The first four are very quick and simple, and the last six take a little longer but can still be done in less than an hour.
1. Dump your computer’s trash
How long has it been since you emptied the trash on your desktop? Get started with this super simple, two-click task and enjoy the motivation you feel to keep up with your cleaning list.
2. Close extra tabs and clear your browser history
Listen up, tab hoarders! Today is the day to free yourself from the hell out of your browser window. If you’re reluctant to give up all your open tabs, consider bookmarking them first. In Chrome, go to bookmark , bookmark all tabs And move on with your life. Also delete your browsing data on both desktop and mobile devices.
3. Use compressed air to clean your tools
Now it’s time to get all the dirt and grime off your keyboard. Take a can of compressed air and work its magic on your keyboard or laptop. When you are on your laptop, phone and tablet you can also clean all the ports on it.
4. Clear the desktop
When was the last time you saw your virtual desktop? Take all loose files and move them to one folder. If you’re not sure where to start, create a folder named “2025 and older” and put everything in there.
If you have a little more time, even just 10 minutes, sort your files in the way that works best for you. There is no right way to do it. This is the only way to help you find what you need.
5. Unsubscribe from unwanted emails
Pressing delete seems easier and faster than unsubscribing from unwanted emails. But then more emails keep coming. Make January 1st the day you invest an extra 15 seconds per message to completely remove yourself from certain email lists.
If you have a soft spot in your heart for deals and discount emails, consider setting up an alias address for them. This way, you can keep deal emails completely separate from personal messages, bank notices, updates from your children’s school, and other important information. I prefer using an email alias rather than using your real address and letting deal emails go to a dedicated folder or tab because of what happens when companies sell your information to a third party. If you get fraudulent messages that look like they’re coming from your bank, but they’re going to your email alias, you don’t have to fumble around to find out if they’re legitimate – they’re not.
6. Back up photos on your phone
Are there photos on your phone that are older than a year? Are they automatically backed up somewhere? If not, take care of it today itself.
How much time you need for this task depends on whether you already have a cloud storage service that you use for photos. Given that photos are one of people’s most favorite pieces of data, it is worth spending, for example, half an hour finding a service, signing up and setting up your photos to be automatically backed up there. Keep copies of your most favorite photos on your phone, but delete the rest to free up space.
7. Review your Google Drive files once again
If you have a Google account, chances are high that you have unexpected files in your Google Drive and Gmail. An example is if the provider hosted the file on Google Drive and you might have a large PDF of the menu from scanning the QR code at the restaurant when you viewed it. You may also have files emailed to you by other people hidden in Google Drive.
Delete this unnecessary content from Google Drive. I suggest starting by looking at the files shared with me In the left handrail of Google Drive.
8. Scan any loose but important papers
Scan any papers accumulated throughout the year and enter them digitally. Once you have a scanned copy, shred the paper responsibly and recycle or compost.
9. Run Privacy Checkup
One complaint I have about online services, including social media, is that they sometimes change your settings when they release updates, or they make you opt into features you don’t want. Run privacy checks on your online accounts, paying special attention to social media (don’t forget YouTube), as well as Google. See what type of data is being shared under your current settings and decide if you’re still comfortable with it.
10. Review and cancel subscription
Review and cancel any unwanted subscriptions, such as streaming services, newsletters, and subscriptions you no longer need. With many services, you can cancel at any time and continue using what you’ve paid for until the payment period ends. If you’re limiting your budget in 2026, consider canceling all streaming services and keeping to just one at a time. In some cases, you can cancel a prepaid subscription and get a refund for unused time, although this is rare.
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