How to Organize Your Google Drive (Without Overthinking It)
Updated: Feb 7
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Hi Friend,
If you’re anything like me, your Google Drive is more disorganized than your fridge. Mine used to be full of...
untitled docs
random screenshots
and files I swore I’d organize later...
...but later never came.
Have you ever wasted 10+ minutes searching for a document you just worked on? Or, maybe you created folders but never used them? Some of us feel embarrassed because we don’t know how Google Drive works.
Today, I’ll teach you how I went from a Google Drive disaster to a system that isn’t Instagramable but works for me.
It's time to design your Google Drive so it actually works with your brain.
Let's dive in.
Why Does Having an Organized Google Drive Matter?
When your digital space is a mess, your brain feels like a mess, too.
Why?
Because digital clutter is just as overwhelming as physical clutter.
A cluttered Google Drive adds to stress, drains your executive functions, and makes simple tasks harder than they need to be.
But when everything is organized, life gets easier. You can find files in seconds, avoid distractions, and focus on what matters.
Of course, there’s a catch: the perfect system doesn’t exist (especially if you’re neurodivergent). Conventional productivity advice probably won’t work. Instead, it’s all about designing a system that makes your life easier.
Common Mistakes Made When Organizing Google Drive
The three most common mistakes people make when trying to organize their Google Drive are:
Vague or Default File Names
If your Drive is full of files named “Untitled Doc” or “Resume,” you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
I’ve wasted 20 minutes searching for a doc I didn’t title, never found it, and had to start all over.
Too Many Folders
Over-organizing makes things harder, but not organizing at all is just as bad. Last year, I did a Google Drive overhaul and created 10 folders I never used.
Now, I have less folders. But, I rarely open them when searching for a document.
Ignoring the Search Bar
Google Drive has a powerful search function and most people don’t use its full potential.
Because I’ve titled everything intentionally, I immediately go to the search bar and type in one or two keywords.
How to Keep Your Google Drive Organized (Without Overthinking It)
You might be thinking, "This sounds great, but my Google Drive is such a s*** show, and reorganizing everything will take hours!"
If that’s the case, don’t try to organize everything. Honestly, that sounds AWFUL.
Instead, create a folder titled “Everything Before [Today’s Date]” and move everything from your Drive into it. Now, you can start fresh and create new folders.
Once you’ve designed your folder system, upkeep is the key. And, let’s be honest, this might be the biggest downfall of every neurodivergent person. Maintaining systems of organization isn't easy.
Some people will recommend setting a reminder on your digital calendar to clean up your Google Drive once per month. While great in theory, you know yourself best. Maybe this will work for you, but maybe not.
If you know you won't follow through with a monthly clean-up, I have some tips to help you organize your Google Drive:
1. Use Clear, Search-Friendly File Names
I cannot emphasize this one enough!!!
Instead of “Resume.doc,” or leaving a doc “Untitled”, give it a unique, specific name like “Eric_Kaufmann_Resume_2025” or “Car Insurance Research”
2. Use Google Drive’s ‘Starred’ Feature
You can keep important docs in the starred folder so you’re not searching every time.
To do so, click on the star on the right side of a doc or sheet and quickly find it from the starred section of Google Drive.
3. Gamify Clean-Up Sessions
If you’re up for a quick digital reorg, leveraging the competitive side of your brain makes it fun.
Set a timer and race yourself. Learn how long it takes and try to beat your personal best next time.
Summary
Digital clutter drains executive function and makes simple tasks harder. If your Google Drive is a mess of untitled docs and forgotten files, it’s time for a system that works for your brain.
No perfect system exists, but these tips can help:
Use clear, search-friendly file names
Use Google Drive’s ‘starred’ feature
Gamify clean-up sessions
If organizing everything feels overwhelming, create a folder called “Everything Before [Today’s Date]” and move all existing files there. Then, start fresh.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect system. It’s all about creating something that truly works for your unique brain.
Start small, adjust as needed, and keep it simple.
In service,
Eric
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About the Author
Eric Kaufmann is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company that guides adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. He is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that supports neurodivergent students in becoming independent and confident.