When you delete a file from your computer, it is not gone forever. Deleted files end up in a recycling bin or trash folder and continue to take up storage on your device. However, this folder should not be confused with a place to store files you aren’t sure what to do with, as some devices are set to auto-empty the recycling bin after a certain number of days.
If your device is not set to automatically empty the recycling bin, it is good to get in the habit of periodically going in to empty it. On your mobile device, your email trash also continues to take up space; be sure to empty the trash and junk folders in your email periodically as well. Emails with large attachments like photos can also take up a decent amount of storage.
If you are struggling with the storage capacity on your device, one simple way to free up space is to delete apps you aren’t using. There are apps available that track how often you use certain apps. It will then suggest which rarely used apps can be deleted to save on storage space. If you don’t want to use a device cleanup app, set a monthly or yearly reminder to look through your apps and uninstall the ones you don’t use anymore. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clear out those apps you no longer use!
