Inbox Zero: Clean a Messy Inbox

Inbox Zero isn't about an empty inbox forever — it's a system. Here's a pragmatic one.

The one-time dig-out

1. Search and bulk-archive everything older than a year.
2. Unsubscribe from newsletters you skip (do it in one focused session).
3. Create two folders: "Action" and "Reference." Everything else gets archived.

The habit that keeps it clean

Most clutter is automated mail from services. Route those to a disposable address at sign-up time and your real inbox stays mostly human.

Weekly upkeep

Ten minutes a week beats a four-hour purge twice a year.