10 ways to organize your digital files

Summary

This video provides practical tips for digital organization, focusing on creating a customized system that fits individual needs. The host shares their method of organizing files across four digital spaces: MacBook, Google Drive, Google Photos, and a hard drive. They cover desktop decluttering, file naming, folder structuring, and backing up data. The video also emphasizes the importance of clearing unnecessary files, customizing browsers, and maintaining an organized email inbox. Lastly, the host encourages viewers to stick with their chosen system, adjust as needed, and make regular file maintenance part of their routine.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ Organize your digital life across four key spaces: MacBook, Google Drive, Google Photos, and an external hard drive.
• 🗂️ Start with your MacBook by decluttering your desktop and downloads folder to maintain a clear workspace.
• 📁 Develop a systematic approach to file organization, including a useful naming convention and folder structure.
• 📂 Use subfolders judiciously to avoid over-complicating your file system.
• 📂 For university files, maintain a folder for each class with subfolders for course materials and weekly modules.
• 💾 Keep your current semester files on your MacBook and archive previous ones on Google Drive or an external hard drive.
• 🗑️ Regularly declutter your computer applications and remove unused browser extensions to streamline your digital environment.
• 🔖 Customize your browser by organizing bookmarks into folders and managing browser extensions to enhance productivity.
• 📋 Practice inbox zero to manage emails effectively and keep your digital communication clear and organized.
• 🔄 Back up important files across different platforms to prevent data loss and ensure easy access.
• 🗑️ Be diligent about deleting files that have been backed up to free up space on your primary storage device.
• 📅 Commit to a regular organization schedule, such as weekly, to maintain an organized digital system and reduce future stress.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is digital organization, focusing on how to effectively manage digital files and spaces.

Why is it important to have a digital organization system?

Having a digital organization system is important because it helps prevent losing files, maximizes storage space, and increases clarity and efficiency in work.

How many digital spaces does Pat organize on?

Pat organizes on four digital spaces: MacBook, Google Drive, Google Photos, and an external hard drive.

What is the first step Pat takes to organize the MacBook?

The first step is to sort through the desktop and downloads folder, keeping the desktop clear and organizing downloaded files into corresponding folders.

What is the purpose of organizing files and setting up a naming system?

Organizing files and setting up a naming system helps in navigating and searching for files more easily and quickly, reducing confusion and improving efficiency.

How does Pat organize the university folder on the MacBook?

Pat organizes the university folder with subfolders for each class, containing folders for course files and each week or module, with files renamed for easy identification.

What is the purpose of decluttering computer applications?

Decluttering computer applications helps save space and makes it easier to navigate through necessary applications by removing unused ones.

How can customizing browsers boost productivity?

Customizing browsers by grouping bookmarks into folders and managing browser extensions can improve productivity by making it easier and faster to access frequently used websites and tools.

What is the concept of 'inbox zero' mentioned in the script?

'Inbox zero' is an email management approach that aims to maintain zero unread emails in the inbox by dealing with each email and sorting them into their corresponding places.

How does Pat back up files and why is it important?

Pat backs up files using Google Photos for personal photos, Google Drive for academic files, and an external hard drive for everything else. This is important to prevent losing files and to keep the primary computer space organized.

What habit does Pat suggest to maintain an organized digital system?

Pat suggests setting a specific day in the week to sort through and organize files, which helps in preventing tasks from piling up and adds to future stress.

Why should one not be afraid to delete digital files that have already been backed up?

One should not be afraid to delete digital files that have already been backed up because it helps in freeing up space on the computer and ensures that only necessary files are stored locally.