The Storage Fix: How to Free Up Space and Keep Creating
- Samantha Morgan
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever pulled out your phone to record a video and been hit with the dreaded “Storage Full” message, you’re not alone. The average smartphone user adds 8GB of content to their device every month. That means a 256GB phone can fill up in just over six months, and most of us aren’t regularly clearing things out.
Worse still? In 2024, only 44% of iPhone users upgraded to a device with more storage. Meanwhile, file sizes are ballooning thanks to 4K video, live photo modes, slow motion clips, and app bloat. Editing apps in particular (like CapCut or iMovie) can hog enormous amounts of space, especially when unused project files are left sitting around.
In this Webinar Wednesday session, Samantha Morgan, founder of QuickFlip Media, shared the exact strategies she uses to manage files efficiently. She was joined by Robert Chandler, former Operations Manager at WAFB, who helped build out one of the most efficient digital video systems in local news. Together, they tackled how to stop your phone from being a bottleneck in your creative process—without signing up for yet another monthly subscription.
Step 1: Start with a Quick Cleanout
You don’t need a new system to get started. Here are a few things you can do right now:
Delete duplicates using your phone’s built-in “Duplicates” folder in Photos.
Remove unused apps and large attachments—especially video editors you’re no longer using.
Clear downloads and browser caches.
Delete old project files from editing apps like CapCut to free up major space.
Move videos off your phone to an external drive or cloud storage, even temporarily.
Step 2: Know Your File Types and What They Cost You
4K video takes up roughly 4x more space than 1080p, but most social platforms compress it anyway, so you're literally wasting space for nothing.
Live photos, slow motion, and burst mode photos create bloated files you may not need.
Most creators don’t need raw video or photo files for everyday content.
Want to free up 10GB fast? Switch your camera settings from 4K to 1080p and disable Live Photo mode.
Step 3: Create a File Transfer Routine
The best way to prevent full storage is to stay ahead of it. Set a recurring reminder to move files weekly or bi-weekly.
Use AirDrop, Google Photos, USB transfers, or Image Capture (for Mac users).
Label folders by date and project to keep everything organized and searchable.
Transfer in small batches - moving everything at once often leads to errors and wasted time.
Step 4: Choose a Smart Storage System
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here’s how the pros do it:
External hard drives are affordable and great for large files. Just remember to back them up annually.
Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) offers flexibility, but can get expensive fast.
Hybrid systems (local + cloud) offer the best of both worlds: speed, redundancy, and remote access.
Step 5: Use a File + Folder Naming System That Works
Even the best storage won’t help if you can’t find your files. A clear, consistent naming system saves time and sanity.
Recommended structure:
Folder: Content_2024 Subfolders: Reels / Interviews / B-Roll / Final Edits / To Edit Filename: 2025_07_17_BehindTheScenes_V1H.mp4
Use underscores, skip the spaces, and include dates + version numbers. This helps everything stay sortable and searchable.
Step 6: Decide What to Delete (and What to Keep)
Robert Chandler shared his philosophy: stop treating your phone like an archive. It’s a production tool, not a warehouse. Ask yourself:
Is it edited and uploaded already?
Is it backed up somewhere else?
Will you realistically use it again?
If not, let it go. Free up space for the things you will use.
Want More?
The next Video Basics Workshop is happening August 5–7. You’ll learn how to create better content, use the gear you already own, and walk away with a repeatable video workflow built for your business.
Use code STORAGEFIX to save 15% at the register
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