From Dings to Done: Managing Digital Distractions in a Simplified Home

Sleek silver phone design featuring distinct volume control buttons, elegantly displayed on a reflective surface.

Dings, pings, and shiny things—those constant notifications, reminders, and alerts—can feel like background chaos. Especially when a system updates or something changes, it’s all too easy to fall into a spiral of distraction. That’s why one of the first things I do with any new app is head straight to the settings and turn off notifications.

It might sound a little intense, but I know myself. The minute my phone buzzes, I’m tempted. And once I’m in? That one “quick check” can lead to 15 minutes of email, messages, and maybe even a detour through a game or a social media scroll. Time, gone.

I’ve learned to protect my time by filtering the noise—literally and figuratively.

Another strategy? Try the system as-is before customizing it. It’s like a cooking rule from my childhood: My dad always made a new recipe three times before modifying it. That mindset has helped me with organizing systems too. I once tried a popular productivity method that used sticky notes (which I love), and while the structure worked, it quickly became visually overwhelming. I didn’t ditch it—I just tweaked it to better fit my organizing style.

That’s the balance I aim for in everything: Try it simply, then make it yours.

Notifications and alerts aren’t all bad—they’re meant to be helpful. But if you’re someone (like me!) who gets easily distracted, they can pile on the mental clutter. Choosing to simplify your digital space is just as important as organizing your physical one.

💡 Want help creating systems that support your real life (without the digital noise)? Inside the Hopeful Simplicity Library, you'll find room-by-room guides, mom-friendly methods, and 90+ recordings to help you declutter, organize, and sustain a simplified life—on your time, at your pace.

📱Start with the space that’s buzzing for your attention most—and leave the pings behind.