December is the perfect time to tackle the mess we’ve accumulated over the year, including your devices. If you want to start 2026 with a clear mind and a clean home screen, follow these essential steps to declutter.
Know your digital space
Start by writing down every device and account you own, and note all the apps and files associated with each. It might sound overwhelming, but once you see the full picture, you’ll know exactly where to begin.
Don’t be afraid to get rid of things
Delete those 5 identical photos of your cat. Toss those old university files you know you’ll never open again. We tend to keep things ‘just in case,’ but be honest – will that ‘case’ ever actually come? Usually, no.
More Christmas tips:
Clean up emails and social media
Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read. Unfollow social media accounts you don’t like or don’t need. There’s no point in wasting mental capacity on information that brings no value.
Clean up notifications
Notifications deserve their own category, as we are now bombarded with them. Enable alerts only for your most important apps, such as work tools, family chats, and essential financial or travel alerts (like those from a remittance service like Profee). Everything else can wait.
Create a structure
Make sure your files and folders follow one simple logic. Use clear names and organised subfolders. The better your structure, the easier it is to find what you need, and the neater your digital life will feel.
Review your screen time
Don’t be shocked, but you might be wasting more time on apps than you think. Check your screen time and set limits if you spend 3+ hours a day on apps like TikTok. Scrolling isn’t quality time. That time could be spent cleaning, reading, learning… you name it.
Create healthy digital habits
- Try a digital-detox day at least once a month.
- Start your morning without touching a device. The first hour of your day matters.
- Choose a few tech-free zones in your home.
- Mute all notifications when you need focus or rest.
- Schedule social media time and don’t let your finger automatically tap on that Instagram icon when you don’t even intend to open it.
- Know the difference between “active” digital habits (creating, learning) and “passive” ones (mindless scrolling). Then, ditch as many passive ones as you can.
Focus on one task
The problem with digital spaces is that they are easily accessible. You surely have found yourself switching between tabs during work because you were bored. Stop it and focus. It’ll actually help to get the task done faster and free up precious time.
Decluttering your digital life isn’t just about emails and social media – it’s about securing peace of mind and reducing stress in your everyday life. Let’s bring this energy to 2026 and have the healthiest and focused year ever.
