Keeping our devices tidy isn’t just about speed; it’s about peace of mind. Here is a simple way to clear the clutter without needing a degree in computer science.
1. The “Unsubscribe” Sweep
Most of us have inboxes filled with sale flyers from stores we haven’t visited in years. Instead of deleting them one by one, stop them at the source.
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The Trick: Open one of those pesky emails and scroll all the way to the very bottom. Look for the word “Unsubscribe” in tiny print.
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The Action: Click it once. Most reputable companies (like Canadian Tire or Hudson’s Bay) will remove you instantly or take you to a page where you can click “Remove me from all.” It takes five seconds but saves you hours of deleting over the next year.
2. Evict the “Zombie” Apps
If your phone or tablet feels sluggish, it might be carrying “dead weight”—apps you downloaded once and never used again.
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For iPhone/iPad: Find the app icon, then press and hold your finger on it. A menu will pop up. Tap “Remove App” and then select “Delete App.”
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For Android: Press and hold the app icon. Look for a little “i” in a circle or the word “Uninstall.” Tap it, and the app is gone.
Tip: If you’re not sure if you need it, ask yourself: “Have I opened this since last Christmas?” If the answer is no, it’s safe to let it go.
3. Silence the “Noise” (Notifications)
Does your phone “ding” every time there is a news headline or a game update? You can choose who is allowed to interrupt your day.
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The Fix: Go to your Settings and look for “Notifications.” * The Action: You’ll see a list of your apps. Click on the ones that don’t need to alert you (like Facebook or a news app) and toggle “Allow Notifications” to OFF.
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The Result: Your phone will still receive the info, but it won’t buzz or beep. Now, it only makes noise when a real person—like a grandchild or a friend—is actually trying to reach you.
**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.
Interesting article thanks. Do you have any ideas as to how to unsubscribe from a “subscription site” which does not want to cease taking monthly debits from folks credit cards, etc?
Last year,despite requesting on numerous occasions for a subscription site to cancel my account and stop taking my money, after many months, I had to cancel that credit card.
Most annoying and inconvenient. Since that experience I ceased making any more online automated subscriptions and renewals.
Any ideas about how to circumvent such traps most welcome thanks.
Hi Ross
Thanks so much for your question. Because this is a common problem for a lot of people I’ve created a special article to deal with it. Watch for it in tomorrows email.