What Is Cleanup?
A domain cleanup (also called portfolio pruning) is the process of reviewing your domain portfolio and dropping names that aren't generating sufficient value to justify their renewal costs. It's a critical discipline for domain investors and businesses holding multiple domains.
During a cleanup, each domain is evaluated against criteria like: Has it received any inquiries? Does it have realistic sales potential? Is the renewal cost justified by its estimated value? Could the renewal money be better spent on new acquisitions?
Most experienced domain investors do a cleanup at least once a year, typically before renewal dates. The goal is to maintain a lean, high-quality portfolio rather than a bloated collection of marginal names.
Why This Matters for Startups
Even startups accumulate domains over time — defensive registrations, project names that didn't launch, variations you no longer need. Review your domains annually and drop anything you're not actively using or protecting. Each unnecessary domain costs $10–$100+ per year in renewals. That budget could go toward a single better domain that actually serves your brand.
Ready to Find Your Startup's Domain?
Browse our curated collection of premium domains or get a free appraisal on any name.
Browse Premium Domains