though this overview only scratches the surface of online organization, these three actionable tips serve as a practical starting point. If you're seeking more in-depth guides on managing digital clutter, stay tuned for my upcoming posts on this topic.
Chapter 2: Real-Life Strategies for Digital Decluttering
The first video titled "Getting My Life Together in 3 Days: Productive Digital Reset Routine" showcases effective methods to streamline your digital life in just three days, offering practical tips for a productive reset.
In the second video, "How to Reset Your Life in 2023: Reset with Me as a Business Owner, Mom, & Freelancer," viewers will discover approaches to revamping their lives amidst various commitments and responsibilities.
For more insights and tips, follow my journey on Medium as I continue sharing my experiences with digital organization!