Project Girl 2 Woman

7 Simple Steps to Organize and Declutter your Notebook / Laptop

Laptops, notebooks, tablets and smartphones – technical devices we cannot do without anymore. Yet one has to agree that those metal boxes might have an important advantage when it comes to work and gaining knowledge. And today we’ll take a look at our digital hygiene. Let’s  take a look at how to clean your PC and Declutter your Notebook and Laptops 🙂 

 

I am not going to lie – I, myself, have a notebook too. It is much easier to write notes, to bring your work anywhere and to even reach your family per quick call. Here is the bad side. I’ll let you take a look at my download folder: 

The longer I had the notebook the worse my organization got. Pictures were mindlessly copied from my phone and my desktop was full of screenshots and word documents. 

I know you have been there. Actually I think everyone will reach that point of disorganization at least once. 

But don’t worry! I have found the perfect 10 Steps to organize your Notebook / Laptop. By using them and cleaning up the mess I made – I boosted my productivity massively. 

Now let’s get started! 

Contents:

  1. Plan your Set-up
  2. Delete Apps and Programs
  3. Delete and Sort out Files and Folders
  4. Clean your Desktop
  5. Empty Bins and Caches
  6. Move Files to External Hard-drives or the Cloud
  7. Set up your Important Folders

Plan your Folder Set-up To Declutter your Notebook

How do you want to set up your folders? What are they called? Personally, I would recommend you make a quick mind map to start your digital declutter. Write down your current school or work projects, goals you want to catch up to, and activities you plan to do. Folders you need and how you want them to be set up to start organizing folders.  

 

I keep pictures and videos in the already set folders and organize them by event and date, but I do have some I need quick access to, so I have some folders on my desktop. 

 

The first thing you should do after setting up your folder structure is to organize them. You want to make sure they are organized in a way that makes sense to you. If you have a lot of folders, then you may need to create subfolders to keep things organized. There are many ways to organize your folders, but here are some examples:

 

Here are some Folder Ideas to Declutter your Laptop

Sort your Folder by Project:

  • Project A 
  • Project B

Organize your Folder by Date:

  • 2021
  • 2022
  • etc.

Sort your Folder by Category:

  • Pictures / Photography
  • Finance/ Banking
  • Invoices
  • Videos
  • Writing 
  • Presentations
  • Music
  • Applications
  • Work
  • Contracts

Deleting Apps and Programs

The next point is to uninstall unnecessary software. This could take some time based on how much you have actually installed. Sometimes we do have to install programs for school or work that we don’t use after completing the task. 

 

We install a lot of rubbish for our personal enjoyment. I can still remember the time I downloaded heaps of Sims 3 mods.   I clogged up my notebook terribly and wasted loads of GB. Once I kicked out all the unnecessary software I’ve also found several games I didn’t play anymore, picture editing softwares, weird programs I have no idea what I installed them for. I even had a safety program for online banking installed – I’ve not once used any sort of online banking on that laptop once!

The deinstallation process in simple: Just type program into your search bar and click “Add or remove programs” . Now you only have to click on the program you want to remove  and choose deinstall! I can only show you the German Screenshots, but the symbol should be the same. 

Deleting and Sorting out Computer Files and Folders

Once all unnecessary software is deinstalled you can move on and sort your messy folders. Those folders include Videos, Pictures, Downloads, Music and Documents. I would recommend you to start with the least chaotic one. It will be less overwhelming, believe me.

 

Usually I start with the document folder. I have all my important documents on my desktop so this folder can be sorted out the quickest. Then I move on to music, pictures and videos.

Last but not least your disorganized download folder. I can feel the frustration! 

 

When I organized my notebook for the first time, I almost screamed at the download folder. It was a chaotic mess with no end!  And because I immediately copied the content from the download folder into the preset folders (Videos, Music etc), those were a mess too!

 

Best Tip: Don’t let your download folder get this messy in the first place. Sort everything right away. Or delete the files when you don’t need them anymore. 

 

Now nothing can stand in your way and a clean computer. You can also use a program to clean up computer. Here are some free cleaners for your PC. 

Give your Computer Files Easy & Searchable File Names

Decide on how you’ll name your files. Consistent file names help you find your documents faster. You can organize them easier and you’ll know at one glance what the document is about. E.g.:

Name-22-07-01.pdf

 

The file name should clearly describe the content of the file. A bad example would be: 

12mgsf34-copy.pdf

What did I learn about decluttering notebooks ?

