Is your computer a mess of files?

Does it take you forever to find what you’re looking for?

With the abundance of digital resources out there, it’s important these days to have a system set up to keep your digital life organized.

So how do you create a digital organizing system?

Let’s go over a few simple steps to get started.

Step 1: DeClutter Your Files

Let’s not waste time organizing what you don’t need. So take a quick scroll through your files, photos, programs, etc. to see what you can go ahead and delete right now.

While we’re at it, it’s a good idea to declutter the space from your hard drive.

Step 2: Assess your current system

Next, take a look at your current file situation. What’s working? What’s not working? And what would an ideal system look like that would make your files easy to find?

Take a few minutes to go through these questions before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Organize Your Files

Now let’s start the organization process. Setting up folders is really the key way to get all of your files organized. So the first decision is how you want your folder system structured. For example, I have a personal folder and a business folder, and then sub folders in each of them to organize things and keep them separate.

Make sure the names of the folders and files are clear so you know what’s included and it’s easier to find your files. It also will make the search more accurate when you look for a file that way.

Quick tip: If you’re looking for something in particular, use the search bar to find it!

Repeat the process for your emails and photos as well! And while you’re going through pictures, it may be a good time to put together a quick photo book.

Step 4: Create a system moving forward

Finally, it’s time to create a system to KEEP all of those files and folders organized. How I like to do this is have an “Admin” day once a week where I organize any new files into folders, clear out my email inbox, etc.

It only takes a few minutes, but it keeps things from getting out of hand and definitely saves my sanity as I’m trying to find what I need.

Step 5: Utilize Tools to Help

There are some great tools out there to help you stay organized.

One of my favorites is Google Drive. Since it’s cloud-based, I’m able to keep files organized and accessible across my devices.

Another amazing tool is Trello. I do a lot of planning in Trello and it definitely helps me stay organized. Check out this post on how I stay organized and reach my goals using Trello.

With everything going digital nowadays, creating a digital organizing system is vital to stay on top of things. Just by decluttering your files, organizing your files, and creating a system you can be much more productive while working on your devices.