If you have a Mac with a 256GB SSD, you might notice that your storage fills up quickly. I managed to free up 100GB, going from only 20GB free to 120GB! Here’s a simple guide to help you do the same, using a built-in Terminal command and the CleanMyMac app.
1. Find Big Files with du
The du (disk usage) command helps you see which folders and files are taking up the most space. Open Terminal and type:
cd ~ # Go to your user folder
du -sh -- * .[^.]* | sort -hr
What does this command do?
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du -sh -- * .[^.]*: Shows the size of each file and folder, including hidden files. -
sort -hr: Sorts the results from largest to smallest, so you can easily find the biggest files.
Where to Look for Large Files
Once you run the command, check these common storage hogs:
-
~/Downloads: Old downloads you no longer need. -
~/Library/Caches: App caches that build up over time. -
~/Moviesand~/Music: Large media files. -
~/Desktop: Temporary files left on your desktop.
To delete files you no longer need, use:
rm -rf path/to/file-or-folder
Be careful! Make sure you don’t delete important files.
2. Use CleanMyMac for Easy Cleanup
CleanMyMac is a simple app that helps clean up your Mac automatically.
How to Use CleanMyMac:
- Download and install CleanMyMac from the official website.
- Open the app and click Smart Scan.
- Review the files it suggests for deletion.
- Confirm the cleanup to free up space.
CleanMyMac removes junk files, app leftovers, and system caches safely.
3. More Tips to Free Up Space
🗑️ Empty the Trash
Sometimes, files stay in the Trash and still take up space. Open Finder > Trash and click Empty.
🗃️ Manage iCloud Storage
If you use iCloud Drive, old files might be taking up local space. Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud and adjust storage settings.
🚀 Delete Unused Apps
Check your installed apps in Finder > Applications and delete ones you don’t need.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily free up gigabytes of space on your Mac. The du command helps you find large files, while CleanMyMac makes cleaning easy.
Try it out and let me know if it worked for you! 🚀
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