10 ways for communicators to purge clutter and spark a digital detox

Are you a digital hoarder?

Massive amounts of files, tabs, docs and data can make you anxious and feel overwhelmed. It’s also distracting and can lead to information overload. Storing massive amounts of files and data can also present an increased risk of a cyberattack.

It’s like having a sink full of dirty dishes or a desk with a mountain of papers. It’s difficult to focus on anything else when you’re surrounded by clutter.

Try these 10 tips lighten your load, sharpen your focus and get that digital clutter under control:

1. Get your inbox in check.

Are you one of those people who constantly has 759 unread messages? Even if you’ve grown to ignore it, it’s always there, like a “check engine” light.

Right now, go through and clean out your inbox. You’ll feel better when it’s done.

Afterward, take these steps to keep your email under control:

2. Keep your desktop clean.

Are you old enough to remember Windows 95? Remember how littered it was with icons — many of which were free trials or programs you’d never use?