How to organise everything in my life OS?

Nocturnes

I use Evernote and keep notes linked between PC/phone. They offer a free version online. It has really helped me keep everything easily accessible wherever I am (assuming I can find my phone ) and has cut down on the bits of paper everywhere.

Savannah02K

I'm with Taff, too many lists, why put yourself under that kind of stress? Surely you don't need a list to tell yourself to do the ironing, the washing, the cleaning etc? I used to do all of that but stopped a couple of years ago. I can still get the sense of satisfaction at having done all that just by looking round my house. Lists are for work, not for life.

cottage_retreatist

I love writing lists!! :j
I write lists about absolutely everything imaginable!! And I always make sure I use a highlighter as well to highlight and underline and so-on - I tried to go across to using an organiser/note-taker on my iPad but it just wasn't the same as physically being able to write stuff down so that didn't go on for very long.

For me it's the satisfaction of being able to tick or cross something off a list that makes it good - either at work or at home!!

I don't think its because I've got too much to do though - from the sound of it I seem to have too much time on my hands with making my lists look pretty!!! :rotfl:

*hangs head in shame and goes and sits in the corner, getting out a notebook to list all the ways in which my time should be spent*

seabright

I use wunderlist on my iPad & phone (it's available for PC too) and that's great, also, you can share lists with other users.

I have a whiteboard in the kitchen which acts as a shopping list

Callie22

I have one notebook that I keep pretty much everything in. Each 'page' is a week and I divide the page into two. At the top is a weekly 'to-do' list, and then at the bottom is my meal plan for the week, listed under each day. On the back of the page is my weekly shopping list, with different headings for each product group - so dairy, veg, meat, dry good, household etc. Sounds a bit obsessive but I just find it helps to keep it all organised and means I don't miss bits when shopping. My notebook has a pocket in the front so I put shopping vouchers and coupons in there, so I know where they are and so that they're handy for when I'm shopping (these are organised in date order - again it's a bit obsessive but it's handy to know what needs to be used, if there's a good offer on something then I'll work it into that week's meal plan or add it to my shopping list). I tend to spend half an hour or so on a Sunday planning meals, working out what needs doing that week and putting the details in my notebook. It tends not to need much updating during the week, just the odd bit of shopping added or things crossed off as I do them.

More generally, at the back of the notebook I have a page with a longer term 'to-do' list, and then a couple of odd pages where I jot down crafts I want to try, recipes I want to have a go at etc.

I do use the odd post-it for day to day jobs but in the main I stick to my notebook. I started it because I was getting a bit overwhelmed with different lists etc and I wanted to keep it all in one place. It's handy because I can see fairly quickly if I haven't put anything on my list, or when we last ate a certain meal etc, and I find once you get used to using it, it does make you more organised.

elaine241

Spudsey, just read all the replies to your thread, some super organised listers out there! In response to your question I keep my "to do" list on my kitchen table. If I catch myself headless chickening (new verb!) I make a cuppa and sit down to refocus on the list. Often I put things down that I dont want to do especially if it is phoning someone. Just ticking mundane daily tasks off the list gives me control. As for notebooks I have 3 freezers! One with my fridge freezer, one for Yellow sticker/bargains and one with home produced veg/fruit/meat. I keep a notebook for each ones contents so that I know the oldest stuff, I'm not a slave to them but it helps me not overspend when I see bargains. Other lists are my main shopping list combined with a to do list for when I am in town. If I dont write this list I forget something and have to make a special trip. (I hate shopping so it also enables me to be into town and out as quickly as possible!)
I must confess I am also a bit of a "prepper" (read SHTF thread). I keep a list of food supplies/candles/equipment etc. I live on a farm and was always brought up to be self reliant and prepared for most things power cuts, snowed in, zombie apocalypse LOL!
I would change your thinking regarding your lists, it is not out of control to have lists, think of the chaos without them! Your lists just need reorganising/editing so they work for you rather than against you. Plenty of good ideas on here and also reassuring that you are not alone. Hope this helps ELaine

elaine241

Spudsey just a quick thought on rabbits veg! I would cut up a load of veg when you have time, sort it into portions and freeze in little bags. When you are working you will only have to remember to take it out the night before. I doubt if the rabbit will complain its not freshly cut up!

