Organize Your Whole Life Using the Notes App

After this post I wrote a few months back, I got asked what my actual day-to-day schedule looks like balancing working from home and now homeschooling three kids. So I thought I’d give you a peek of my daily routines while also sharing my process for staying organized on my phone.

Did you know there’s one helpful little app on your phone that can really help with staying on top of all the things?

It’s not fancy, but it’s simple - the Notes app!

Surprised? Let me show you how I use it as a command center to totally simplify work + home life. I’ve been using mine for over a year and it has made all the difference in my day!

Why a Digital Command Center

Our brains are all over the place with details and distractions….

"Did I take my vitamins? Have I changed the laundry? Did I email that client? Have my kids finished their chores? What do I need to get at the store? What did I spend at the store? What do I need to prep for the meeting? When did I last let the dog out? What’s for dinner?”

Having ONE place to track details in your day and remind you of what’s needed or what’s coming up next is so helpful!

It also really helps stay on top of daily habits like working out, reading your Bible, dishes, laundry, etc. When life is full, it’s so easy to simply lose track of even the most basic things.

Why I Use the Notes app

Most of us always have our phones within reach, so using a mobile app to keep things in order just makes sense. I know there are a lot of productivity apps with a lot of bells and whistles. But those things can sometimes hinder us from regularly using them when we’re busy.

For example, I love Asana for complex projects and goal planning and use it regularly. However, I don’t always have time to create a new task, assign it, schedule a deadline, tag it or add it to a project.

Sometimes simple is better! This is especially true when you just want to see everything for today at a glance or jot down quick updates.

Creating Your Daily Command Center Note

Step 1: Daily Routine - Break up your day into sections.

Logically think through what happens in your day-to-day life and when. I do Morning, Afternoon, & Evening routines, but you can break yours up even more if you want. Dividing your day into 3-4hr sections works really well too.

What do you typically need to get done every day during that time? For example, your morning routine section could include things like: Bible study, Coffee, Get Ready for the Day, Load Dishwasher, Pack lunches, etc.

I then list any specific tasks for that day separately.

Don’t forget to add checklists! Checking things off and seeing your progress is so motivating.

Then don’t forget to check in and check off things you get done throughout the day.

Step 2: Add Weekly Checklists - Menu, Cleaning, Errands

As you probably know by now, I’m a big fan of planning my week. I feel so much better when I know what’s for dinner, how much I spent, what I need to grab at the store, etc. Having this noted SOMEWHERE is much better than those details floating around in my brain.

You can create whatever sections are helpful for you and then create checklists for those things that need to get done throughout the week. As you go about your week, you can add to these each day and keep track of what still needs to be done.

Step 3: Track Your Spending

I keep a running list of how much I spent each week as well as when, where, and what budget area it’s coming out of. This helps me and my husband stay on the same page for expenditures because everything is documented. This is also an easy way to make sure I’m not going over food budgets because I always know how much is left.

Step 4: Calendar - Upcoming Events + Appointments

Do you constantly forget birthdays, doctor’s appointments, or kids’ events? This note is the perfect place to keep track of what’s coming up. The minute you hear about an event or an appointment, jot it into this section of your note and you’ll be reminded of it daily.

Step 5: Share Your Note or Add Reminders

With iPhone, you can share your note with others so that they can view it or contribute. This is perfect for sharing week details with your spouse or teenagers if you have them. My sister and I share our notes to encourage each other to stay productive. I also recently started using the Reminders app and making it coordinate with the routines in my app. You don’t have to do this, but it’s a good trigger to check in and see what you’ve done throughout the day.

When Items Are Left Unchecked

Try not to get discouraged if you can’t get to everything. Most days you won’t be able to do everything you thought you would. Rather than focus on those things that are left unchecked, be proud of all things you took care of!

I want to know…. what would you add to your command center note? Share in the comments!