7 Easy Digital Decluttering Tips for Entrepreneurs with ADHD: Clean Up Your Tech and Money
Life is busy, but taking small bits of time to do a few decluttering tasks can make your life so much easier! While most people think of physical spaces when it comes to decluttering, let’s not forget about the digital clutter that can weigh us down, especially as ADHD entrepreneurs. Managing your tech, inbox, and finances doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this article, I’ve put together some actionable tips to help you streamline your life and create mental breathing room.
1. Unsubscribe Ruthlessly
Your inbox isn’t meant to be a free billboard for companies tempting you to overspend. When an email hits your inbox that isn’t adding value to your life (especially sales emails that spark impulse buys), instead of just deleting, unsubscribe instead. Yes, it takes a few seconds longer, but think of all the emails you won’t have to delete in the future! . Reminder: Big companies invest heavily in marketing to make you feel like you need that 15% off deal right now. Spoiler alert: You don’t.
Quick Tip: If you decide you really need something later, Google for discount codes or shop around for the best deal. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
2. Declutter Your Apps
Those little icons taking over your phone, and pushing your storage to the max? Doing an app clean-up doesn’t have to take up a huge chunk of your time. Start by deleting apps you don’t use (or don’t want to use), especially shopping apps, when they come up with their next update. This clears space and removes the temptation to mindlessly browse or buy.
ADHD-Friendly Hack: Use app updates as a trigger to review whether you actually use the app or if it’s just taking up digital space.
3. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
We all have sneaky monthly (or annual) charges for services we haven’t used in months. Take 15 minutes to review your bank and credit card statements for monthly subscriptions. Many services highlight recurring charges, making them easier to spot. And if you have any annual subscriptions you don’t want to continue with, go cancel them now so you don’t have to worry about them again!
If you’ve got more subscriptions for TV programming that you would like but can’t let any of them go, consider cycling through subscriptions—pause one streaming service for a few months and explore another. You’ll save money and keep content fresh. And yes, even that $10 gym membership you’ve been “meaning to use” counts. Cancel it if it’s not serving you.
4. Create a Barrier to Impulse Spending
Online shopping can be a slippery slope, especially when your credit card information is saved for one-click checkouts. Make it harder to spend by declining the option to save your payment information. And consider removing your cards from Apple/Google Pay as well. If getting up to find your credit card feels like too much work, take it as a sign that you don’t need the item.
Pro ADHD Hack: If you’ve memorized your credit card number (go you, numbers wizard), consider requesting a new card and don’t memorize the replacement.
5. Review your bills
Take a moment to evaluate your recurring business and personal expenses. From cell phone plans to software subscriptions, there may be better (as in more affordable) options out there. Call your providers, check their online portals for current promotions, and have a look online if you have services you’d like to spend less on. You could end up with better coverage or a better offering for less money.
For entrepreneurs, this is also a great time to ensure your business expenses are still aligned with your goals. Are you using that shiny software you signed up for, or is it just another expense?
6. Update Beneficiaries and Insurance
It’s not the most fun task, but keeping your beneficiaries and insurance policies up to date is crucial. If you’ve had any major life changes (marriage, kids, divorce), make sure your loved ones are listed as your beneficiaries. Even if you think everything is good, it can add peace of mind to take the time to review things.
Pro Tip: Name contingent beneficiaries (a “backup” recipient) so your assets don’t get tied up in legal limbo if something happens to both you and your primary beneficiary.
7. Optimize Your Benefits Usage
While not a subscription or clutter, I wanted to include this reminder! Don’t wait until the end of the year to use your benefits! Check your allowances for things like massage therapy, physiotherapy, or glasses and schedule them out for the year. It’s better for your health—and for the professionals trying to fit everyone into their calendar during the December rush.
Put reminders in your calendar to ensure you use all your benefits without scrambling. Bonus points if you treat yourself to a monthly massage as a self-care ritual.
Parting Thoughts 😊
Digital and financial clutter can sneak up on anyone, but for entrepreneurs with ADHD, it’s especially important to create systems that reduce overwhelm. By taking small steps like unsubscribing, reviewing expenses, and updating beneficiaries, you can reclaim your mental space and focus on what really matters.
Cleaning up doesn’t have to be a once-a-year event. Make these habits part of your routine, and watch how much lighter and more focused you feel. You’ve got this!
Looking for more strategies to manage your finances as an ADHD entrepreneur but aren’t sure where to start? I’ve got you! Grab your free resources here from a financial coach that supports entrepreneurs running service-based businesses that have ADHD! It will help you get clarity on your overall finances and start to set up a system to pay yourself a consistent salary and so much more!
