5 Tips to Get Your Email Inbox Under Control
Overwhelmed by your email inbox? Hate those pesky notifications on your phone? Scared to even open your email app? You’re in the right place.
I know a lot of us have had our email accounts since email was invented (literally), or at least since the 7th grade, and that can make an email clean up feel daunting. Luckily, I have five tips that help me keep my email inboxes under control. Remember, YOU are the boss. We run the email, it doesn’t run us.
#1 When in doubt, unsubscribe
Although it looks different on every platform, there is usually an “unsubscribe” button lurking around those newsletter emails. On Gmail, the “Unsubscribe” button will be at the top of the email near the sender’s email address (quick and easy).
On Yahoo and Outlook, you can right click on the email and choose “Find all emails” from the sender, this will put those emails in one place so you can delete them all at the same time. I haven’t found an “Unsubscribe” button as easy as Gmail’s; however, you can scroll to the bottom of any newsletter and click their personal unsubscribe link. Not as efficient, but it feels good knowing you’re giving a small gift to future you.
#2 Folders on folders on folders
If you use your email for more than one purpose (how can you not in the year 2026?), then folders will be your best friend. For a personal email address, my folders always look something like “Bills/Receipts” and “Needs Follow-Up” as well as my trusty “Things to Remember” folder.
For work, this will look different depending on your job and your platform; though, a “Needs Follow-Up” folder has never steered me wrong! The best part about folders is that they can have subfolders. You can folder to your heart’s extent.
#3 Color coding makes everything better
Now that you have your folders, it’s time to color code them! This system is all your own, but it adds a little whimsy to organizing your inbox. For me, I like to go through and label the emails in my inbox so that I can see each color displayed. Then, as I conquer my emails, I move them out of my inbox and into those handy folders. That way, I always know what is most urgent.
#4 Get to know your different apps
Every email platform is (unfortunately) very different and I haven’t found two that look the same. For example, Gmail on the web is a bit different than their iOS app, and if you have an iPhone, you probably have at least one email address linked to your “Mail” app (a third, different beast). All of my personal emails are on Gmail, but one of my jobs uses Outlook. I also use the Gmail, Mail, and Outlook apps on my phone, so all in all, I’m pretty much an expert…I wish.
The easiest way to ease the overwhelm is to figure out the best way for YOU to receive emails. Does it stress you out to get notifications on your phone? Turn them off. Delete the app. Protect your peace. Is it hard for you to remember to log in online? That’s when you turn on those notifications!
#5 Designate email time every work day
Like I’ve said, it’s 2026 and everyone’s work days look different. From office baddies to stay at home badasses, I recommend designating some time each day to review your email and organize your inbox. Whether that’s five minutes during nap time or an hour blocked off on your calendar, if your email is blowing up, this time out of your day is so worth it.
You’ve got this! And, if you need some extra help, Ashley Independent House offers ongoing email management services, as well as a one-time email clean-up that can get your email shaped up and ready to turn over a new leaf. Please email us at info@ashleyindiehouse.com with any questions.
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