How to Organize Your Computer Desktop Like a Minimalist

Your step-by-step digital declutter guide

Like most people, I used to have a chaotic jumble of screenshots, random downloads, and stray folders scattered across my computer screen. Every time I opened my laptop, I was greeted by some degree of digital chaos—and it wasn't doing my focus any favors.

So, I decided to overhaul my desktop using the simple, five-step process I first shared in my first book, Minimalista. The result? A calm, clutter-free screen that makes me feel more focused and in control every time I sit down to work. Here's exactly how I did it—no tech wizardry required.

Step One: Clarify

My goal was simple: make it easy to find what I need at a glance and eliminate visual noise and clutter.

Desktop screenshot on a busy work day Not a dream scenario

Step Two: Edit

This part took less than five minutes. I kept only what I truly needed (client files, current projects, life documents) and trashed the rest (old downloads, duplicates, random zip files). If you're not ready to delete, create a temporary "Review Later" folder to sort through another time. The goal is to create spaciousness and eliminate visual distraction in the most efficient way possible.

Pro Tip for Ruthless Editing: Start with the obvious: Delete obvious junk first—random screenshots, duplicate downloads, empty folders, and files with names like "Untitled53" or "Screen Shot 2023."

Step Three: Organize

Here's where the magic happens. I created simple folders for my biggest life and work buckets:

• Life Org

• Business

• Books

• Client Docs

• Retreats

• Photography

Everything I own can live neatly in one of these six folders. SO simple.

Goodbye random screenshots, hello organized folders

Pro Tips for Smart Organization:

• The 5-folder rule: Limit yourself to 5 main folders max. If you need more, create subfolders within these

• Action-based naming: Consider folders like "To Process," "Current Projects," and "Archive" based on what you DO with files, not just what they are

• Date everything: Add dates to project folders (2024-12-Client-Launch) so they naturally sort chronologically

Step Four: Elevate

Once my desktop was streamlined, I gave it a little style refresh. I created a minimal wallpaper (for free in Canva) and swapped my bright blue Mac folders for calming neutral tones. (Just Google "how to change folder color on Mac" for an easy step-by-step) Now when I open my laptop I smile and invite strangers to check it out. Kidding, but I am quite delighted by it, which motivates me to maintain it - everything feels calm, clean, and intentional.

Desktop after: I can’t tell you how happy this makes me

If you're craving something jazzier, you could download a bold wallpaper, turn your folders every color of the rainbow, or even swap them for any image you like. Just when I thought life couldn't get better, Chloe showed me how to turn my work folders into actual ICE CREAM CONES. Now convinced that anything is possible.

Step Five: Maintain

This part is key: every week I spend 15 minutes dragging files into the right folders (or the trash). Keeping it clean is way easier than doing a giant overhaul later—and I can find what I need in seconds.

Pro Tips for Effortless Maintenance:

• The Friday File-away: Make it a weekly ritual—every Friday at 4:55 PM, spend 5 minutes filing away the week's digital debris

• Desktop rule: Never let more than 6 items live on your desktop at once. When you hit 7, it's time for a quick cleanup

• Screenshot audit: Set a monthly phone reminder to delete old screenshots—they multiply like digital rabbits

READER PROMPT: Which digital black hole needs your attention? Photo library? Email inbox? The dreaded Downloads folder of doom? Drop a comment and tell me your biggest digital pain point—I would love to know what you're struggling with most.

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Watching: Mr Scorsese streaming on Apple TV explores the life and career of iconic director Martin Scorsese - already hooked!

Making: Farro with roasted fennel, lemon, and basil - to the recipe

Fewer Better Finds: A budget-friendly cable crewneck sweater and the sweater I stole from Jordan, I officially have a basket problem, send yourself some PIE!

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My Signature Online Course: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course

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I Wrote Some Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books

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