Our devices store our lives, from passwords to recipes to music albums and plenty of photos. The efficiency of our devices sometimes depends on the amount of storage. It can be overwhelming to have hundreds of messages in your email, tons of unused contacts, apps and duplicate pictures in your photo albums. To maintain efficiency, spring cleaning is recommended to make the most of your Internet with Great Plains Communications by decluttering your digital devices.
Before you begin the process of cleaning up your devices, make sure you have backed up any important files or material you want to keep in the Cloud. Redundancy is always essential because it stores duplicate copies of your information for recovery in case of malfunction or damage to a device.
Use this checklist to help you declutter your devices for peace of mind and organization on your devices.
- Delete all unused apps.
- Upload photos to Cloud storage. Delete duplicate photos.
- Organize your folders.
- Archive your email inbox and delete spam emails.
- Update and store your passwords.
- Empty your digital trash can.
- Clear your cache.
- Update to the latest version of your device’s software.
Start by deleting unimportant apps, photos, emails, and messages. Remember the apps you haven’t opened recently and those that spark joy.
Some of the apps on our devices may be pre-installed, but you do not have to keep them if you don’t use them. Continue this process for contacts, files, photos and emails.
Separate your apps and folders by theme to organize your devices for more straightforward navigation.
And when was the last time you changed your passwords? If you have used the same password for years for everything, it’s time for an update. Consider using Bitwarden, 1Password or any other password manager application to store your sensitive information.
Don’t forget to go to your browsers to clear your cache and empty your digital trash can. Clearing the cache and digital trash can optimize browser loading and freshen up your device. Finally, update any device software to the latest version. This will help repair security gaps, fix or remove bugs and add new features. Keep your software current and turn on automatic updates if you can.
A little digital spring cleaning goes a long way, resulting in fewer glitches, smoother connections and better performance. With everything cleaned up and optimized, don’t forget to make the most of your Great Plains Communications internet and find what speeds would work best for you and your family at https://gpcom.com/residential/internet/
FAQ:
Q: How do I know which apps to delete?
A: Start with these questions:
- Have I used this app in the last 3 months?
- Does this app still serve a unique function I need?
- Is it taking up a lot of space without much value?
Q: How do I organize the apps I’m keeping?
A:
- Use folders to group by function (Work, Social, Health, etc.)
- Move your most-used apps to your home screen
Q: Do app permissions matter?
A: Yes. Apps can overreach with permissions (e.g., accessing your location, camera, or contacts). Review and revoke permissions for apps you don’t trust or rarely use.
Q: Is there an easy way to clean up storage across apps?
A: Many devices offer a “Storage” or “Device care” section in Settings where you can delete large or duplicate files, unused apps and cached data.
Q: What’s something most people forget during digital spring cleaning?
A: Notifications can build up and become a distraction. Take a few minutes to disable push notifications you don’t need. It’s a subtle way to declutter your mental space, too.