3 Ways to Clean Up Your Digital Clutter

by Mandi on September 22, 2011

The following post is from Stephanie of BizzieMommy.com:

digital clutter

We spend so much of our lives on the computer downloading, uploading, saving and copying, causing things to get cluttered and over-stuffed real fast. If you computer is running slow, it might be time to for a digital clean up.

Here are a few ways you can declutter and organize this week:

Organize Your Passwords

We all know using the same password for every log in online isn’t safe, but who can remember so many different passwords?

Here are a few tools to help you keep track of your passwords more easily:

Last Pass

Using a tool like LastPass will help you manage all your passwords so you will only have to remember one master password for everything.

How does it work? All you have to do is download the application appropriate to your system and follow the prompts; LastPass will install plug-ins for the browsers you use, scan for insecure passwords and help you create a master login and password.

Once installed, there will be an icon at the top of your browser that you can use to access your LastPass vault. LastPass will prompt you to save the password whenever you log into a new site, so you will never have to enter or remember it again.

LastPass can also help you create encrypted passwords, and it can log you out of all secure sites with one click. You can retrieve your passwords from other computers by logging in to Lastpass.com.

SimplePass

Some computers now include a fingerprint scanner to help you manage passwords, such as HP’s SimplePass technology. SimplePass allows you to securely access your online accounts and passwords with the swipe of your finger. My HP dv7 was pre-configured with the finger scanner, or you can add your own for approximately $100.

Clean up Your Files and Folders

If your computer is lagging, it is probably a good idea to start scanning your computer for duplicate, corrupted and unnecessary files. Doing this on your own is a daunting task; luckily there is software that can help.

Belvedere for PC

Belvedere is an automated file manager for Window developed by Lifehacker editor Adam Pash. It allows you to create advanced rules to move, copy, delete, rename or open files based on their name, extension, size, creation date, and more. It’s a great tool to help manage your desktop and downloads folders clean.

Hazel for Mac

Hazel is a similar tool designed for the Mac. Hazel helps you manage folder and automatically organizes your files according to rules you create. It features a rule interface similar to that of Apple mail.

Organize Your Contacts

If you have an out of control address book and email addresses in several different clients then it’s time to get them organized and these tools will help.

Scrubly

Scubly allows you to quickly and safely cleanup and backup your contact lists for all of your contacts, Outlook, Mac, Gmail and more. It allows you to remove duplicate contacts and folders, merge and resolve conflicts and automatically back up your address books. There are three plans available; the free version is limited to 250 or fewer contacts.

ODIR

ODIR helps you clean up your Outlook folder in a snap. It will remove duplicates from contact, calendar, tasks, notes and email folders.

Google

LifeHacker has a guide on how to clean up and fix your Google contacts.

Digital clutter doesn’t take up as much space as physical clutter, but it affects your productivity and motivation just the same!

What other tools have you used to declutter your digital world?

Stephanie Elie balances 2 jobs, 2 kids, 2 blogs and a husband and loves every bit of it. Stephanie is the author of BizzieMommy.com, and you will never find this LA tech junkie without her iPhone, Canon DSLR and laptop, all dressed in her favorite color, Pink.

Tagged as: software


  • http://www.designdragongraphics.com Melissa Felton

    My major worry with product like LastPass is the security – I love the idea of such a tool, mind you, but with so much that’s sensitive attached to email and other accounts I’m apprehensive. Loud clapping approval at the post itself however and all other tools. :)

    (Sorry, dealt with minor gmail hack today.)

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Thanks for chiming in, Melissa! Have you seen actual security risks with LastPass? Everything I’ve read — from CNet to Lifehacker to PCWorld — lauds it as a safe and secure tool. Isn’t it a shame we even have to think about such things. It frustrates me to no end that hackers and spammers can’t put their energy to something productive and helpful rather than attacking other people!

  • http://cashwithatrueconscience.com/rbblog Ryan Biddulph

    Lisa, the feedback idea is spot on. I’ve received more spot on advice from my dad and other folks who have little knowledge of what we do, because we forget, these folks brings simplicity into the picture. Simplicity more experienced folks like ourselves often ignore.

    Thanks for sharing!

    RB

    • http://twitter.com/WorkingNaked Lisa Kanarek

      You’re right…simplicity is so important. We can get so closely tied to our business that we can’t see three feet ahead.

  • http://www.michelleshaeffer.com Michelle Shaeffer

    This is fantastic advice, Lisa.  I get so close to my business that often that outside point of view is just what I need to solve a problem or deal with a situation.  Kids can be brilliant in their suggestions.  I think I’ll use your pizza party suggestion next time I launch a product!

    • http://twitter.com/WorkingNaked Lisa Kanarek

      That’s great, Michelle. Your kids will love the pizza party. Even the smallest celebration can make a big difference.

  • http://Mazzastick.com Justin

    Hi Lisa,
    Learning to work from home was indeed a real challenge for me to say the least. I tried working early mornings and late at night when everyone was in bed but this made getting up rather difficult.

    I have been able to adjust to working from home without having to sacrifice family time. 

    • http://twitter.com/WorkingNaked Lisa Kanarek

      Your family no doubt appreciates your new schedule. You seem to have struck a good balance between family and work. That’s so important to everyone getting along and supporting your efforts. Thanks for your comment.

  • Barbara Winter

    I started my first business the day my daughter went off to kindergarten. She kind of eased into school as I eased into entrepreneurship. I, too, looked for ways to involve her in my business. 
    I saw constant parallels with her growth and mine. I believe she hit adolescence at the same time my business did. It was a handful dealing with all those mood swings on both fronts.
    However, we all grew up better for the experience. She now has her own business and her daughter, my 7-year-old granddaughter, is now my mailing assistant, a job pioneered by her mother.

    • http://twitter.com/WorkingNaked Lisa Kanarek

      I love your story! You were an excellent example to your daughter and now your granddaughter. I can relate to the teenage mood swings, BTW!

  • http://www.getoutofstuck.net Roberta Budvietas

    Many elements come into working from home and I agree preventing resentment is a biggie but I noticed that it was a danger even when I worked in corporate. I find that working from home, my greatest challenge is still me. 

    • http://twitter.com/WorkingNaked Lisa Kanarek

      That’s true for many of us. Staying focused and getting into a routine are so important for accomplishing anything while working from home.

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