When was the last time you changed your passwords? When did you last see inbox zero? Have you ever?

Home decluttering is nice and all, but what about digital spring cleaning?

It’s spring. Let’s get some tips!

Learn from the GOAT

You’ve undoubtedly heard about Marie Kondo. She has become a household name in the world of home organization. Her philosophy of keeping only items that spark joy has resonated with millions of people worldwide.

However, this concept can be applied beyond physical possessions, and into the digital realm. With the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time for a digital spring cleaning.

Here are some clues from Marie Kondo to help you get started.

The basics

1. Tidy up your digital devices: Start by going through your digital devices, such as your computer, phone, and tablet. Delete unused apps, files, or programs that no longer spark joy. This will free up space on your devices and make them run more smoothly.
2. Organize your digital files: Take some time to organize your digital files. Create folders for different types of files and move them to the appropriate folders. Use clear and concise names for your files and folders to make it easier to find them later.
3. Unsubscribe from email lists: If your inbox is overflowing with emails you no longer read or need, it’s time to unsubscribe from them. Use an email management tool to easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails.
4. Clean up your social media: Go through your social media accounts and unfollow any accounts that no longer spark joy. Remove any outdated posts, and update your profile picture and bio if necessary.
5. Back up your data: Make sure to back up your essential data, such as documents, photos, and videos. This will ensure that you don’t lose any critical files.

By following these tips, you can create a digital space that is organized, streamlined, and brings you joy. Digital spring cleaning can help you feel more productive, focused, and in control of your digital life.

Rethink your passwords

Another important aspect of digital spring cleaning is updating your passwords. With the increasing number of data breaches, it’s more crucial than ever to protect your online accounts with strong passwords. Here are some tips to help you update your passwords:

1. Change regularly: Make it a habit to change your passwords regularly, especially for accounts that contain sensitive information. A good rule of thumb is to change your passwords every three to six months.
2. Use strong and unique passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for each account. Avoid using common words or phrases, and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. Password managers like LastPass or 1Password can help you create and manage your passwords in one secure place.
4. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your information.
5. Check for compromised passwords: Use a service like Have I Been Pwned to check if any of your passwords have been compromised in a data breach. If so, change them immediately.

By updating your passwords regularly and following these tips, you can protect your online accounts from hackers and cybercriminals. So, add changing passwords to your digital spring cleaning checklist and take the necessary steps to secure your online presence.

Inbox zero

One additional tip to consider for your digital spring cleaning is achieving inbox zero. Inbox zero is a term coined by productivity expert Merlin Mann, which refers to the practice of maintaining an empty inbox by processing and organizing all incoming emails.

To achieve inbox zero, start by going through your inbox and rethink your way of categorization and organization. Do you need one at all? My system is a simple three-step process. You can read more about it here.

Once you’ve organized your inbox, make a habit of checking it regularly and processing emails as soon as possible. Respond to emails that require a reply, file away emails that don’t require immediate action, and delete irrelevant or unnecessary emails.

By maintaining an empty inbox, you’ll feel more in control of your email and reduce the risk of missing critical messages. Plus, it can help reduce email-induced stress and improve your overall productivity.

In conclusion, achieving inbox zero is a great goal to add to your digital spring-cleaning checklist. By following these tips and making a habit of regularly organizing your inbox, you can enjoy a clutter-free digital space and feel more productive and in control of your email communication.

The bottom line

We explored how to apply Marie Kondo’s principles of tidying up to your digital life. We discussed how to tidy up your digital devices by deleting unused apps, files, and programs, organizing your files, backing up important data, and updating your software. We also emphasized the importance of changing passwords regularly, using strong and unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication to protect your online accounts. And we went over the inbox zero methodology.

Now, take some inspiration from Marie Kondo and start your digital spring cleaning today!