🧹✨ Digital Declutter Day: Clean Up Your Tech in Just 30 Minutes

Today’s post is all about something we can all use at the end of the year: a fast, focused Digital Declutter Day. This is the blog companion to the podcast episode where I walk you through a simple, practical way to clear out the digital junk that slows you down — all in about 30 minutes.

If your phone keeps warning you about storage, your laptop sounds like it’s preparing for takeoff, or things just feel digitally messy, this episode is your reset button. Let’s break it down.

Episode Summary

In the episode, I guide you through a four-part, time-boxed cleanup: Files & Storage (8 minutes), Photos & Media (8 minutes), Apps & Notifications (5 minutes), and Email (9 minutes). Each step is designed to make a noticeable difference without requiring a full afternoon of organizing.

You’ll clear out old downloads, simplify your desktop, remove duplicate photos, delete unused apps, silence unnecessary notifications, and get your inbox back under control using the “sort by sender” technique. And because I can’t help myself, I finish with a quick two-minute backup check — just enough to make sure your devices are protected.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress — enough to start the new year feeling lighter, faster, and more in control of your digital life.

Key Takeaways

• 🗂️ Clean your Downloads & Desktop first — they offer the fastest wins and reduce visual clutter immediately.
• 📸 Delete screenshots and merge duplicates to instantly shrink your photo library without deep organization.
• 📱 Remove unused apps and silence noisy notifications so your phone feels calmer and more streamlined.
• 📧 Sort email by sender to bulk-archive newsletters, promos, and clutter, and try the “Clean Slate” folder for a fresh start.
• 💾 Do the two-minute backup check — confirm your phone and computer have recent, successful backups.

Links & Resources

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
https://yourtechmakeover.com

Referenced tools and topics:

• iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive (sync & storage checks)
• Apple Photos “Screenshots,” “Duplicates,” and Video sorting
• Your Tech Makeover episode: How I Keep My Email Inbox Empty — Really
• Your Tech Makeover episode: Troubleshooting 101

If this helped you take control of your digital clutter, make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform so you don’t miss upcoming episodes — including an entire episode dedicated to phone backups.

I’d love to hear what you decluttered first. Have feedback or topic ideas? Email me anytime at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.

And if you’d like to support the show, listeners who contribute $25 or more receive $25 off a one-on-one tech consultation. Learn more at YourTechMakeover.com/support.