charlies-aunt

I totally rely on lists

I have and use daily

A large £1.49 book of "to do lists" from Wilkos for planning projects/christmas/holidays

A page-a-day diary

A small hard backed notebook listing out
- room by room - dimensions for carpeting/wallpaper, colour scheme, curtain sizes and a list of stuff that I'm hoping to pick up (cushions, furniture, rugs, appliances)
- each family member - clothes/shoe sizes and a list of clothing/accessories that are needed
- a list of food store cupboard items that I use frequently (home baking, tinned tuna, honey etc) with the price I normally pay for it so its possible to check out if the "amazing bargain" at Sainsberys is actually cheaper than the bog standard price at Aldi
- a list of birthday/christmas presents that I need to buy

...and i never shop without a shopping list ..my memory is terrible!!

Spudsey

Callie22 wrote: »

I have one notebook that I keep pretty much everything in. Each 'page' is a week and I divide the page into two. At the top is a weekly 'to-do' list, and then at the bottom is my meal plan for the week, listed under each day. On the back of the page is my weekly shopping list, with different headings for each product group - so dairy, veg, meat, dry good, household etc. Sounds a bit obsessive but I just find it helps to keep it all organised and means I don't miss bits when shopping. My notebook has a pocket in the front so I put shopping vouchers and coupons in there, so I know where they are and so that they're handy for when I'm shopping (these are organised in date order - again it's a bit obsessive but it's handy to know what needs to be used, if there's a good offer on something then I'll work it into that week's meal plan or add it to my shopping list). I tend to spend half an hour or so on a Sunday planning meals, working out what needs doing that week and putting the details in my notebook. It tends not to need much updating during the week, just the odd bit of shopping added or things crossed off as I do them.

More generally, at the back of the notebook I have a page with a longer term 'to-do' list, and then a couple of odd pages where I jot down crafts I want to try, recipes I want to have a go at etc.

I do use the odd post-it for day to day jobs but in the main I stick to my notebook. I started it because I was getting a bit overwhelmed with different lists etc and I wanted to keep it all in one place. It's handy because I can see fairly quickly if I haven't put anything on my list, or when we last ate a certain meal etc, and I find once you get used to using it, it does make you more organised.

Thats sounds great. Yes I'm getting overwhelmed I think with my lists too and am determined to keep everything in my filofax in future. I have ordered my 2014 pages already and have found one that has a week on one page and then on the opposite side of the book another page for notes. No excuses!

Spudsey

elaine241 wrote: »

Spudsey, just read all the replies to your thread, some super organised listers out there! In response to your question I keep my "to do" list on my kitchen table. If I catch myself headless chickening (new verb!) I make a cuppa and sit down to refocus on the list. Often I put things down that I dont want to do especially if it is phoning someone. Just ticking mundane daily tasks off the list gives me control. As for notebooks I have 3 freezers! One with my fridge freezer, one for Yellow sticker/bargains and one with home produced veg/fruit/meat. I keep a notebook for each ones contents so that I know the oldest stuff, I'm not a slave to them but it helps me not overspend when I see bargains. Other lists are my main shopping list combined with a to do list for when I am in town. If I dont write this list I forget something and have to make a special trip. (I hate shopping so it also enables me to be into town and out as quickly as possible!)
I must confess I am also a bit of a "prepper" (read SHTF thread). I keep a list of food supplies/candles/equipment etc. I live on a farm and was always brought up to be self reliant and prepared for most things power cuts, snowed in, zombie apocalypse LOL!
I would change your thinking regarding your lists, it is not out of control to have lists, think of the chaos without them! Your lists just need reorganising/editing so they work for you rather than against you. Plenty of good ideas on here and also reassuring that you are not alone. Hope this helps ELaine

Very organised Elaine! Some great ideas though. Wow three freezers! I do need a bigger one in my kitchen really as its quite small and I would like to keep a bit of everything in there and the extra bags in my big freezer.
Your lists sound quite organised too. I do need lists otherwise I literally would forget to do stuff.
Thanks Elaine you have been super helpful