A five-step guide to your digital declutter
It’s spring clean season, but this year there’s a new Hinch-style home hack that you should consider… a digital device declutter!
Many people will have heard of a 'digital detox', but let’s face it – now is not the time to completely disconnect from the tech we’ve become so dependent on. The Lady has been in touch with the experts at Zen Internet who have shared five essential ways to declutter and restore some digital harmony to the home.
Switch OFF when not in use
You may not realise it but tablets and smartphones often work in the background – even when they aren’t being used. So, if you’ve got devices that you think are using your bandwidth (by downloading updates in the background, for example) start your digital device declutter by switching off the WiFi option on anything you aren’t using – you could also put it on airplane mode.
A laptop will keep connecting to the WiFi if it is on and open so shut it down completely when you have finished work or home schooling. Gone are the days when a computer takes a good 10 minutes to fire up so get into the habit of doing a complete shut down every day. You might want to check wireless devices that may sit dormant most of the time too. Things like wireless printers can be switched off when they aren’t needed. You can also try turning off specific streaming settings – for example HD streaming. Netflix allows you to change the data usage setting when you login in and select ‘playback settings’ under your profile. If there are times when a lot of devices are being used collectively, this could remove the dreaded buffering mid-stream.
Remove any ‘shadow’ devices from your network
Giving your router a quick spring clean is a great habit to get into and you could be surprised at what a difference it makes. Use your router’s admin interface to find out exactly how many devices are connected to your network. Deleting the devices you don’t recognise or don’t want connected can help to ease the pressure and speed up connectivity.
It is also possible to prioritise the most important devices to make sure that they always get the best possible connection. So whether it is your games console, work laptop or smart TV, you can choose which device gets priority when there's not quite enough bandwidth to go round. Of course, it might be a good idea to check with the rest of the household first!
Allocate device free zones
Tempting as it is to have always-on devices like Alexa and automated WiFi plugs dotted around the home, it may be causing excessive strain on the router. Try making certain rooms in the home internet-free zones, especially the bedroom. This will bring more ‘zen’ and health benefits too, especially if you’re worried about the effects of blue light on your sleep and eyes.
Show your router some love and attention
Let’s face it – despite the crucial role that they play in keeping us connected, a router isn’t ever going to be the centrepiece of an interior design scheme. Many end up shoved under furniture, behind curtains, in cupboards and anywhere else that they can be hidden from view. In reality you should be putting a little more thought into where you keep a router – this could improve your connectivity no end.
Place your router as close as you can to the centre of a home for a consistent connection. If your router is downstairs, keep it as high as possible, and as low as possible if it’s upstairs. It is also recommended that you keep it as far away as possible from domestic appliances. According to a recent Ofcom report, even the microwave can reduce WiFi signal – so make sure it is off during those important work calls. Baby monitors, stereos, speakers, TV’s, halogen lamps can all also affect WiFi if they’re too close to your router too – so spare a thought for this priceless gadget and give it, its own special place in the house.
Plug in
Plugging your laptop or console into a router might seem a bit 1999, but if your device is near enough, then an ethernet connection could be the answer to the consistent, high speed connectivity you have been craving for the past 12 months. Keeping a wired connection between the router and your device will help to keep latency low while reducing congestion on your wireless network (which is good for other devices too). Ethernet is extremely reliable, secure and fast so if you can make it work with the router and device layout then it is definitely worth considering, especially if you have a large family that is all draining the bandwidth on your network.
If your digital declutter has spurred you on – maybe it’s time to ditch some of those old electronic devices all together. If so, here are some top tips:
- Start by getting everything into one place so you can see what you’ve got, what you need and use and what is broken or outdated. From phones with cracked screens to unloved Kindles you’ll be surprised at what you unearth from the bottom of those drawers.
- It’s also worth getting all corresponding chargers out for each device – and see if any still work.
- Next, sort the pile into electronics you really can’t let go – and the ones that you really need to say goodbye to. Then sort the ‘going pile’ into – working and broken.
- Anything that is still in good condition you can sell or donate. Ebay or specialist ‘cash in your gadget’ type websites will allow you to unlock some value from any unwanted devices. You can also donate to a local charity shop but it is best to check with them first what their policy is for receiving electronic devices.
- For gadgets that no longer work or can not be salvaged then you should recycle them via a local recycling centre. Never throw them in the bin – they could contain contaminants and they should always be recycled properly.
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