How to Free Up Space in Gmail & Drive (Google One Storage)

Google provides 15GB of free cloud storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. While this seems ample, users often find themselves nearing the limit, leading to storage warnings and the need to either delete files or pay for additional space. Instead of opting for a monthly subscription, you can manage your storage efficiently by following these simple yet effective techniques to clean up unnecessary files and emails.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of checking your storage status, backing up important data, and removing large or outdated files in both Google Drive and Gmail. Let’s get started!

Understanding Your Google Storage Status

Before you begin deleting files, it’s essential to assess your storage usage.

Checking Storage in Gmail

1. Open Gmail and scroll to the bottom of the screen.
2. You will see a storage status bar indicating how much space has been used.
3. Click on the status bar to open a detailed breakdown of your storage across Google services.

Checking Storage in Google Drive

1. Open Google Drive.
2. On the left-hand side, locate the storage indicator.
3. Click on the indicator to view your files sorted by size.

This will give you an idea of which files and emails are consuming the most space.

Backing Up Important Data Before Deletion

Before deleting anything permanently, it’s wise to back up your data to prevent accidental loss. Google provides an excellent tool for this—Google Takeout.

How to Use Google Takeout for Backup

1. Click on your profile picture in any Google service and select Manage your Google Account.
2. Navigate to Data & Privacy on the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down to Data from apps and services you use and click on Download your data.
4. This will take you to Google Takeout, where you can choose the data you want to back up.
5. Deselect everything initially, then manually select Google Drive and Gmail.
6. Click Next Step, select one-time export, and choose a preferred format (ZIP recommended).
7. Click Create Export and wait for the email notification when the backup is ready for download.

Once your backup is complete, you can proceed with deleting unnecessary files confidently.

Identifying and Removing Large Files in Google Drive

One of the fastest ways to free up space is by targeting large files.

Sorting Files by Size

1. In Google Drive, click on the Storage tab on the left-hand menu.
2. This will automatically display your files sorted from largest to smallest.
3. Identify unnecessary large files, such as videos and raw image files.
4. Right-click on the file and select Remove to move it to the trash.

Emptying the Trash

Deleted files remain in the trash and continue to consume space unless permanently removed.

1. Click on Trash in Google Drive’s left-hand menu.
2. Click Empty Trash to permanently remove all deleted files.

Finding and Deleting Old Files in Google Drive

Another effective way to free up space is by deleting old, unused files.

Sorting by Last Modified Date

1. Navigate to My Drive.
2. Click on the Last Modified column to sort files by date.
3. Review old files and delete anything that’s no longer needed.

Using Date Filters to Search for Old Files

A more refined approach involves using Google Drive’s search function.

1. Click on the search bar in Drive.
2. Type before:YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., before:2019-01-01) to display all files created before a certain date.
3. Select and delete files that are no longer needed.

Finding and Deleting Large Emails in Gmail

Emails, especially those with large attachments, can occupy significant space over time.

Using Search Filters to Find Large Emails

1. Open Gmail and click on the search bar.
2. Click on the Filter Icon on the right-hand side.
3. In the Size field, select Greater Than and enter a file size (e.g., 5MB).
4. Click Search to display all large emails.
5. Review and delete unnecessary emails with large attachments.

Finding and Deleting Old Emails in Gmail

Emails from years ago can add up, even if they don’t contain attachments.

Using Search Filters to Find Old Emails

1. In the Gmail search bar, type before:YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., before:2020-06-01).
2. Press Enter to display all emails from before that date.
3. Select emails for deletion.

Deleting Emails Permanently

Once emails are deleted, they remain in the Trash and continue to take up storage.

Emptying Gmail Trash

1. Click on Trash in Gmail’s left-hand menu.
2. Click Empty Trash now to permanently delete the emails.

Additional Tips for Managing Google Storage

Use Google Photos Storage Settings

• Convert photos to Storage Saver quality to reduce file sizes.
• Regularly review and delete duplicate or blurry images.

Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Mailing Lists

• Use the Unsubscribe button in emails to reduce incoming clutter.
• Set up filters to automatically delete promotional emails.

Use Google’s Storage Management Tool

• Visit Google One Storage Management for a quick overview of your storage usage.
• Use Google’s recommendations for files to delete.

Conclusion

Managing your Google storage effectively can save you from unnecessary expenses and keep your digital space organized. By identifying large and outdated files, using search filters, and permanently deleting unneeded files, you can maximize your free 15GB storage. Implement these tips today and keep your Google account clutter-free!