The Old Mac Gang discusses how they organize their clutter and  saving files for backup.

RESOURCES

Quick safety check

• Make a backup with Time Machine before cleaning (https://support.apple.com/en-us/104984).
• Open your storage map: System Settings → General → Storage (overview & tips: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624  and https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac ).

10 simple decluttering wins (built-in tools)

• Turn on Desktop Stacks: right-click desktop → “Use Stacks” (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-files-on-your-desktop-mh35846/mac).
• Empty Trash and consider auto-empty after 30 days (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac).
• Sweep Downloads; delete old installers (.dmg/.pkg) (general guide: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Merge duplicate photos: Photos → Utilities → Duplicates (https://support.apple.com/guide/photos/remove-duplicates-pht5a3157c1d/mac).
• Mail attachments: Message → Remove Attachments; see guides (https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/view-save-or-delete-email-attachments-mlhlp1123/mac  and https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/free-up-storage-space-mail14059/mac
• Messages attachments: open a conversation → Info → review & delete; or set “Keep Messages” to 30 Days/1 Year (https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/delete-messages-and-conversations-icht1035/mac  and https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/change-general-settings-in-messages-on-mac-icht20001/mac ).
• Old iPhone/iPad backups: Finder → your device → “Manage Backups…” (on-Mac steps, no link needed).
• Find large files fast: Storage → Documents → Large Files (overview: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Review Login Items: System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions (general cleanup tips: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Consider “Optimize Storage” recommendations (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac ).
  

Optional tools (visual maps & duplicates)

• DaisyDisk (visual space map; very friendly): https://daisydiskapp.com/
• GrandPerspective (free): https://grandperspectiv.sourceforge.net/
• OmniDiskSweeper (free): https://www.omnigroup.com/more
• Gemini 2 (duplicate finder): https://macpaw.com/gemini
• dupeGuru (free duplicate finder): https://dupeguru.voltaicideas.net/ 
• Hyperspace: https://hypercritical.co/hyperspace/ 
• Clean My MacX: https://cleanmymac.com Also available through SetApp and the Mac App Store
• Easy habits

• Keep Stacks on (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/organize-files-on-your-desktop-mh35846/mac).
• Once a month, review Storage → Large Files & Downloads (https://support.apple.com/en-us/102624).
• Turn on auto-empty Trash and revisit Messages retention if storage gets tight (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac  and https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/change-general-settings-in-messages-on-mac-icht20001/mac ).

Hazel

https://www.noodlesoft.com 

Safari Extension: Tabs to Links 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tabs-to-links/id1451408472 

Hookmark 

https://hookproductivity.com 

SuperDuper!

https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

Carbon Copy Cloner

https://bombich.com/ 

Email: 

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Website:

https://www.thepodtalk.net