Instead of moving the computer files from one folder to another, make some temporary folders within the folder you want to empty, especially if you have to tackle a huge amount of files. Eg: create a picture, video, university, etc folder in your downloads and sorting them out within the folder. 

Going back to my example. After I started to see what I could stack into another sub folder or what I could delete my preset, already organized folders were safe from the chaos (for now). Also, it saved a lot of time to not switch folders back and forth as you only had to move the file within the same folder.

Once I had everything cleared I moved those folders to their actual place (preset folders) and started the whole progress again. 

Organizing is a very time consuming task. But once you have built the foundation and you keep your files organized it will be very rewarding for your time management

Cleaning and Setting up your Desktop To Declutter your Notebook

The next step is to organize your desktop. Usually I just follow the same steps as with the download folder. Sometimes, I also reorganize how folders and programs are aligned so I have the smoothest and fastest access I can get. I also prefer to give folders that are important a specific symbol so my eyes would spot them faster. Currently I only have 8 folders on my desktop, the bin and my marketing homework. (Update: homework was removed lol)

Tipp: less is more. 

Having less on your desktop makes you less overwhelmed when it comes to finding documents.

Here is how you change your folder icon:

Right Click on the Folder. Chose Properties (Or in German Eigenschaften).

Go to Properties (Anpassen) and click Change Icon (Anderes Symbol) . Tadaa. Super simple. 

Empty Bin and Caches When Decluttering your Notebook

Now it’s time to get all unnecessary files out of your notebook: Hit the “empty your bin button” and relax. The worst part is done. 

I would also recommend you to install and run a cleaning software to get your caches cleaned too! Microsoft offers a free version for windows 10 which is called: Microsoft Total PC cleaner. (It can be found in the app store but is only for PC!)

Your notebook is running slower lately? Running cleaning software helps you to get your laptop or notebook back on speed level!

Move Files to External Hard-drive or Cloud

Now that you only have the files you keep, you can sort out on what is relevant for current projects and goals and what might have importance on a later point. 

Long story short: Find a place where you store currently unneeded files. 

Good examples would be application documents, school notes from previous semesters, pictures and videos you won’t look at, contracts. Not only are those more safe in case your notebook dies suddenly but they are also out of sight and out of mind. (And you can access them anytime if you need to) 

A good place to store extra files are either the cloud or an external hard drive. 

Set up your important folders

What are your important folders (based on your mind map) ? And where do you place them? 

Like I mentioned earlier, all my relevant folders are on my desktop. Of course you are free to place them where you think they fit the most!

If not done yet I would definitely keep your important folders uptodate.  For example, I have a college folder with all my materials inside (sorted by subject of course). During the semester I always download new material and immediately add them, so I wont forget them at a later point! 

When you just begin to sort your files out – some files might be lost during the organizing progress (which i don’t hope!). Maybe some files aren’t just yet downloaded and added. 

Create a goal folder during your digital declutter

I also took the time to create a goal folder. I’ve spent hours to find pictures that represent what I aim for in life. Pictures that give me a feeling of excitement when I look at them.

Tipp: Keep your folders updated to keep yourself updated.

Before I am leaving you to clean up your notebook I have a quick manifestation tip for you: Take the time to edit a picture with all your goals representatives. You can use any picture editing software for this and it will help you to always have your goals in mind. 

Hope you have a wonderful rest week! 

Summing it up

How to clean your computer? 

  1. Create a folder Structure and a subfolder structure. 
  2. Delete and Organize your computer files. 

 

Topics that could also be relevant to you: 

 

The Top 5 Productivity Apps for 2020

The law of attraction – from visualization to reality

How to become Proactive – Create your “Proactive Personality”

 

If you want to get informed about the latest updates, please subscribe to our newsletter. Last but not least we update every Wednesday and every Saturday. So, it would be great to see you again. Also, for updates follow us on:

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Love from Germany,

Carina and Juli

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9+ Ways to celebrate Halloween Alone And Have Fun

Are you stuck at home during Halloween?  Wondering what to do alone at home? Are you an introvert and big parties aren’t your thing? Being alone on Halloween can be quite lonely. But you don’t have to feel miserable. You can make it your day!

Halloween is one of my favorite dates. Here are 9+ Ideas on how you can celebrate Halloween alone and still have fun. Try the challenge. 

