You’ve probably heard about ‘digital detox,’ but you don’t have to go cold turkey to simplify your digital life. Streamlining the way you use technology can increase your productivity and turn your computer or smartphone back into a useful tool instead of a cluttered time-suck.

Here is how to take back control of your digital life by decluttering and organizing.

1. Manage your files
   Set up a meaningful system of organizing your computer files. Create theme or project-based folders and file all your documents. Don’t create a new file without saving it to a specific folder. When you set up your folder system, think of a document naming convention that makes sense to you and use it! Consider using a resource like Dropbox to store all or some of your files. Not only will you save space on your computer, but if your hard drive crashes, your files will all be safe in the Cloud.
2. Clean up your desktop
   It’s easy to let your desktop become a random collection of files and photos so that it becomes impossible to find what you want. Set aside half an hour and allocate every file on your desktop to a folder
3. Organize your photos
   Like your computer desktop, photos are another area that can quickly get out of control and take up a lot of space. Set up a photo filing system and label your photos. Delete the duds and duplicates. Store your photos in the Cloud or a separate external drive, so you never lose your memories.
4. Secure your passwords
   There are software programs that can help you store and manage your passwords safely and securely, all in one spot. Much safer than a notebook or a list on your phone, and you’ll always know right where they are when you need them.
5. Take control of your email
   You can use filters and tags to manage your inbox and prioritize important emails. Take a good, hard look at the daily flood of emails and which ones you’re deleting without reading. Unsubscribe from newsletters, blogs, and mailing lists and use an app or software like Pocket to manage your reading.
6. Manage your social media
   Social media can be relentless and overwhelming. Choose how much you want to participate by streamlining the number of sites or groups you belong to and give yourself at least one day off a week from all social media. Streamlining your social media will also help you make better use of your time.