If you’re anything like me, you probably download files and photos to your computer with reckless abandon. PDFs from school assignments, automatically synced photos from your phone, homework documents you haven’t touched since you turned them in—they’re all still there, taking up space on your computer and using precious storage. Not to mention, making it even more confusing and time-consuming to find the file you need when you have to scroll through countless irrelevant ones.

Luckily for me and the rest of us digital hoarders, February includes Clean Out Your Computer Day (the second Monday of the month), a day to “logically review, and delete old files and programs.” Below, I’ve compiled some basic steps to cover when undertaking this process.

1. Desktop

Nothing’s worse than a cluttered desktop. When cleaning out your computer, starting with the desktop has the same effect as making your bed first before cleaning your room. Automatically, things will look a lot neater and give you a sense of momentum. Be sure to sift through any photos, files, and folders that you haven’t opened in a while to determine whether they’re still needed. Organize the remaining files into neat rows. Once you’re done, admire your screensaver (it actually exists!) and relish in the cleanliness.

2. Photos

Oh man, the photos. Take some time to scroll through all your photos (and reminisce over the memories) before deleting photos that you know are unnecessary. Then, back up the remaining photos to a cloud service and embrace your now-clean slate!

3. Documents and Downloads

Remember that 200-word short reflection you turned in for a GE class three semesters ago? Or that 4-page textbook scan your professor made you download? No? Vaguely? Yeah, me too. Delete any documents along these lines that have simply been sitting there since you wrote or read them. Any other class writings that you think might come in useful, consolidate them into one document instead of keeping several separate ones.

Bonus: Miscellaneous

Clear out anything else you can think of: apps, notes, your overcrowded bookmarks bar. Let’s be real, you probably won't do a spring cleaning like this until next February rolls around, so take advantage of it and address any other problem areas.

Cleaning out your computer is something that’s often overlooked, but can make a huge difference in your productivity and organization. Not to mention, it really does add up over time. This February, celebrate Clean Out Your Computer Day and treat yourself to a newly organized digital space!