How to Do a Digital Declutter to Find Focus (According to Cal Newport)

If you feel overwhelmed and unproductive – it is time for you to do a digital declutter. Digital decluttering can sharpen your focus, fuel creativity, and boost productivity.

Understanding why you need a digital declutter (trust us, the list is long) and using a simple yet effective framework from Cal Newport’s best-selling book Digital Minimalism, we’ll help you consume less and do more.

Are digital declutter can help you: 

Stay focused and productive to crush your career goals

Create more meaningful connections for greater happiness

Free up time for creativity, hobbies, and self-discovery

Start you digital declutter now. 

The Power of Digital Minimalism

Digital minimalism is about using technology to support your goals and values, rather than letting it control you. If you’re ready to challenge the tech-dependent status quo, start by harnessing the power of digital minimalism.

Digital Minimalism Summary: What It Is and Why It Works

In his book Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport explores how we can use technology more intentionally. At its core, digital minimalism follows three key principles:

1. Intentionality – Every app, notification, and digital tool should serve a clear purpose. 
2. Quality Over Quantity – Less is more when it comes to digital consumption. Instead of spreading yourself thin across dozens of platforms, focus on what truly matters. 
3. Control Over Technology – Instead of being a passive consumer of endless content, take charge of how, when, and why you engage with technology.

Recommended Reading: The 15 Best Business Books for Women in 2025 (What to Add to Your List)

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Doing an Effective and Thoughtful  Digital Declutter

Cal Newport’s digital declutter framework helps you evaluate and reset your relationship with technology. Here is his powerful three step method:

1. Have a 30-day period where you strip away all your non-essential digital tools

Remove non-essential digital tools for a full month.

Identify which technologies are addictive vs. beneficial.

Redefine your values outside the digital realm.

2. Reintroduce Technology With a Purpose

For each app, tool, or platform, ask yourself:

• Does this technology support something valuable to me?
• Is it the best way to support this value?

3. Optimize Your Digital Use

If a tool passes the test, define rules for how you use it—to maximize benefits and minimize distractions.

By following this approach, you’ll use technology with intention, reclaim your focus and productivity, and create more space for creativity and deep thinking.

Whether you are woman in business, crave more work-life balance, or meaningful connections – a digital detox can benefit everyone. 

More Tips for Digital Decluttering

Here are other practical ways that you can declutter. 

1. Leave your phone at home occasionally 

If the occasion allows for it, leave your phone at home to be truly present and free from distractions. 

2. Go for phone-free walks 

Walking allows our mind to wander, ponder, and reach new insights fostering a deeper connection with oneself and generating good ideas in the process. 

3. Replace clicks with conversations 

Increased social media usage leads to feelings of loneliness. Instead of commenting on a post, call a friend for a real connection.

4. Replace a digital planner with a physical one 

Starting the day on your device can be distracting. A paper planner keeps you intentional and focused.

Bold BusinessWomen, Michele Ferron says: “A non-negotiable in my routine that keeps me focused is planning on paper—writing things down.”

 Why Digital Decluttering Matters

A digital declutter is an audit of your entire digital life, followed by reorganizing or eliminating digital clutter to help you focus, create, and find more joy.

The Overload Problem: Why Our Digital Lives Feel So Chaotic

Digital decluttering is becoming increasingly necessary. In a world where we are constantly connected, our digital lives can feel just as cluttered—if not more—than our physical spaces. Every day, we are bombarded with emails, notifications, open tabs, and a never-ending stream of information. Without intentional management, this digital overload can lead to stress, distraction, and even burnout.

Information Fatigue: Too Much, Too Fast

The average person consumes the equivalent of 34 gigabytes of information daily—enough to overload a computer in a few days. 

Constant Notifications: The Productivity Killer

Research shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain focus after being interrupted. Now, imagine how many times your phone pings with messages, emails, or app alerts each day—it’s no wonder staying productive feels impossible.

Digital Hoarding: The Clutter You Can’t See

Just like a messy room can feel overwhelming, digital clutter—thousands of unread emails, unorganized files, and unused apps—creates a mental burden. The weight of unaddressed digital chaos can cause anxiety and overwhelm. 

Resources to Help You Do a Digital Declutter

These resources are not about rejecting modern technology but helping you use them better. From restricting your time on apps to blocking websites and allowing you to save articles for later – here are some great digital decluttering tools. 

Instapaper – allowing users to save articles to read them later in an ad-free environment

AppBlocker – set time limits on your phone 

Freedom – an app & website blocker.

Unroll.Me – Instantly unsubscribes you from unwanted email lists and newsletters that clutter your inbox.

RescueTime – Tracks your digital habits to show how much time you spend on certain websites or apps. Great for identifying time-wasters and setting healthier screen-time goals.

Find and Sustain Your Focus Again

It is imperative to examine your digital behavior. If you want to escape the attention economy and gain control of your digital behavior then you should start digital decluttering. Plus, you can lead a more productive and fulfilling life. Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism​ is a good place to start.  It starts with an awareness of the role that social media and technology play in your life, a deep reflection of your habits, and then an effective digital declutter. 

Digital decluttering will open your life up to more success and happiness. 

Ready to reclaim your time and mental space? Download our free Digital Declutter Checklist!

FAQs: Digital Decluttering