There are many benefits of “Housekeeping” (in computer terms 😉 ) some are technical, some are time-saving.

• A few minutes each week sorting out your files will reduce the amount of time you need to think about “where did I save that file/picture” etc.
• If you save your all your files to your computer hard disk (alternatives are saving to a USB key/drive or Network Drive), then trimming them occasionally will mean that you don’t have to copy loads of unnecessary data across to a new computer when you upgrade
  • this is when a regular backup routine also comes in handy, you can just “restore” your latest backup to your new computer and (securely) delete files from your old.
• If you have fewer files and folders, it takes less time for your computer to scan or search through your files.
• If you remove unnecessary or unused programs your computer takes less time to “defragment” (if it is a Windows computer), and this helps programs to run faster

Related to these points are the “how-tos” below:

• Delete unwanted/unnecessary files (and empty the recycle bin occasionally) and uninstall unwanted programs
  – Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs
• Run a disk check and defragment your hard drive
  – My Computer > Right-click on Local Disk (C:) > Properties > Tools tab.