Digital clean up: six tech chores to keep your digital presence tidy

2. A data do-over: make room on your device

This process can be painstaking if done manually, but these days you can automate most of the cleaning process. Both Mac and Windows devices boast applications to help you remove unnecessary files and clean up your digital space.

On Mac OS Sequoia, you'll have to open the System Settings tool and go to General, then Storage. 

For Windows users it is even easier – simply type Disc Cleanup in the taskbar and select it from the results. Any files that have been recently used or that your system classifies as essential will need to be assessed manually.

It might help to order your files by largest to smallest, which allows you to identify GB-taxing files quickly that you no longer use. For Apple, Androids and tablets, you can find a storage breakdown in your general settings that shows you the apps that are eating at your storage. 

Programs like Google Photos also offer ways to store your pictures and photography in the cloud, to keep large images and videos off your hardware. Another Google offering is Google One, which is particularly useful for overloaded inboxes with emails and files you'd rather keep. This storage allowance also extends to the other applications in the Google Suite.

3. Wipe your phone

Wiping your smartphone entirely is a big decision, but if you decide that is the best course of action it is swift to execute. On an iPhone, go to Settings and follow General > Reset> Erase All Content and Settings. For Android, click on the Systems app then follow System > Advance > Reset options and Erase all Data (factory reset).

4. Password protection, the longer, the better

Making your passwords long, random and unique is a good way way to keep your online accounts safe from hackers and devious online prowlers. Make them at least 16 characters long and use a string of random numbers, letters and symbols. Or create a passphrase that’s made up of a couple of random words – think Carr0tF1veSinger$. And if you, like most people, find it hard to keep track of your unique passwords, you could use a password manager tool. Many browsers now come with these tools built-in or you can opt for a paid account with a highly reputable company.

5. Bin your hardware responsibly

If you have finished completely with a piece of hardware and wish to destroy it, you can do so sustainably through organisations like Planet Ark. With more than 3,000 locations Australia-wide, it's easy to find your closest drop-off point – there's even a handy look up tool.

6. Don't set and forget subscriptions

Unless you start a trial with an automatic cancellation, it's always worth turning off auto-renew on online subscriptions, especially yearly up takings like accounting software or online news memberships.

For the sake of a few minutes, you can save down the road. This is particularly true when one-year special offers automatically increases to a pricier standard rate after the first 12 months.

Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Apple, Mac, iPhone and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Android, Google Photos, Google One and Google Pay are trademarks of Google LLC.