Del Boy's Digital De-clutter

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I do love running pilot groups because they gives me an true insight into the problems that other people have, rather than me just assuming I know, which is largely based on my own experience. On Friday afternoon I'm meeting up with my good pal Derek, who has asked me to help him clean up his iPhone and simplify everything.

So with  help from CoPilot (my preferred AI companion), I have put together a plan. What drives my coaching is a desire for simplicity and a passion for people of all ages to use their digital devices to enhance their happiness and wellness. The picture below illustrates a model for wellness and happiness which guides me in the ways I can help others. But, I must emphasise that it is what has guided me throughout the eight years since my lovely wife Jan died. My iPhone is far more than just for phone calls and messages, it really is my happiness companion. I start my day with a lovely relaxing meditation via Insight Timer, I see what my family are up to via Facebook and WhatsApp, I check into the world via Apple News and other news apps, I track me activities via Apple Fitness, I plan my year using a mind mapping app called SimpleMind. 

You get the picture its integrated into my life and it enhances my life. 



Del Boy's Digital De-clutter

Before Your Visit: Prep Work 

  1. Reflect on Essential Apps – Ask him to take note of the apps he uses most often and any he feels are unnecessary.
  2. Gather Login Credentials – If he has apps that require passwords, ensure he has access to them or has them stored in a secure way.
  3. Charge His iPhone – A full battery ensures you can complete everything without interruptions.
  4. Make a Wish List – Ask if there’s anything he wants his phone to do better (e.g., easier calling, better note-taking).
  5. Back Up Data – If not already done, encourage a backup via iCloud to prevent accidental data loss during cleanup.

On the Day: Your Coaching Plan

  1. Home Screen Optimisation

    • Arrange top apps logically for easy access.
    • Remove unnecessary widgets and distractions.
    • Hide secondary app pages, ensuring a clean, streamlined experience.
    • Set up the 3 Screens - Side Bar - Home Screen - App Library

  2. Decluttering Unused Apps

    • Delete apps he doesn’t use.
    • Offload apps he uses occasionally but doesn’t need clogging storage.

  3. Mastering Siri & Dictation

    • Teach basic Siri commands for efficiency.
    • Demonstrate quick dictation editing via the space bar trick.
    • Customise Siri’s settings to ensure it works best for him.

  4. Enhancing Accessibility & Ease of Use

    • Adjust text size and display settings for better readability.
    • Ensure essential notifications are enabled.
    • Set up useful shortcuts or automations.

  5. Security & Peace of Mind

    • Review privacy settings.
    • Teach quick troubleshooting methods for common issues.
    • Set up emergency contacts & medical ID if necessary.
    • Show him how to use FaceTime Screen Share, so that he can point out specific concerns remotely 

Follow-Up Plan: Keeping It Simple

  1. Check-In After a Week – Ask how the adjustments feel and if anything needs tweaking. Use FaceTime screen share to make it easy to do quick check ins
  2. Encourage Exploration – Suggest experimenting with Siri and dictation more in daily use.
  3. Be Available for Questions – Let him know he can reach out for clarification or improvements.
  4. Plan a Refresher Session – Schedule another short session in a month to make further refinements.


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