Eliminate Clutter on Your Computer to Create Balance

By Lorri Morin


If you are like me, you spend much of your waking hours at the computer. But how much thought do you give to keeping your computer organized and clutter-free?
I would like to suggest that you schedule 15-30 minutes each week to perform housekeeping on your computer - yes, actually block time on your calendar for it. That really isn't a lot, and once you start implementing these techniques, you will find that you won't need that much time.

• Give some thought to how you name your files - this will make it easier for you to retrieve them next time. For instance, if you name your file Letter to Dave.doc, it will show up in your directory among all the other "Letters to...". Instead, name it Dave Pruett Agreement Ltr_26 Feb 06.doc to make it easier to find.
• Create folders to store your documents, rather than putting everything in My Documents or in C:Data. Break this down into meaningful categories, such as:  Clients

ABC Coaching

1. Agreements
2. Invoices
3. Letters
4. Speaking Engagements

EFG Consulting

1. Agreements
2. Invoices
3. Letters
4. Proposals

• Reserve your desktop for files that you need frequent, immediate access to. If you haven't used a file for a week or two, move it to a more appropriate location. 

• Download Google Desktop to make searching for documents and emails on your computer even easier. Once you download and install this free program, it will index your entire hard drive (run this process overnight, as it can take several hours, depending on the amount of data you have stored). 

• Create a spreadsheet to track all your usernames and passwords. This time, give the file a name that isn't obvious. This will eliminate the need to create duplicate accounts or request your log-in info by email and will avoid lock-outs when you enter the wrong info multiple times. Note: you should not store passwords to bank accounts or other sensitive information in this file in case your computer becomes compromised. 

• Even better than keeping a spreadsheet to track your passwords is a tool called RoboForm which creates strong passwords and securely stores your log-in information for all the sites you visit. Free and paid versions are available. 

• Clean out your browser's bookmarks. Eliminate any default bookmarks or any that are no longer of interest to you. As before, create folders for your bookmarks to categorize them, such as "Vacation Spots", "News", "Shopping & Gifts", etc. 

• Reduce junk email by creating a free email account and using it for online purchases or registering with websites. Check it only when you make purchases to retrieve your receipts and shipping confirmations. This will cut down on the amount of junk that is sent to your primary email account.

These little steps will soon have you working in a less cluttered virtual environment, which will help you feel less distracted and more energized.


~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
Lorri Morin is the President of Virtual Synergy, a virtual assistance practice, and functions as a Virtual Chief Operating Officer for her clients, handling the day-to-day activities, managing customer care, coordinating with other service providers, helping to brainstorm and plan future programs & products, and managing the maintenance of websites, blogs, and shopping carts. For free tips on Selecting a Virtual Assistant, visit http://www.virtualsynergy.net.
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