How Often Do You Clear Out Your Backlog

One thing I’ve noticed across many organizations is a tendency to hoard old, outdated issues in their backlogs. It’s like a digital junk drawer, full of half-finished tasks and forgotten features.

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of "when to delete," it's generally a good idea to schedule regular backlog clean-outs. Think of it as a digital spring cleaning for your team.

So, why nother?

1. Outdated: If an issue has been sitting around for six months or more, it's probably not a top priority anymore. Let’s be honest, if it was really important, wouldn't someone have tackled it by now?
2. Evolving: Your product is constantly changing. Features get added, bugs get fixed, and technical debt accumulates. Old issues may no longer be relevant, or they might require a complete overhaul.
3. Overload: A cluttered backlog can be overwhelming. By clearing out old issues, you can help your team focus on the most important work.

Things to consider:

• Set a Schedule: Decide on a regular interval for your backlog clean-out, such as every six months or quarterly.
• Establish Clear Criteria: Develop guidelines for what to keep and what to delete. Consider factors like age, priority, and relevance.
• Involve Your Team: Get your team's input on which issues to keep or discard. A collaborative approach can help ensure that important work isn't accidentally deleted.
• Don't Be Afraid to Delete: Remember, it's okay to let go of old, outdated issues. A clean backlog is a happy backlog.

That last one is the most important.   

By regularly cleaning your backlog, you can improve your team's productivity, reduce stress, and ensure that your efforts are focused on the most impactful work.