It seems simpler to accumulate digital stuff because it doesn’t take up a lot of physical space, right? But do you feel distracted by it like I do? It makes it more challenging to find what you do need and use. And, while it may not take up any physical space, I feel like it weighs me down.
In this post, I’m sharing a strategy that will help you declutter your digital devices. It works on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. It even works on physical stuff as I wrote about here.
Select a date in the future to clear unused apps.- Create a new folder on your device and label it “Delete on (MonthDay)”. I recommend choosing a time range of 1, 3 or 6 months.
- Add a reminder to your phone on that date to delete unused apps.
- Move all of your apps into this folder. You can get away with not moving apps you KNOW you use daily or weekly.
- As you access an app over the next 1, 3 or 6 months (according to what you determined in Step 1), move it out of your “Delete” folder.
- When your due date arrives, delete any apps still left in your “Delete” folder.
You can always reinstall an app later if you NEED it. But this system highlights what you actually use and what you “might use someday”.
It is a little tedious. As far as I can tell, you can’t move a folder to another folder within iOS. You’ll need to move all apps out of the folder they are in to move them to the “Delete” folder. However, this whole process can be completed in 15-20 minutes max.
Plus, it’s also helpful in determining which apps you use on which devices. I have both an iPhone and an iPad. Many times I know I use an app but may not ever access it on a particular device. The great thing about this strategy is that it is completely customized to your app usage habits.
For example, I have the Waze app on my iPhone but would never use it on my iPad. The same goes for many coupon or shopping apps. On the flip side, I would only use my iPad to access a movie from my Amazon Prime account.
I’ve moved all of my apps except a select few into my “delete” folder and I’m giving myself a deadline of November 30th. Are you going to join me in this challenge? If so, comment with “I’m in!” and let me know your deadline. I’d also love to hear from you when you’ve completed the challenge!
this is a great idea. I don’t have many apps on my iPad, and I’m really strict about keeping my devices “clean” and organised. It’s a pity that most of my unused apps are ones that Apple won’t let you delete! My solution to this is to have an Unused folder and all of those irritating, undeletable apps go in there
That is a great idea for managing unwanted apps that can’t be deleted! Thanks for sharing it Julia!
Agreed, Julia, sooo frustrating! I do the same with mine. And, now with the iOS 8 update I have two more to move 😀
Great idea! I’ve just done it a little different! I recently purchased a new iPhone and instead of putting all my apps back on the new phone, I have been only uploading apps as I need them. A month in and I’ve only added a handful of apps I use daily.
Another great idea. Thanks Kristin!
I’m in! I have already deleted many just because I KNOW I’m not using them, but there are more that I could use this method with. Also, the email clutter is another area where I struggle. I simply cannot keep them under control! (3 email accounts). Any tips on that, perhaps?