WEEK 5 OF THE 52-WEEK DIGITAL DECLUTTER SERIES
This week’s challenge is all about simplifying the space you use most — your browser.
What if your browser bookmarks actually helped you focus?
Not in a “digital dream life” kind of way. Just… a little less click-hunting. A little more brain space.
Because right now, your bookmark bar might be doing the opposite.
Midlife women like us know how fast tabs can multiply — especially when we’re researching, saving, caregiving, planning, and trying to keep everyone’s stuff straight. Add in old links, expired logins, or resources from a project you finished three years ago… and it’s no wonder your browser bar feels heavy.
Let’s lighten it.
This week’s digital fix is small, visual, and instantly helpful.
And if you’ve never organized your bookmarks before? You’ll feel the difference.
Why this matters more than you think
Your bookmarks are like digital shortcuts to your real life. When they work for you, everything feels smoother. When they’re a mess, it’s like stepping over clutter on your way to do something important.
And if you’re anything like me… there might even be links up there from jobs, bills, or seasons of life you’ve already outgrown.
You’ve already done some real work over the past month:
✓ Unsubscribed from noise
✓ Sorted your digital downloads
✓ Tidied your screen
✓ Started filtering notifications
This week, we’re circling back to a different type of visual clutter — your browser.
Because even though bookmarks feel like shortcuts, they’re only helpful if they still serve you.
This is a great moment to use the ClearMind Step 🧰 STREAMLINE, keeping what works, releasing what doesn’t, and organizing the in-between.
Web browser bookmarks originated in 1992 with the ViolaWWW browser and were known as “Hotlists” in the Mosaic browser in 1993.
(Source: Wikipedia)
✅ Try This: 10-Minute Browser Bookmark Refresh
You don’t need a whole new system or a fancy tool. Just take a quick look at the bar you see most — your Bookmarks Bar or Favorites Bar, depending on your browser. Then ask:
- Do I recognize what each label means?
- Are these links I still use regularly?
- Am I bookmarking out of habit or intention?
Once you’re ready, pick one of these options:
🔹 Option 1: Declutter the Bar
Look at your browser’s top bar or bookmark toolbar.
– Delete anything outdated, unused, or duplicated.
– Drag-and-drop to reorder. Put top-used links first.
– Right-click to rename bookmarks — make them short and clear.
Example: Change “https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox” to just “Email.”
🔹 Option 2: Use Folders for Better Focus
– Right-click and create folders like “Work,” “Finances,” “Kids’ Stuff,” “PIM,” or “Someday.”
– Move anything that’s not a daily tool into the right folder.
– You’ll still have access — it just won’t stare at you every time you open your browser.
🔹 Option 3: Bonus Ideas You Might Love
🧰 Browser Tools to Explore:
– Raindrop.io: Organizes bookmarks visually with tags and collections and works across browsers.
– Bookmark OS: Turns your bookmarks into a desktop-style interface for better sorting.
– OneTab: Collapse all open tabs into a single list you can revisit later. Great for reducing tab overload.
You don’t need to use them all. Just keep one in your back pocket for when you’re ready to go deeper.
🌿Your Week 5 Reset Prompt
What’s one link I’ve kept on my bookmarks bar that no longer serves me — and what could take its place? You can write this down, say it out loud, or just pause and reflect. Your time matters, and so does your screen space.
🎁 Freebie Reminder
✨ Ready to feel a little more in control of your digital life?
Grab the free ClearMind Quick-Start Guide and get access to the full Freebie Vault.
You’ll also get occasional updates and access to my freebie vault. No spam, just helpful stuff.
💬 This Week’s Win
I’d saved hundreds of bookmarks over the years, everything from recipes to random research to things I thought I’d read later. But most of it just sat there, cluttering up my browser and making it harder to find what I actually needed.So, I started fresh: deleted the old stuff, made a few folders (“Work,” “Inspiration,” “To Read”), and kept only the links I truly use. I even rediscovered a favorite site I’d forgotten I’d saved. It’s a small fix, but now my screen feels cleaner and I actually use the bar again.
Week 5 FAQ: Digital Declutter Edition
❓What if I don’t use bookmarks at all?
No problem! Consider this your chance to start fresh. Just save 3 links you use most and stop relying on typing or searching every time.
❓How do I rename or reorder bookmarks?
Right-click on a bookmark in your toolbar and choose “Edit” or “Rename.” You can also drag them into a new order by clicking and holding.
❓Can I do this on my phone?
Sort of. Some mobile browsers (like Chrome and Firefox) have bookmark folders, but they’re not always as visible. Try focusing on your main device first — the one you use most often.
👉 Don’t have time to tackle this today?
Bookmark this post and come back when you’re ready. It’ll still be here waiting.
🔜 Coming Next Week
We’ll tackle the sneakiest digital clutter of all — your downloads folder.
You might be surprised by what’s still hiding in there.
Project: Improve Me! – Because Your Second Half Should Be Your Best Half.
🗓️ This is Week 5 of the ClearMind 52-Week Digital Declutter Series.
👉 Go back to Week 4 →
