The Second Monday in February is “Clean Off Your Computer Day”, designated by savvy IT people to clean old files off your computer – Embrace it!

If you’re thinking – “but Coll, I have unlimited storage capacity in the cloud, etc.” – I know.  And you’re right.  But unlimited capacity doesn’t mean you have to keep EVERYTHING,  and you should still organize what you have so you can find things again!

Here are my suggestions:

1. Grab a note book, or open a new document in Evernote or Google docs.  These types of projects generate a lot of To-Do items!
2. Clean up your actual computer:
   1. Turn off and unplug (if possible) everything.
   2. Locate and wipe off your computer’s fan(s).  My IT guy says this very important step is often neglected, and skipping it can hamper computer performance.  Keep your computer area de-cluttered to maintain good airflow.
   3. Grab your can of compressed air, and blow out your keyboard.  It’s amazing (and disgusting) what lands in there.
   4. Since everything is turned OFF, with an ALMOST DRY antibacterial wipe, wipe down your keyboard and mouse. I said ALMOST DRY, so if you do this wrong and screw up your electronics, I have 100’s of witnesses who read “ALMOST DRY” and who know I am not responsible.  Let everything dry completely.
   5. With a DRY and clean microfiber cloth, wipe off your screen.
   6. Since the compressed air is going to blow stuff around, use a slightly wetter wipe and wipe
      down your work area.  It’s typically a very germy place.
3. I often get asked:  HOW DO I WIPE AN OLD COMPUTER SO I CAN RECYCLE IT?
   1. Every computer is different, so run a google search on “How do I remove the hard drive from xxxxxxxxxxx (brand and type of computer)”.  You will receive an instant answer involving a screwdriver and about 20 minutes of your time, and perhaps even links to you-tube videos to walk you through the process.
   2. Once the hard drive is removed, google E-Waste recycling in your area and get rid of the old computers, monitors and printers.
4. Storage:  Back up, back up, back up.  External hard drive, cloud or both, take your pick. JUST BACK UP!
5. Manage Your Memory Better:
   1. Operating systems are clever with their search capabilities, but you can still save time by setting up your system better now to find things later.
   2. When you search for something, sort documents in your hard drive in reverse chronological order, all the time.  Click on the “Date modified” column on your Documents Library page until your most recently used documents are listed at the top.
   3. DO NOT just have one large folder with everything in it.  Just thinking about that idea makes me cringe.  A single cluttered directory makes finding anything very frustrating.
   4. Use Naming Conventions and sub-directories when you save your folders and documents.  For example, my business sub-directory contains a folder called “Presentations”.  Within that folder, I have sub-folders for each type of presentation I give (so, Time Management, Kitchen and Menu Planning, Paper Management, etc.).  Within those folders, I have the actual presentation notes, but also the Handouts associated with the presentation, all starting with HO plus the presentation name, so I know which is which.  I use similar rules for naming other things, too, to quickly find files when I need them.
   5. My IT guy saves his documents first to large folders per Application.  For example, he has both a C:Excel and C:Word folder.  He suggests this strategy helps him find things faster.  Within those very broad “type” names, he then breaks down his files into categories.

Clearing computer clutter will help you save time and focus more clearly.  What will your clean-out your-computer day activity look like?

Originally published, February, 2014
Updated, February, 2019