Wirecutter - 7 tips to declutter your life

An illustration of various security settings and toggled buttons on a smartphone.

Dana Davis

Mobile phones have become a battleground of privacy. Since 2007, app-privacy controversies have snowballed, leading to concerns—both legitimate and misinformed—about the threat of data collection.

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It’s all, well, a lot. Yet despite how hopeless it might feel—and the fact that you can never completely prevent tracking and sharing—there are still steps you can take now to minimize data collection on your phone.

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For starters, disable personalized ad tracking. Be mindful about the apps you download and the permissions you afford them. Note when services require logins, and look for other options. Check out the rest of our tips here.

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The Prime Early Access Sale is coming

Amazon Prime is having a holiday sale on October 11 and 12. We know, we know, and no, it’s not just you: The season is starting earlier and earlier every year. Target also just kicked off its competing “Deal Days” event.

Most of the sales you’ll see next week are duds. But our experts will sift through them to find only the ones worth your time and money. We’ve already got a few good deals posted here.

More this week

Simplify your surroundings

Rearrange your fridge. Streamline your desk. Clean out your closet. You’ll be amazed at how different you feel after taking our expert advice on decluttering your life.

The best heating pad

An electric heating pad isn’t just for keeping you toasty at night—it can also be good for relieving muscle pain associated with cramps, arthritis, injuries, and more.

Dry season is coming

Dialing up the heat at home brings more chapped lips, nosebleeds, and cracked skin. Pick up one of our favorite humidifiers for the season.

Keep track of your oxygen levels at home

Using a fingertip pulse oximeter can be an easy and noninvasive way to track your oxygen levels, particularly if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

This week’s best deals

Harper Wilde Base Bra

Deal price: $30 | Street price: $46

Price includes shipping, final sale

This sturdy yet buttery-soft bra will support you through whatever a day throws at you. It’s comfortable, elegant-looking, and flattering on a wide variety of body types. It’s also one of our least expensive picks and is particularly well suited for larger breasts.

Buy now from Harper Wilde

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021)

Deal price: $70 | Street price: $115

If you’re already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, the Show 8 is an excellent smart display. It’s compatible with the widest range of music services, smart-home devices, games, and entertaining features. The Echo Show 8 is easy to interact with, whether by voice or touch, thanks to its excellent onscreen menus and Alexa’s always-impressive conversational chops.

Buy now from Amazon

HP Slim Desktop PC (S01-pF1048xt)

Deal price: $550 | Street price: $650

The HP Slim Desktop is fast enough for most people’s computing needs, comparatively inexpensive, and takes up less space than full-size desktop PCs. It handles web browsing, documents and spreadsheets, media streaming, Zoom calls, DVD burning, and even some light gaming. This particular upgrade model has a faster processor, double the memory, and more solid-state storage.

Buy now from HP

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Wirecutter - 7 tips to declutter your life

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