Running out of space on your Google Drive? Overflowing with files and folders? No worries, we’ve got you. This post will guide you on how to clean up your Google Drive and make your digital life simpler. Let’s jump right in!
Know Your Storage Limit
First, understand your storage limit. Google Drive provides 15 GB of free storage, meaning you can hold up to 15 GB of files and folders. If more storage is needed, consider a paid plan or a Google One membership.
With knowledge of your storage limit, let’s explore how to clean up Google Drive.
Remove Unwanted Files
The quickest route to more space is to ditch the clutter. Eyeball your files and folders, find those you don’t use. Ponder questions like:
Have I opened this file lately? Do I own duplicate files? Can this file be downsized?
Found files for deletion? Check them and press “Trash.” But remember, trashed files can’t be recovered. So, please be certain before hitting that delete button.
Move Large files to Google Cloud Storage
If enormous files choke your Google Drive, mull over moving them to Google Cloud Storage. Their pricing plans are budget-friendly, and you can store an immense 16 TB of data. Not to mention, you can access your files anytime, making it a fantastic large file storing choice.
Here’s how to move files to Google Cloud Storage:
First, go to Google Drive and pick the files to move. Right-click on these files, then select “Move to.” In the dropdown menu, you’ll see “Google Cloud Storage.” Click it. Choose where you want to move files by choosing a destination bucket. Then, click “OK.”
Keep repeating these steps until all your big files have been moved to Google Cloud Storage.
Benefit From Google Drive File Stream
Google Drive File Stream lets you reach your Google Drive files right from your own desktop. It’s perfect for companies and people who often need to use big files.
Google Drive File Stream saves your files on your computer, not in the cloud. This means your Google Drive won’t get full. And, you can use your files when you’re not online, which is great for remote work.
Here’s how to turn on Google Drive File Stream:
Go to Google Drive and click the gear icon at the top right. Click “Settings.” Find the “General” section, look for “Google Drive File Stream,” and turn it on. Click “Save Changes.”
Once you’ve turned on Google Drive File Stream, you’ll be able to use your files right from your desktop without filling up your Google Drive.
Move Files to Another Cloud Service
If you’ve tried everything and need more storage, think about moving your files to another cloud service. There are lots of them out there, like Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Amazon S3.
