Make a list....ESSENTIAL FOR BEING ORGANIZED

By Tania Prociuk

I live by the "notes" option on my iPhone, it syncs to all of my Apple devices and I have it where ever I go.   The key here is not to delete the list after use because chances are you are going to reuse it.  If there is no chance you will reuse the list.....then yes delete it.  Here are some suggestions:

1.    Prepare a category in your Notes called "SHOPPING" and have subtitles for each store you frequent with your shopping essentials. It is often you purchase the same products each time you return to the same store - so don't bother deleting the list.  Just copy and paste it under the original one and mend what you need.  It will act as a reminder in the event you forgot to add an item and you will know what you just bought the last time so you don't end up purchasing another bulk item like paper towel or toilet paper as this take up a lot of storage space (something I am always running short of).  Within the category "SHOPPING" have subtitles for the grocery store, hardware store, Costco, drug store....etc.  When you think of an item to add (even late at night when you are staring at the ceiling) your phone is always nearby.

2.    It is also handy to have other categories, like "MAC REPAIR" if you are an Apple user, copy and paste trouble shooting tips in a note for each action like resetting the PRAM, fsck, Disk Utility...etc.  If your computer conks out there is an alternative way to look up ways to repair your bunk computer efficiently.  I often forget these troubleshooting tasks since this isn't a frequent occurrence (hopefully).

3.    Make another note category for "HOLIDAYS" with subtitles Christmas/Hanukkah and Birthdays.  You tend to purchase gifts for the same people, type their names with a dash next to it under each of these subtitles.  Then take note when you think of the perfect thing to get them....or perhaps, you may hear them say "I really need ______" one day.  They will never know you just jotted it down in your phone and you will put a smile on their face because you listened to their needs when they open their gift.  Again, leave this information in your notes, don't delete it because the holiday is over.  That way you will know what you bought each person last year and will have a list of people already in place for the following year.

4.    Create a category "CELEBRATIONS" with subtitles for birthday parties and other annual parties.  List the items you need to have for these events....like the cake, balloons, forks, paper towel and other party favours.  When the day comes you won't forget a thing.  You will need the same items the following year....so just leave the list on your phone for the future.  Less planning, more fun will be had and you will not be kicking yourself that you forgot something when the time counts.