Lately, my phone felt like a mental landfill. There were constant pings, a thousand screenshots of memes I didn’t need, apps I hadn’t touched since 2021, and an inbox that was practically screaming for help. I didn’t realise how cluttered it had all become until I started feeling overwhelmed just by unlocking my screen. So, I decided to clean it up, not for aesthetics, but for sanity. Spoiler: it worked. And now I’m recommending it to literally everyone with a phone and a nervous system.
Why I Decided to Declutter
I wasn’t aiming for a perfectly organised phone that belongs on a Pinterest productivity board. I just wanted less noise. My screen time had become unmanageable, and instead of being a relaxing activity, scrolling felt like a necessary survival task. It hit me: I declutter my house and wardrobe, so why not my phone?
Step One: Delete the Dead Weight
The App Clean-Out
If I hadn’t used it in the last two months or it made me feel guilty (hello, abandoned meditation app), it went. I kept the basics: messages, maps, camera, and notes. Everything else either got binned or grouped into folders that don’t shout at me every time I swipe.
Step Two: Photo Gallery Glow-Up
From 12,000 photos to Actual Memories
There were so many duplicates, screenshots of socks I never bought,blurry selfies, and out-of-focus food. I deleted, organised, and even made albums for “Photos That Actually Matter”. Pro tip: Consider creating a folder for pictures that make you laugh. This approach provides significant emotional support.
Step Three: Curating My Feed
The Great Unfollow
I stopped following accounts that made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough or being enough. Instead, I followed creators who were funny, honest, weird, and real. If your feed doesn’t make you feel good, fix it. You control what you see. Why not make it something that inspires instead of exhausts?
Step Four: Tame the Inbox Monster
Not Zero, But Chill
I stopped pretending I’d reach inbox zero. Instead, I unsubscribed from stuff I never open, deleted ancient junk, and made folders for bills, bookings, and receipts. Now I check my inbox without having an existential crisis. Progress.
Final Thoughts From a Recovered Screen Goblin
I didn’t realise how heavy my phone had started to feel, mentally and emotionally. After decluttering, it feels lighter. Quieter. Mine again. You don’t have to go full minimalist. Just start with five apps. Unfollow ten people. Archive your junk emails. Little wins make a big difference.
If you decide to do your own digital detox, please share the results with me. Send your before and after. Or just confess how many unread emails you have, promise not to judge… much.
Let’s make space for more calm and less chaos—one swipe at a time.