Let’s Decorate and get in the Mood

My place looks like a jungle I have so many plants. So first we need to get into the Halloween spirit. For today your home isn’t supposed to look like a tropical island. In order for us to have some Halloween vibes we need to redecorate. Last time I cut this little pumpkin with my sister. You can never have too many pumpkins in the house around Halloween. The leftovers can just be used for pumpkin soup check out some pumpkin recipes.

Halloween Decoration Pumpkin Skeleton Spider Wenbs

Here are Our Favorite Pinterest Ideas for Halloween DYIS:

  • Pumpkins

  • Spiders

  • Spiderwebs

  • Laterns

  • Ghosts

  • Bats

4

    • Bloody Candles:

 

Want Some Creepy Halloween Ideas?

Here are some Halloween activities for adults only. 🎃 

Get Some Halloween Treats & Candy Ready

Even if you aren’t into trick or treating you can enjoy some Halloween Candy. With prices rising why not go and make your own Halloween Candy for yourself? Here are Some Halloween Dessert Ideas.

Skeleton Orea Pops:

 

Strawberry Ghosts: 

I absolutely love these strawberry ghosts. Aren’t they just super adorable? 

Mummy Sausages: 

For all of us who don’t like sweet stuff that much or want a little grease: 

This Amazing Halloween Pudding

This pudding just looks to die for 👻. It looks super yummy. 

Next let’s get the Punch out!

Obviously only when you are legally allowed to drink. As a responsible adult I have to say that. Here are 20 alcoholic Halloween Cocktails. All of them look so amazing not sure which one I will try.

For all the people who don’t drink alcohol or aren’t allowed to here are some mocktail Ideas for Halloween:

Let’s dress up Even Tho We Celebrate Halloween Alone

Do you dress up for Halloween in your country? In Germany you certainly do. And the Costumes have to be scary. Unless the princess is bloody there won’t be any “Cute” costumes. Make sure to take some pics and share them with your family and friends. Even if they can’t be there.

Do your Halloween Makeup

You can do your Halloween Makeup with your family or you do it alone and get some amazing pics for your Instagram. Here are 42 Scary Halloween Makeup Ideas.

Play some Horror Games

Are you into gaming? In that case a horror game might just be the thing for you. Here is a list of Horror games to Play on the PC.

Light up the Candles

Slowly it should be getting dark. Now is the perfect time to make your home even more gloomy and light up some candles. Pls, don’t burn your place down! The natural shadows the candles will give you will make your home even scarier. Or cozier. 

Chose Your Favorite Horror Movie

I love to watch scary movies. Though I have a difficult time sleeping afterward. Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without getting a little scared. And there is nothing more comfortable than watching scary movies with your family. If you celebrate Halloween alone like me don’t get too scared alone :’). Now is also the chance to snack on all the Halloween Candy you prepared and drink some Cocktails. I am sure that might make the movie even scarier 😉 .

 

Tell Each Other Scary Stories

When was the last time you did some storytelling? For me, it’s been forever. When we were young, we would sit together and tell each other creepy stories with a flashlight. Quarantine gives us the chance to spend some real quality time together. Let your grandparents or parents tell their favorite stories.  You would be surprised by what kind of stories they come up with. You’ll probably not want to go into a forest alone again.

 

Curl Up With A Scary Book And Go To Bed

Before going to bed make sure to wash off all your makeup. Once you go to bed you can curl up with a scary book and enjoy the last moments of Halloween alone. I recommend reading because after all the scary movies alone you might not be able to sleep just yet.

Visit the Cementry

In Germany, Halloween is also a time to remember the people, who were dear to us. People we loved, who are now gone. May they rest in peace. Light a candle for them on Halloween or pray for them. 

Go to the Cinema and watch a Horror Movie

You aren’t into parties? Why not go out and watch a late-night horror movie at the cinema. The way home might be extra creepy. 

How can I enjoy Halloween alone at home When I am not into scary stuff?

We wish everyone a Happy Halloween. 😊 Whether you are alone, with your friends, or with your family. Leave a comment for all the people alone on Halloween. 🙂 Let’s share some love. 

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30-Day Get Back on Track Fitness Challenge Ideas You wish you Tried

5 absolutelly free 30 day fitness challenge ideas - From beginner Workouts to Advanced

It’s spring right now and yesterday I went on my first jog in ever. 

