Archives for September 2023

If you are looking for tools to help you stay organized this article is for you!  I am a firm believer that lists promote organization.  Through lists, we create written guides that allow us to get things done.  These written guides are extremely helpful for busy individuals who forget things in the midst of their busy day.  Lists are also beneficial for individuals who need a starting place when looking to become organized.

If you are looking for ways to become productive and complete tasks in your home, keep reading for the top 10 top lists for organization and a FREE printable.

Before we discuss each list, it’s important to note that some lists can be used every day while some lists will be used sparingly.

1.To Do List

The most common list that we often hear of is a to-do list.  A to-do list is a simply running list of tasks that we have to complete.  You can create a daily to-do list as well as a weekly to-do list.  I make a to-do list each day which has been a tremendous help.  A to-do list helps me accomplish tasks and allows me remember items that I may forget.

Each Sunday I also have a set to-do list that helps me prepare for the upcoming week.  This Sunday Reset article lists the tasks that I complete with an additional free printable.

2.Grocery List

Before I make a weekly trip to the grocery store, I always make a grocery list.  A grocery list has been a game changer for our budget as groceries make up a large portion of our monthly budget.  With a grocery list, I write down food items that I need to purchase from the grocery store and don’t steer from the items on the grocery list. This prevents mindless spending which helps me stay within my budget.

3.Menu List

A grocery list is awesome but when you combine it with a menu list, your life will run so much easier, especially in the evenings!  Each week before I make my weekly grocery list, I make a dinner menu for the upcoming week. Next, based on my dinner menu, I create my grocery list adding in breakfast and lunch items.  This plan allows me to quickly create a grocery list and each evening gives me a plan for dinner.

Tip:  Ask your family members about their favorite dinners.  Keeping these dinners in rotation will also save you time when creating your menu and grocery lists.  *Plan and cook more elaborate meals on days that you have more time.*

3.Shopping List

Once a month, I make a shopping list of household goods and personal hygiene items. As a family of four, we buy these items in bulk which decreases the times that we need to go to the store each month (my goal is once a month).  The shopping list with minimal trips to the store helps our household save money.

4.Goal List

Goals are things that we want to accomplish in life.  Creating a written list of 3-5 goals that we consistently review can provide us with motivation, acts as a guide, and allows us to focus on our goals.

Think about a new project or skill that you want to accomplish.  Write these goals down.  Lucidchart recommends these goals meet the SMART criteria which gives us a higher chance of meeting these goals.

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Time-bound

After writing down these goals, refer to your list of goals often.

5.Password List

We have definitely jumped on the streaming bandwagon and have many streaming services (more than I would like to admit).  Although we try to keep the same password for each streaming app, there are some minor differences in the passwords.  We have a password list for our streaming services which has been beneficial as a parent of teenagers who constantly are in need of the passwords.  We also have a document which we have written down the passwords to our online billing accounts.

6.Cleaning list

Use a cleaning list to write down your cleaning tasks for each day or week. I use a weekly cleaning list to help me reset my home on the weekend. Even though I complete the same cleaning tasks each week, my family members help clean and appreciate the written reminders.

7.Decluttering list for each season

A decluttering list for each season has helped me strategically look for items during each season to declutter.  A few weeks before a new season, I begin to prepare my home by decluttering items that I did not use the previous season.  For example, a few weeks before the summer season began, I set time aside to unpack my summer clothes. As I went through my summer clothes, I asked myself:

Do I love the item?

How often do I wear this item?

Do I have duplicates or similar items?

Does this item add value to my life?

If the answer was no to any of these questions, I gave the items away.

8.Packing list

If you are preparing to travel a packing list is crucial.  Create a packing last by writing down everything that you will need for a trip.  Always start packing a few days before your trip and on the day before leaving check off the items on the list.  This will ensure that you don’t leave anything off the list.

9.Birthday List

I have a large extended family that consists of many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Many of my family members are on Facebook which sends me a birthday reminder on their actual birthday.  However, a list of birthdays which includes our family and friends’ birthday gives me a monthly glance at upcoming birthdays which allows me to send them a card or small gift.  Once you have created a list of birthdays, place alerts in your phone that will send you a reminder a few days before your loved ones birthdays.

10. Brain dump

Lastly, if you are not ready to create various lists, create a brain dump list.  A brain dump list prompts you to write everything down that comes to your mind.  Most individuals when brain dumping, write for 5-10 minutes, with the goal of getting as many thoughts as possible out of their head.

If you prefer one list, consider brain-dumping all of your thoughts on one sheet of paper.  Next color code and group similar tasks.  Just as you would do with specific to do lists, mark the items off as your complete them.

We’ve made it through our top lists for organization.  Now, here’s a quick recap of the lists that will help you become organized and productive

1. To-Do List
2. Grocery List
3. Menu List
4. Shopping list
5. Goal List
6. Cleaning List
7. Decluttering List
8. Packing List
9. Birthday List
10. Brain Dump List

Final Thoughts

This article discussed the different types of to-do lists. While you may not need every list discussed if you just create one organized list, you are creating habits that will allow you to become organized.

What are your go to-do lists for organization?

Click here for your free to do list. Use this list a brain dump list or for a specific list that was discussed in this article!

Read Next:

7 Habits of Organized People

Why Every Home Needs a Home Organization Binder (Free Printable)