How to optimise Google storage

With the pandemic shifting work and studies online, you may often find yourself out of space while using Google applications.

Google provides 15GB of free space in Google Drive, which apparently seems like a decent arrangement. However, that 15GB incorporates Google Drive, as well as Gmail records and Google+ Photos.

So, managing space can feel cumbersome at times. Here are several ways to optimise your use.

1. Cleanup time

When files are deleted in Google Drive, they are not initially deleted forever. They accumulate in the Trash section and over time, they add up and occupy storage. So, occasionally head into Trash and permanently delete files you don’t need anymore.

The process is simple. Clicking ‘Trash’ in the sidebar of Google Drive, select the files you want to delete and click the trashcan icon.

2. Consider what can be removed

Removing photos, videos, files and other content from the Google products using the websites of these products will free up a lot of space. So, consider what can be removed. You can back up the files prior to deleting them, which you can do using Google's Takeout tool.

3. Mix it up

There are other cloud services beyond Google Drive who offer free storage. Dropbox offers 2 GB and OneDrive offers 5 GB free. If you’ve already applied the tricks mentioned above but still don’t want to pay for storage, consider getting one of these additional services.

However, although you won’t have to pay for the extra storage, it will involve having to remember multiple logins and using multiple services.

For convenience, you can dedicate certain file types to certain services. For instance, if you’re getting Dropbox, you can decide to keep all your videos there and keep all other files in Drive. So, you can easily access a file without searching across multiple services.

4. Get a storage plan

Google's main motivation for making the storage changes which limited the capacity was the business model of storage plans. If you are willing to get the extra space, you can in fact do it easily. The price range is also reasonable, starting from Tk 5 TO Tk 33,000.

To buy extra storage using the Google Drive app of your phone or tablet, open the app and tap ‘Menu’ on the top left.

Then tap ‘Settings’ and ‘Upgrade Storage’ respectively. Now you'll be presented with different storage plans. Scroll down and choose the one that suits you. Input your payment type and subscribe.

To buy storage using the Google One app, install it and make sure you're signed into your Google account.

In the Google One app, at the bottom, tap ‘Upgrade.’ Choosing your new storage limit, review the new plan pricing and payment date, then tap ‘Continue.’

In order to confirm your Google One plan, select your payment method and tap ‘Subscribe.’ Alternatively, you can also use Google One on your computer if you visit one.google.com.

Hence, the process of managing space in your cloud services doesn’t have to be troublesome. With a few smart tricks, you can get the work done pretty swiftly.

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