In 2025, self-care has taken on a new form — one that doesn’t require candles, bubble baths, or a yoga mat. It’s called digital decluttering, and for many Australians, it’s becoming an essential practice for protecting mental health and reclaiming peace of mind in an always-on world.
What Is Digital Decluttering?
Digital decluttering is the process of cleaning up your digital life — from deleting old files and clearing out your inbox to unfollowing accounts that no longer serve you. But it’s more than just tidying your desktop — it’s about creating boundaries with technology and being intentional about how (and how much) you engage with screens.
Think of it as spring cleaning for your digital wellbeing.
Why 2025 is time for a digital clutter cull
Let’s face it — we’re glued to our devices. The average Australian checks their phone over 80 times a day. Between work, socials, streaming, and notifications, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, distracted, and drained.
Digital clutter — just like physical clutter — contributes to:
- Increased anxiety and decision fatigue
- Reduced productivity and focus
- Poor sleep quality
- Less meaningful real-world connection
As awareness around digital wellness grows, more people are turning to digital decluttering as a modern form of self-care.
Signs You Might Need a Digital Detox
- Your inbox has thousands of unread emails
- You scroll without remembering why you picked up your phone
- You feel anxious when you're offline or not checking messages
- Your screen time report is... confronting
- You’re constantly multi-tasking and feel mentally scattered
If any of that hits home — you’re not alone. The good news is: you don’t need to unplug completely. You just need to clear the noise.
Tips and Tricks to Start Digital Decluttering
You don’t have to wipe your hard drive or delete your social accounts. Small, consistent actions can make a huge difference.
Delete, Organise and Unsubscribe
Here are some simple ideas:
Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read
That pile-up in your inbox isn’t just annoying — it’s mentally draining. Unsubscribing from newsletters you scroll past or delete without reading helps cut the noise and reclaim control over your email. Instead, keep just the ones that genuinely add value to your day — whether it's thoughtful news, personal inspiration, or updates from brands you truly care about.
Delete apps that drain your time or energy
If you open an app and close it feeling worse — that’s a red flag. Take a look at your phone and ask yourself: “Is this app helping me or hijacking my attention?” Deleting apps you no longer use, or those that encourage mindless scrolling, is a quick way to reduce distractions and create digital breathing room.
Clean your camera roll — do you really need 47 versions of the same selfie?
We all do it: snap after snap trying to get the perfect angle. But storing hundreds of duplicate or blurry photos clogs up more than just storage — it creates visual clutter. Schedule time to go through your camera roll, delete duplicates, and keep only the photos that spark joy or serve a purpose. Your mind (and memory space) will thank you.
Mute or unfollow social accounts that make you feel less-than
Social media should inspire or connect you — not leave you feeling inadequate. If you consistently compare yourself to certain accounts or feel drained after scrolling, it's time to curate your feed. Mute or unfollow with confidence. Prioritise content that uplifts, educates, or genuinely aligns with your values.
Set aside time to be screen-free, especially before bed
The blue light and constant stimulation from screens can mess with your sleep and stress levels. Try creating a “wind-down window” — 30 to 60 minutes before bed — where you switch off devices and opt for a low-tech ritual instead. Whether it’s reading, stretching, or journaling, screen-free time helps your mind reset and signals to your body that it’s time to rest.
Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ to protect your focus windows
Notifications are the ultimate productivity killer. Use your device’s Do Not Disturb mode to carve out blocks of undisturbed time — whether for work, hobbies, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. You’re allowed to be unavailable. Give yourself the gift of uninterrupted attention.
Organise your desktop or home screen with folders and calming visuals
A cluttered screen creates a cluttered mind. Organise your phone or desktop by grouping apps into folders and deleting unnecessary shortcuts. Choose a calming wallpaper that brings you a sense of clarity or joy — something soft, inspiring, or serene. It’s a small change that makes a big difference to your everyday digital experience.
Bonus tip: try the one-screen rule — keep only what you regularly use on your main home screen.
A Clearer Mind Starts with a Clearer Feed
Digital decluttering isn’t about cutting out tech entirely — it’s about making it work for you, not against you. When your online space is calm, clean, and curated, it frees up mental energy and creates room for rest, focus, and creativity.
In 2025, Australians are recognising that self-care isn’t always about adding more. Sometimes, it’s about clearing space to breathe.
