7 Essential Tips to Declutter Your Digital Workspace

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This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/

As a freelancer, your computer is your most valuable tool — your office, storage space, and sometimes even your creative playground. Keeping it clean and organized isn't just about freeing up space; it's about ensuring smooth performance, protecting your data, and boosting productivity. Here's how to give your computer the deep clean it deserves.

Not only does your Mac benefit from regular cleanups, but many also find cleaning quite satisfying. The MacPaw team has always been fascinated by the ever-evolving world of technology. In 2008, our passion for the tech inspired us to create CleanMyMac, a Mac app that would help curb the never-ending digital clutter. As a team of Mac cleaning experts, we gathered the best practices to keep your Mac up and running.

1. Set a Cleaning Routine

Regular maintenance is key. Many professionals recommend cleaning their computers weekly or at least once a month. A cluttered desktop, sluggish performance, or frequent crashes clearly show that your system needs attention.

Almost 47% of our teammates clean their Macs once a week, and the other 35% run cleanups monthly.

2. How do you determine if your Mac needs cleaning? 

• Your device is running slower than usual
• Your storage is almost full
• Your desktop and downloads folder are cluttered
• Your battery drains faster than normal
• Your computer takes longer to start up

3. Declutter Your Files and Folders

Start by organizing your files. Move essential documents to dedicated folders, delete unnecessary files, and clear out old downloads. Don’t forget to back up critical data to an external drive or cloud storage.

Step-by-step digital decluttering:

• Remove outdated files and clean up your desktop

• Uninstall programs and apps you no longer use

• Scan for large and old files to free up space

• Empty Trash

• Restart your computer

4. Don’t Just Delete—Uninstall Properly

Dragging an app to the Trash (on Mac) or the Recycle Bin (on Windows) doesn’t always remove all associated files. Use a dedicated uninstaller or a system cleaner to ensure complete removal.

One of CleanMyMac’s modules can do this task for you!

5. Protect Your Computer from Malware

Freelancers often download files from multiple sources, increasing the risk of malware. 

Protect yourself by:

• Avoiding downloads from unknown sources

• Using secure Wi-Fi networks

• Regularly scanning for malware

• Keeping your passwords updated and secure

6. Don’t Forget About Physical Cleaning

A dusty laptop fan or a keyboard full of crumbs can cause overheating and wear down your hardware. Use compressed air or a small vacuum to remove debris from your keyboard and vents. If you have pets, a lint roller can help remove cat or dog hair from your keyboard.

7. Make It a Habit

Consider digital cleaning like maintaining your car—it’s easier to do it regularly. Adopt simple daily habits like clearing your downloads folder, organizing files, and shutting down your computer properly.

By keeping your computer clean and optimized, you’ll boost its lifespan and work more efficiently. Whether it’s National Clean Out Your Computer Day or just another workweek, taking the time to maintain your device can make all the difference in your freelancing success. 

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