Memory Shrinking Rapidly

[JSSSSS]

I’ve got a 2013 13” Macbook Air with 120g of disk storage.
I’ve watched my available disk space drops to an alarming 18g even though my applications are only 9g and my desktop is 14g.
I’ve run several disk management programs to clean up the disks but my available storage is 18g and dropping.
So now I’m considering my options to get more storage.
From what I've read it seem like a good idea would be to get a 128g Transcend Jetdrive.
But then putting my applications and my desktop on the Jetdrive will only free up 23g.
So I'd appreciate input from those more knowledgeable that myself.
Is a Jetdrive my best option?
What could I put on the Jetdrive to free up more memory?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sracer]

I recommend installing an app like Disk Inventory X (essentially the OSX version of WinDirStat). It provides a nice breakdown of what is using disk space. I use it to help me keep my 128GB 11"MBA (and my daughter's 128GB 13" MBA, and wife's 256GB 13" MBA) running clean and lean.

 

[kohlson]

If you need more space, consider upgrading to 240GB SSDs, from a vendor like OWC. I've installed 480GB in my wife's (programmer) 2012 MBA, and my daughter's (casual use) 2011 MBA. Your disk will be one volume, which is easier to use.

 

[JSSSSS]

If you need more space, consider upgrading to 240GB SSDs, from a vendor like OWC. I've installed 480GB in my wife's (programmer) 2012 MBA, and my daughter's (casual use) 2011 MBA. Your disk will be one volume, which is easier to use.

Thanks Kohlson. That seems to be a good suggestion but I panic at the sight of a screwdriver. It recently took me 2 hours and 3 people helping to install a chip in my Iphone (true story, ask my wife).
Thats why I was looking at the Jetdrive which just slides in.
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I recommend installing an app like Disk Inventory X (essentially the OSX version of WinDirStat). It provides a nice breakdown of what is using disk space. I use it to help me keep my 128GB 11"MBA (and my daughter's 128GB 13" MBA, and wife's 256GB 13" MBA) running clean and lean.

Thanks Sracer.
Following your suggestion I looked at WinDirStat. Is there any kind of translator that will tell me what to do?
I've tried other Disk Inventory apps but I'm not technical enough to understand all the codes and colors.
I do use Broom and Dr. Disk and I've cleaned as much as possible. I have no music, no movies, no downloads, etc. My disk space just shrinks about 8g per month.

 

[kohlson]

DiskInventory X is pretty straightforward - size of the rectangle object corresponds to how big the file is, and color indicates type (such as system file, media, document, and so on) I believe there's a key that explains the colors. Holding the mouse over will provide more information.

Or, you may want to try OmniDisk Sweeper, which is a more finder-like interface. It sweeps through your files and lists a name and size for each.

Word of caution - don't delete system files.

Either of these can help highlight large files that you hadn't realized were there --movies, iMovie working files, photos, music and so on.

 

[Shirasaki]

Apps similar to disk inventory are also there. I use grandperspective. This app has better support on newer OS, while disk inventory is too old and stops development from long time ago.
I have 128GB SSD and free space is 20GB. You should consider upgrading to at least 240GB. Upgrading to 128GB does not solve much problem.

 

[JSSSSS]

DiskInventory X is pretty straightforward - size of the rectangle object corresponds to how big the file is, and color indicates type (such as system file, media, document, and so on) I believe there's a key that explains the colors. Holding the mouse over will provide more information.

Or, you may want to try OmniDisk Sweeper, which is a more finder-like interface. It sweeps through your files and lists a name and size for each.

Word of caution - don't delete system files.

Either of these can help highlight large files that you hadn't realized were there --movies, iMovie working files, photos, music and so on.

Omnidisksweeper solved my problem. Thanks.