What a Digital Reset Routine Looks Like (And Why You Might Need One)
You tidy your home. You clear your desk. But when was the last time you decluttered your digital workspace?
A Digital Reset Routine is a chance to pause, clean up, and reset your tech so it supports you — not slows you down. It's not about doing everything, but about giving yourself space to breathe and making your systems easier to use.
Here’s what my Digital Reset Routine looks like, with real tasks pulled straight from my 100 Digital Things list.
Why You Might Need One
If your computer feels sluggish, you can’t find files easily, or your desktop gives you mild anxiety… it might be time for a reset.
A Digital Reset Routine helps you:
Reduce digital noise
Speed up your device
Stay on top of your systems
Create mental clarity
Even one hour a month can make a difference.
My Go-To Digital Reset Tasks
I usually do this once a month, either on a quiet Friday or a Monday morning when I want a clean slate.
🖥️ 1. Clear the Desktop + Downloads Folder
Some of the quickest wins come from tidying up the files you see every day:
Delete duplicate files
Remove screenshots, Zoom recordings, or Canva downloads you no longer need
Move any keepers to their proper folders
Clear the Recycle Bin
I ask: Would I look for this again? If not, it goes.
📁 2. Sort and File Key Folders
You might tackle:
Your “Documents” folder
Any random subfolders (e.g. “Misc,” “To File,” “Receipts”)
A client folder that’s grown unruly
Batch rename files if needed (I use a consistent YYYY-MM-DD format).
🌐 3. Review Browser Tabs, Bookmarks + Extensions
From your list:
Close open tabs you’re no longer using
Bookmark ones worth keeping — or add to a task manager
Delete outdated bookmarks
Remove any unused Chrome extensions
Tip: Extensions can slow things down — uninstall anything you don’t use weekly.
📝 4. Tidy Notes, Sticky Notes + To-Do Lists
Digital sticky notes and Notepad files build up quickly. I:
Consolidate useful notes
Delete anything I’ve already actioned
Move anything longer-term into Apple Reminders or my Bullet Journal
From your list: clear out lists, saved ideas, or scattered reminders.
📧 5. Do a Quick Inbox Reset
This isn’t a full email clear-out — just a refresh:
Archive or delete anything old
Unsubscribe from newsletters I haven’t opened lately
Flag important ones to follow up on
Clean up folders like “Receipts,” “Downloads,” or “To Action”
⚙️ 6. Review Apps + System Settings
A few easy wins:
Delete unused desktop shortcuts
Uninstall programs you haven’t opened in months
Reorganise your taskbar
Check for software updates
You could even take 5 minutes to declutter your phone: apps, old screenshots, duplicate photos, etc.
It’s Not About Perfection — Just Progress
You don’t need to declutter everything in one sitting. A Digital Reset Routine is about taking stock, lightening the load, and keeping your digital life functional.
You’ll feel:
✔️ Clearer
✔️ Faster
✔️ More in control
And over time, these small resets build into much calmer, cleaner systems.
Want Help With the Bigger Picture?
If your systems need more than a tidy-up — like proper setup, automation, or simplification — that’s exactly what I help with.
Ready to simplify your digital workspace?
Let’s make tech feel easy again. [See how we can work together →]
