Clearing the Clutter: A Digital Reset for the New Year

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm about to wrap up my three-day digital cleanse. As I reflect on this year and look ahead to the year to come, I decided it was time to do a deep clean on my phone and my computers.

We often hoard digital files and data the same way someone might hoard physical items in their home. But there comes a time when we need to purge and let it all go. Whether these files no longer serve us or we need to clear up space, the act of releasing them can create room for the right things to enter our lives.

During my cleanse, I focused on my three primary devices:

• Laptop
• Desktop
• Cell phone

When cleansing my computers, I focused on organizing and decluttering existing files, deleted unwanted downloads, and, most importantly, tackled my primary email inbox. I unsubscribed from unread newsletters, created labels to organize important emails and deleted months' worth of junk mail.

Regarding my cell phone, I took an even more intensive approach:

• I deleted unwanted contacts from my phonebook.
• I removed apps I no longer use, especially those that temporarily uninstall themselves after prolonged inactivity.
• I started the process (still ongoing) of cleaning out my photo gallery and deleting unnecessary or duplicate images.
• I unsaved social media posts that no longer hold value or meaning.
• I unfollowed accounts that no longer interest or serve me.

One particularly freeing activity was closing accounts and emails I no longer use. I did a deep dive, combing through every possible account I own, including some I had completely forgotten about. To stay organized, I created a spreadsheet listing each platform, its associated username/email, password, and a dropdown tab to indicate whether the account is active, closed, or inactive. This visual tool was incredibly helpful, providing clarity and control over my digital presence. Each time I closed an old account or email address, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

As I wrap up this digital cleanse, I can't help but think about how symbolic it is to start the New Year with a clean slate. Just as I've cleared my devices of clutter, I'm also making space in my life for new opportunities, meaningful connections, and experiences that align with who I am becoming. This process reminded me that letting go is not about loss but creating room for growth and possibility.

So here's to the year ahead: a year of intention, clarity, and a commitment to holding onto only what truly serves us. Let's embrace this fresh start with open hearts and open minds. The best is yet to come.