Our Guide to Inbox Triage: Take Control in 3 Simple Steps

Is your inbox overflowing? You’re not alone!

Here’s a quick, actionable guide to help you regain control and keep your inbox organised with minimal effort.

1. Create a filter for circulars to skip your inbox

Set up a filter for any emails containing the word “unsubscribe.” This will catch most newsletters, promotions, and circulars, moving them out of your main inbox so you can focus on what matters. Just remember to check it once a day or once a week to check those newsletters (like mine!).

2. Search for regular culprits & clear out old emails

Identify emails from frequent senders like Amazon, grocery sites, or Pinterest. Use your email’s search or filter function to find these in bulk. Decide if you want to delete them all or file them away for reference.

Search for emails older than a specific date e.g. six months. If you haven’t read them by now, ask yourself if they’re really relevant. Most can be deleted or archived to free up space.

3. Set up folders & filing sessions

Create folders for key categories (e.g., receipts, newsletters, personal). Then, set aside just five minutes each week for a quick filing session. Consistency is key to keeping things under control.

Ready to Take Charge?

Your inbox doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple habits and the right tools, you can keep your email under control and reclaim your time. Start with these steps today, and you’ll notice the difference in just a week. I find a tidy inbox means a clearer mind, and more time for what truly matters.

If you're looking for a suggested filing structure, check out our resource in the Sort It Hub. Want free access? Subscribe to our mailing list before Monday and we'll send you the code.