See what takes the space
Open System Settings › General › Storage. The bar shows what fills your disk, and the list below has recommendations, such as storing files in iCloud and emptying the Trash automatically.
Clear the big wins first
- Large files. In Storage, click the info button next to Documents and look at Large Files. Old videos, disk images, and archives are the usual suspects.
- Downloads. The same view has a Downloads list. Installers you already used and second copies can go; see how to delete downloads.
- Unused apps. Storage › Applications lists apps by size and last use. Delete one by dragging it from Applications to the Trash.
- iPhone and iPad backups. Storage › iOS Files lists local device backups and old software updates you may not need.
- The Trash. Nothing frees space until you empty it: Finder › Empty Trash.
Tidy what you keep
- Give your files a few folders that match your life, such as Bills, Work, and Travel, and move files in as they arrive.
- Use the Desktop for today’s work only. View › Use Stacks groups what’s left there by kind.
- Find exact copies before deleting them; our free duplicate file finder compares files by their content.
Where Lisorto fits
Lisorto for Mac keeps the tidying going: it sorts Downloads and the Desktop into Spaces (regular folders in Finder), gives scans and screenshots clear names, and with Pro keeps new files sorted as they land. Free up space offers used installers, copies, and big forgotten files, and moves only what you pick to the Trash. It never touches system files or apps.