Start with bulk cleanup
The fastest relief comes from removing the biggest sources of noise. Take ten minutes to reduce volume before you worry about perfect organization.
- Search for "unsubscribe" and leave lists you do not read.
- Archive or delete emails older than a set date.
- Clear promotions and social tabs in one sweep.
Set up a simple folder or label system
Keep it broad and easy to maintain. Four buckets are enough.
- Action: needs a response or task.
- Waiting: pending on someone else.
- Reference: you might need it again.
- Archive: stored but not active.
Adopt the two-minute rule
If it takes less than two minutes, do it now. Otherwise file it and move on. This prevents the inbox from becoming a second to-do list.
- Check email in 2 to 3 planned windows per day.
- Process, file, or delete each message once.
- End each session with the inbox empty or nearly empty.
Declutter messaging apps
- Archive old threads you do not need daily.
- Leave inactive group chats and mute low-value channels.
- Turn off non-essential notification badges.