[Organise It] 4 ways to banish e-clutter for good

4 ways to banish e-clutter for good
By Marcia Francois

You know how when the seasons change, the shops start stocking gorgeous, new clothes?


I get very excited; don't you?


Dion and I have a house rule - we have to get rid of some things BEFORE we bring new stuff into the house. Or if we really couldn't resist, then as we pack the new clothes away, we have to
unpack some other items to give away.


That is my number ONE decluttering tip - one in, one out.

Because of the August Decluttering Challenge on my Organising Queen blog, I've decluttered things every single day of the month. I do the happy dance when I can give things away - seriously!


The thing is, I use the exact same principles to keep my inbox, digital photos, PDF and other
documents under control.

Here are some other tips to eliminate electronic clutter:

1. Make time daily to delete emails. I've told you before that my goal is to delete 100 emails daily
so I go through my inbox, sent items, folders, etc. every couple of days.

2. When you download photos from your digital camera, choose the best ones there and then and delete the rest. I don't know about you but I usually take about 3 or 4 pictures if I can (if the subject is not moving) so that I can choose the absolute best pictures.


**Bloggers, once you've published your post, delete the photos from your hard drive.

3. If you download checklists, forms, recipes and e-books regularly (like from my site), set aside
some time to regularly go through your folders (!) to delete the ones you no longer find useful.


When I read e-books, I make a note of the ideas to implement and then delete the PDF file unless it's really something WOW or I've paid for it :)


This tip applies to PDF files, Word and Excel documents. The only things I don't delete with such ruthless abandon are the tools, checklists and e-books that I've created ;)

4.Make a date with yourself for 15 minutes every week (starting this week) to eliminate your
electronic clutter.

Your challenge this week is to spend at least 30 minutes decluttering electronically.

Are you up for it?

Want to use this article in your ezine or on your blog? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb.

Marcia Francois Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You'll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.