How to Deal With a Lack of Drive Storage on Macbooks?

Despite its many advantages, Macbooks are still not the best when it comes to available drive storage. Some people tend to hoard files on the computer, and, before they know it, there are only a few gigabytes of free space left. 

When a computer’s HDD or SSD has less than 10% of free storage, it starts to underperform. The issue may not reach a point when it becomes next to impossible to use the Mac, but you will notice the difference right away.

Despite this seeming issue, Macbooks continue to be quite popular. It means that there is a way around the problem of lacking disk storage. If you have been looking to free up Mac’s disk space, the methods below should be of good use.

Method #1 – Get Cleanup Software for Temporary Junk

A cleanup utility tool is a good investment if you want to keep the computer clutter-free from temporary junk data.

App extensions, plugins, caches, and temporary backups are just a few examples of system junk. And while you can remove it manually, doing so would be monotonous, take too much time, and would require backups as you risk removing important files accidentally.

Meanwhile, alternative apps that can take care of the problem for you would remove the unnecessary temporary data automatically. 

In addition to freeing up disk space, getting rid of temporary clutter would also free up other system resources like GPU and memory since the system would have fewer files to process.

Method #2 – Get Rid of Language Pack Files

You might have installed some applications with custom language support without realizing it. For the most part, the English version is enough. 50 or so other languages that compliment an app are more or less worthless, but they are still taking valuable computer space.

Look through application directories and check for these language files. If you find any, delete them and free up the Macbook’s storage.

Method #3 – Delete Old Applications

Macbook applications that you have not used for a while is another item on the list of things you can delete. You can download and reinstall an app later if you need to use it. However, since the goal is to make as much free storage on the Macbook’d drive, you should not hesitate and delete applications that you do not need.

Method #4 – Check Mac for Downloads and Email Attachments

There might be more email attachments and other downloads than you expect. Check both folders and remove files that have served their purpose. 

If you want to prevent clutter in both downloads and email attachments folders in the future, why not change their default directory to the desktop? This way, you will notice the files right away and can delete them.

Method #5 – Remember to Remove Files Permanently

Keep in mind that dragging icons in the Trash Bin is not the same as removing them from the Macbook permanently. You need to right-click on the Bin and empty the trash or enable the feature that deletes Bin files automatically in 30 days.

It is also worth mentioning that you have another choice to remove data from the Macbook permanently. Select the file you want to delete, hit the Option + Command + Delete keyboard shortcut, and confirm the pop-up.

Method #6 – Transfer Data to External Storage

The Macbook data management strategy does not have to revolve entirely around deleting computer files. There is another approach – transferring them to external storage.

Cloud services are one of the first things that come to mind. Dropbox and iCloud are the go-to pick for many people. The services are free, and they provide a safe location to store data. Besides, if you are happy with it, you can get an upgraded plan for a monthly fee that will increase available storage.

You could also get an external hard drive or a few memory sticks and keep your files there. These devices are an excellent cloud alternative.

Method #7 – Scan for Malware

Given how many kinds of malware are out there, it should not come as a surprise that you can find one that eats computer space.

If you notice that there is less storage each time you check the Macbook’s drive, do not discard the idea that you have a malware problem.

Scan the system using reliable antivirus software to confirm that the laptop is malware-free. And if the scan detects infected files, get rid of them.

Method #8 – Consume Media on Streaming Sites

Large media files are one of the biggest problems when it comes to available computer storage. Having a backlog of TV shows or movies that you want to watch later means that these files remain on the computer.
Instead of keeping large media files on the Macbook, you should subscribe to streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+, where your favorite media is available in a few mouse clicks.