Digital Decluttering Episode 1: Your Digital devices and data

We all have them,

Photo credit: @viniciusamano

•  Those old phones in a box somewhere that we were keeping for a rainy day in case we drop our phone down the toilet;

•  That old i-pod that we have up-graded from many years before - yes I still have one for the sake of the memories

•  Those bags full of USB drives and memory cards that we can’t remember what is on them but are sure it is all really useful

•  That old laptop that the battery is totally knackered on but still has all those treasured photos on

•  The multiple folders and devices that have the photos and videos tucked away on them that are impossible to find

Our digital data and tech are tucked away in many corners of our house’s and it creeps in as easily as that stack of paper on the desk. As much as we need to sort out the stack of paper, we also need to sort our digital bubble. And yes it is a daunting a task as the desk full of paper but as it is tucked away out of sight we don’t see it as obviously, but there are some easy steps you can take to help:  

• Find it all  
  Yes, it is that simple, go through all the draws, cupboards and boxes under the bed that you have and find them. You will be surprised by what you find and the sheer amount you have tucked away. The simple task of knowing how much you have will help you address what needs to be done

• Declutter
  Like any declutter this is the lengthy part, you need time, patience and honesty of exactly what you need to keep and what you don't. There are some basic rules for digital paperwork, which would be the same as normal paperwork, keep it for 7 years. But with photos and files, it can be more emotional, give yourself time and space to decide what you keep. Be just as honest with your tech as with your data, how many devices can you really need?

• Consolidate 
  Look at all the devices and data you have, how can you consolidate it? Do you really need the i-pad and the kindle? Do you need 3 spare phones, just in case? There are great options to donate, sell or gift your unwanted items so they can be more useful than stuck in a box under the bed

• Routine 
  Set up regular reviews of your tech and data to stop it from creeping back in. Use the train journey once a month to review your photos on your phone; delete an old bank statement when a new bank statement comes in; when you start a new folder in your inbox archive a folder that is no longer needed. Just use small steps to keep on top of it

 With more awareness of your digital tech and data, you can name make good choices for what you create in the future

 Next week I will focus on your online digital bubble and some key questions to ask yourself....