It was bad. 

Either I am getting old or my body has started rusting during winter and Covid.  

If not for my red face I am sure my breathing has let everyone know that I am not doing this regularly. PS. Am I the only one feeling awkward jogging? 

Alas after winter I want to get somewhat in form again.

With summer not too far away here are 5 30-Day Challenge Ideas to get your fitness back on track. Those challenges can be your workout plan for the next few weeks. 

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30-Day Ab Challenge

My first 30 day fitness challenge idea was the 30 Day Ab challenge by  mycrazygoodlife.com. It’s pretty simple and doesn’t take a lot of time. Which is important since winter season is crazy busy. The workout is perfect for beginners alas me … I hope. And the best part you can do it at home. 

For this work out you’ll only need: A yoga mat, and some workout clothes.

Since I think it’s a bit too simple, I think I will try to add 1 round every second day. Am I being crazy? Maybe since I am currently not really working out. So, by day 30 it would be 16 Rounds? I’d also do 50 seconds exercise and rest 10 seconds.  Ok maybe this is crazy. 96 Minutes by day 30 ? That’s a full-length movie 😮

 Here is the full workout plan: 

Day 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Rounds 

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

7

8

8

9

Minutes

12

12

18

18

24

24

30

30

36

36

42

42

48

48

54

                
                

Day 

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Rounds 

9

10

10

11

11

12

12

13

13

14

14

15

15

16

16

Minutes

54

60

60

66

66

72

72

78

78

84

84

90

90

96

96

So, basically, this workout consists of 6 moves: 

I’ve linked the proper form. Don’t wanna pull anything lol. Wonder if by the end of the 30 days my abs look any different. 30 days are not really a long time. 

30-Day Yoga Challenge By Yoga With Adriene

I’ve done this before and absolutely loved it! Thought I only managed till day 25. Consistency…  Failed.  If you are someone who prefers videos this one is for you! Adrienne has such positive and calm vibes. 

For this Challenge you will basically need a mat and some sports clothes as well. After the 30 days you’ll be more flexible and have a lot more core strength. Check out her 30 days of Yoga by clicking the picture below:

30-Day Walking Challenge

You aren’t really into working out and you have no equipment? No worries. Here is a 30-day walking challenge. Who said staying healthy means you have to work out all the time right? A few steps a day will already make you stronger. 

For this challenge you will need: Steptracker Watch or an App and some Walking Shoes

Also Read: How to become Proactive – Create your “Proactive Personality”

Also Read: 64 Best Personal Growth Challenge Ideas 14-days 21-days 30-days 90-days & More

30 Day Splits Challenge

Another Challenge you can do at home and which I would love to try is Blogilates 30 Days Split Challenge for more flexibility. Flexibility and stretching challenges work wonders for back pain. Thought I did some before and I think for someone who hasn’t done flexibly training in advance it’s almost impossible to manage a full split within 30 days. Let’s try and prove me wrong. Check out Blogialtes Blogpost

30 Day Squat Challenge: 

Another exercise challenge idea I found on Pinterest is this 30-day squats challenge. Look at that 175 squats on day 30! I already feel my legs burning :’) Or maybe by that time my legs will be numb. 

 

30-Day Dance Challenge

Another challenge idea with no instructions is to learn a dance within 30 days. This one more on the fun side. I am not particularly good at dancing. My sister is. So I am really curious how much of I dance I can learn within 30 days. 

[ Read: How to prioritize with the 80/20 rule ]

Let Us Know - Which challenge ideas did we miss?

30 days fitness challenge ideas, workout challenge ideas, sports challenge ideas, eating ideas which online challenges are your favorites? Link in the comments below and let us know! You can also tell us about other online challenge lists.

Some Tips: 

  • The best way to tackle those challenge ideas is to get a challenge buddy. So, you can push each other and report your progress. That challenge buddy can also scold you when you don’t keep up your end of the deal. 
  • Take before and after pics to record your progress. And maybe to show off to your friends.
  • Decide on a reward for the winner. 
  • Make it fun!
  • If by any chance the challenges make you feel really unwell. Go and see a doctor. 

So that’s it for today. If you want to get informed about the latest updates, which challenge we did and how they ended, please subscribe to our newsletter. Last but not least we update every Wednesday and every Saturday. So, it would be great to see you again. Also, for updates follow us on:

Love from Germany,

Julia and Carina 

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