Optimize storage space on the MacBook

Running out of space on our MacBook is something we all, at some point, have had to face. Keeping enough free space not only allows us to store more files, but can also improve the performance of our device. In this article, we will show you how to make the most of your MacBook's storage.

Cleaning and optimizing the MacBook's system files

1. Delete system junk

System junk, as its name indicates, are files that you really don't need and that simply take up valuable disk space. This can include outdated files, browser caches, language packs of apps you never use and old Time Machine backups.

MacOS has a function called «Optimize Storage», which automatically deletes these redundancies. However, it is advisable to manually review some of these files, especially old Time Machine backups, to ensure you are not deleting anything that may still be of value.

2. Delete the browser cache

Every time you visit a website, a small amount of data is stored on your device so that the next time you visit this site, it loads faster. However, over time, these small data accumulate. Clearing the cache of your browser can free up a significant amount of space. How to empty the browser cache?

• Chrome: Go to More tools > Clear browsing data > Select «Cached images and files» and click «Clear data».
• Safari: Go to Settings > Advanced > Show Develop menu in the menu bar > Develop > Empty Caches.
• Mozilla Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and site data > Clear data > Check «Cached web content» and click «Clear».

While it is beneficial to clear the cache from time to time, don't do it too often, as this can slow down the loading of websites you visit regularly.

3. Other temporary files and caches

Apart from the browser cache, macOS also creates and stores caches and temporary files for other applications and processes. These can include interrupted updates, Safari website data and temporary logs. From time to time, it is good to delete these to ensure your MacBook runs smoothly.

The «Optimize Storage» function in macOS can automatically take care of many of these files. However, for a deeper cleaning, consider the use of specialized tools or manually reviewing the cache and temporary file folders.

Understand your MacBook's storage usage

Making the most of your MacBook's storage begins with understanding how and on what that space is being used. It's like cleaning a closet: first you need to know what's inside before deciding what to keep, what to donate and what to throw away.

How to check your MacBook's storage?

Before you can manage the space on your MacBook, you must first know how much free space you have and what is taking up that space:

• Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
• Select «About This Mac».
• Go to the «Storage» tab: here you will see a bar showing how much space is being used and by which category: Apps, Documents, System, Other, etc.

Common categories that take up space on your MacBook:

• Documents: these are all those reports, images, PDFs and other files you have saved.
• Apps: every program you download, from Photoshop to games, will take up space.
• System data and macOS: the operating system and the system files necessary for your MacBook to work correctly.

Often, the «Other» category can be confusing, but it generally includes caches, temporary files and other system data that don't fit into the previous categories.

Optimize using System Tools

Mac OS comes with built-in tools specifically designed to help you manage storage.

Store in iCloud

Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Optimize Mac Storage.

Make sure to select «Optimize Mac storage» so that the least used files are automatically stored in iCloud when you need space.

Optimize storage

In the same «Storage» menu mentioned above, select «Manage…»

Here you can opt for «Optimize Storage» to automatically delete programs and movies already watched on Apple TV and keep only recent attachments from Mail.

Empty the trash automatically

No more accumulation of unnecessary files that you have decided to delete.

Go to System Preferences > Manage… > Recommendations. Enable «Empty Trash Automatically».

Although this option is useful, always make sure to review the trash before it is emptied automatically to ensure you are not losing files you would like to recover.