How to Declutter Your Smartphone
for a focused life
The landscape of the internet has changed drastically in the last ten years. The internet that once just existed on a home computer is now carried around in our pockets everywhere we go. With the growing pressure everyday to be constantly connected it can be hard to know what to eliminate from the noise.
The first step could be a detox from technology or even a declutter. Just like your closet, it’s good to clear the cobwebs of your smart phone every once in a while. Start with these tips for a declutter:
1. Delete, Delete, Delete.
Just like getting rid of a sweater that doesn’t fit anymore, we should delete unused apps. Due to the folders in our phones, we lose track of what apps are on our home screens and taking up data.
Apps can be fun, and they don’t cost anything! This combination makes us extremely prone to downloading tons of unused apps. Go through each of your them and determine if they’re still useful. The same goes for unused subscriptions or accounts. It can feel great to deactivate.
Also don’t be afraid to delete apps you don’t want to use as much. Maybe you have accounts that you only want to check a couple times a day. Deleting them from your phone so you only have access on a desktop computer is an easy way to limit use. That way when your computer shuts the temptation doesn’t follow you around in your pocket.
2. Group Similar Apps
Now is the fun part for my organization lovers. It’s time to get organized!
Try grouping the remaining apps in similar categories. It can be anything from app genre to color coordination. Get creative!
Also don’t be afraid to hide lesser used apps in the back. That way they won’t be in your immediate eyeline but when you need them they will be downloaded and ready for use.
3. Keep the Home Bar Minimal
At some point a phone was truly just a phone. Keeping your home bar minimal can help you keep its basic functions accessible.
Removing social networking or games from the home bar will allow you to focus on your device’s primary functions. If you are looking to lead a more digitally minimal lifestyle this is a great tip to keeping on track.
4. Limit Your Notifications
This is a big one. Go to the settings on your phone and limit the number of apps that can send you notifications.
With less buzzing throughout your day, you can stay focused on a task. You can even set group chats to “do not disturb” and silence that notification for every email you receive in a day. It’s incredibly helpful to be a message away from friends and family but if it’s impeding your ability to focus its time to set a limit.
Staying on track in our daily lives has become more of a challenge with a constantly connected world. Just know that it’s okay to focus your attention. Decluttering your iPhone is a great first step to staying present.
