As usual, at least for me, I’m looking for ways to reduce clutter in my life. I don’t know about you, but clutter isn’t just physical. It can be mental…or digital.

So here are my three quick and sure ways to start reducing clutter in your digital life. These are starting off points and would likely serve you well throughout the year.

1. Empty out your inbox.

Depending on how you file your email, consider creating a folder for last year’s mail and file anything from before January 1, 2012 in it. This way you automatically get rid of old email. If you haven’t gone back for an email in 6 months you likely don’t need it. Delete the folder. Or, if it’s important to you to keep records, keep it. But at least those messages aren’t cluttering your inbox. While you’re in there, check out the folders you have currently. Do you use them all? Do you need new ones? Take some time to think through your day to day needs. Do you need a folder for tax documents (Royalty statements, purchases, or expenses?) How about a folder to keep track of your online registrations?

2. Delete yahoogroups you no longer use.

If you own a yahoogroup that you no longer use, delete it. If you’re a member of a group that you’re no longer interested in (a good sign is if you delete every email from the group for more than a month) go ahead and unsubscribe. You could carry this over to Facebook groups and Goodreads groups for that matter. Remember, we’re getting rid of digital clutter. One way to reduce email clutter is to limit the sources of potential email – like groups!

3. Weed through your bookmarks.

Do you have bookmarks saved in your browser? Do you use a thirdparty service like Delicious or StumbleUpon? Scan your list and see if there are any links you can delete.

Remember, reduce digital clutter! This will leave only the most important emails, groups, and bookmarks on your computer which will save you time all year long.

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