My End of Year To-Do’s as a Tech Minimalist
I’ll never forget the year I realized I was throwing away thousands of dollars on apps and tech tools I wasn’t even using. Some I hadn’t even learned how to use! (Cue an exaggerated eye roll at myself.) As much as I love tech, I couldn’t help but think of all the other ways I could have spent that money—on holiday gifts or creating a savings account. That wake-up call led me to create a simple, no-nonsense end-of-year checklist and spreadsheet to keep myself in check.
Now, every year, I use this system to review what’s working, what’s not, and how to get the most out of the tools I already have. It’s saved me time, money, and a whole lot of tech overwhelm. If you’ve ever felt tempted to add the newest shiny app to your collection (guilty!), this process might just be the fresh perspective you need.
How I Declutter My Digital Tools as a Tech Minimalist
Start with a spreadsheet. (I put mine below in the red box so you can get started easily)
Start with a Reality Check
In my first year doing this, I had no idea what I was paying for. I had to dig—deep. I started by looking at my bank statements to find recurring charges (and wow, there were some surprises). From there, I checked the “subscriptions” area on my iPhone to cross-reference.Create a Master List
I made a spreadsheet to organize everything. For each app or service, I wrote down:Name of the app or service
Category (e.g., website, invoicing, email marketing)
Cost (monthly or yearly)
Evaluate What You’re Paying For
I went through each app or service on my list to figure out its purpose. Here’s what I looked for:Overlapping tools: Was I paying for multiple apps that did the same thing?
Platform upgrades: Some tools, like Squarespace, had added features that replaced others I was paying for, like invoicing or course platforms.
Unused apps: Some were easy ‘no’s’ because I literally never used them. (Cue facepalm.)
Get Honest About Aspirational Tools
The hard part? Asking myself if I was keeping something around because I planned to use it someday but just hadn’t set it up yet. That honesty saved me from wasting even more time and money.Keep Only What Adds Value
As a tech minimalist, I keep things simple. I only hold onto tools that are:Truly useful (and not overly complicated)
Save me significant time
Make my clients’ lives noticeably easier
Taking charge of your digital life doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or impossible. With just a little effort and honesty, you can create a system that saves you time, money, and stress—leaving you with the clarity to focus on what truly matters.
Whether it’s simplifying your subscriptions, decluttering your email, or organizing your files, these small but meaningful steps can bring a sense of relief and accomplishment. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection—it’s about progress and reclaiming control in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
Start with one task today, and let that momentum carry you into the new year with a fresh perspective and a streamlined digital space that supports your goals. You’ve got this!
Bonus Checklist: Digital Minimalist Maintenance Tips
Organize Digital Files: Declutter your desktop and create a clear folder system.
Declutter Your Inbox: Use Unroll.me to unsubscribe from unwanted emails.
Follow Up on Correspondence: Clear out lingering messages for a fresh start.
Optimize Your Devices: Free up space and run updates on your phone and computer.
Update Passwords and Security: Strengthen your digital security for peace of mind.