I’m so excited about today’s digital reset because it ties directly into my goal of using my phone less. Think of this as a quick, practical guide — 10 minutes at a time — to clean up the digital clutter that drains your focus.
I feel like so much of our world is digital now, and it’s easy to let things pile up because it’s not physical clutter. Who cares if your camera roll has 14,000 photos or your inbox 10,000 emails? You can ignore it—until you realize it’s quietly taking up mental bandwidth.
📲 Step 1: Simplify Your Phone
Do you really need all those apps? Probably not. I deleted almost everything and kept only the essentials: podcasts, music, maps, reminders, texts, and calls.
A few tips:
- Hide apps you don’t want to delete (like the Hatch sound machine) — they’ll stay in your app library but won’t tempt you from your homepage.
- Turn off notifications — even calls and texts. I check messages during designated times, and it’s been a game-changer.
- Add friction for “time-suck” apps (Amazon, games, social media). Delete the app and force yourself to log in on Safari — the hassle makes you pause and ask, do I really need this?
A clean home screen feels as good as a freshly organized closet.
💻 Step 2: Tidy Up Your Computer
Go for low-hanging fruit:
- Clear your desktop clutter.
- Empty your downloads folder.
- Take out the trash bin.
Set a 5–10 minute timer and give yourself a fresh start. Bonus: change your wallpaper when you’re done — it feels like putting fresh sheets on the bed.
📧 Step 3: Take Control of Email
Email doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few strategies:
- Designate an email just for school/activities. All my kids’ stuff now funnels into one account I check at lunchtime.
- Unsubscribe from retail and junk — you’ll go to the site if you want to shop.
- Mass delete old stuff. If it’s over 24 months old, you probably don’t need it.
I also keep a separate shopping email, so order confirmations and promo spam don’t touch my personal inbox.
📸 Step 4: Manage Your Photos
Photos pile up fast. My best tips:
- Use a timer. Just 10 minutes of sorting makes it manageable.
- Start with older photos. They’re easier to delete without guilt.
- Be ruthless. Your kids don’t need 500 photos from June 2023. A handful of meaningful ones is enough.
For deeper help, check out Episode 156 (organizing family photos) and Episode 49 (creating an annual photo yearbook).
📆 Step 5: Streamline Your Calendar
My family calendar is my “one source of truth.” I use Apple Calendar, plus a dry erase board on the fridge.
Tips that help me:
- Color-code everything — kids, husband, house, family events.
- Big kids vs. little kids colors = clarity when schedules overlap.
- Write it down three ways (phone, computer, fridge) — it sounds like a lot, but it keeps everyone sane.
Whether you’re all-digital or all-paper, the point is: don’t let your brain hold it all.
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t have to do everything at once. Think of this as a September reset — just pick one area at a time. Ten minutes here, ten minutes there, and you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more in control.
I’d love to hear how you are handling phone use and digital clutter — let me know what works for you!
*This post is dedicated to Charlie Kirk, thank you for being a shining light of hope and truth for us all*