Email clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter—if you don’t stay on top of
it, it takes over. That’s why I have a simple routine for keeping my inbox manageable, and I encourage you to do the same. A few small daily habits make all the difference.
1. I Delete Unnecessary Email Every Day
I treat my inbox like my
kitchen counter—if I don’t clear it off regularly, it piles up fast. Each day, I delete anything I don’t need and make sure to mark spam so future messages go straight to the spam folder. If I’ve read it and don’t need to reference it again, it’s gone.
2. I Declutter My Email Folders
Even if my inbox looks tidy, I know my email folders can be hiding years’ worth of messages I no longer need. So, I set a small daily goal: delete at least five unnecessary emails from my folders. Over time, this really adds up. If you haven’t checked those tucked-away folders in a while, I encourage you to take a peek—you might be surprised at what’s lurking in there.
3. I Unsubscribe from Lists I No Longer Want
If I keep deleting email from the same sender, that’s a sign I don’t need it anymore. Instead of wasting time deleting the same messages over and over, I take a few seconds to unsubscribe. Most marketing emails have an “unsubscribe” link at the
bottom, and email providers like Gmail and Outlook often have a built-in option to make it even easier. If you find yourself drowning in newsletters and sales alerts, I highly recommend taking this step.
4. I Use Filters to Keep My Inbox Organized
Not all email needs my immediate attention. I use filters to automatically sort incoming messages so I don’t have to do it manually. Here’s what works for me:
a. I tag newsletters and important messages instead of moving them to a separate folder—that way, they’re easy to find when I’m ready to read
them.
b. I set a time each day to read the newsletters that matter to me.
c. Spam is automatically filtered, so I never even see it.
5. I Treat My Inbox Like a TO DO List
I don’t let my inbox become a storage space for things I plan to “deal with later.” Here’s how I keep email from piling up:
a. If it takes less than two minutes to reply, I do it right away.
b. If I don’t need to handle it immediately, I snooze it for a later date.
c. If an email requires action, I move it to a TO DO folder and set a reminder.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by email, I encourage you to try these habits. A few minutes a day can make all the difference. Start today—you’ll thank yourself later.
On another note, know someone who could use some comfort? My Gifts of Comfort Idea List is filled with thoughtful, practical gifts to lift spirits, provide warmth, and bring a little joy—perfect for anyone facing a tough time or just needing a pick-me-up. 
