We write lists for just about everything. And as it turns out, many of those things have one thing or another to do with the home. The list goes on. And on...
We write lists for just about everything. And as it turns out, many of those things have one thing or another to do with the home. The list goes on. And on...
Groceries, cleaning to-do, home improvement supplies, home improvement to-do. We're not sure how we could manage much around the house without lists. What about you - are you a list-maker?
Tell us what lists you have hanging on your 'fridge door (or if your lists aren't kept there, where are they kept?
Are your lists just for you or an entire household?
What do you write your lists on? We're partial to binder-clipped scrap paper.
(image: via Frugal Village)
Totally a list maker! I like to make epic lists of everything that I can imagine that I want to accomplish--it can be from buying kleenex to paying off a painting a chair to buying a house. It's sort of fun to put the little things on the same scale as the super big projects and life changes. I'd been making this kind of list for years, when I stumbled on someone on the Interweb that does the same thing. She calls hers "uberlists." So, I've adopted that name. At least once a year I make an uberlist.
view BlackFrancine's profile
I'm a Virgo. I have always considered lists to be a part of my sign. I am constantly writing lists. We have chalkboard paint covered cabinet doors, I carry a Moleskin around, any scrap of paper will do if I have to wait for anything. I am a list junkie. The only thing better than making lists is checking list items off.
view kmarie's profile
Oh, I love lists! I keep a little book of lists just for my home. There's a double page for each room of the house and then everything goes in it from buy new soap dispenser to get pictures framed. Plus I put in various room, shelf, drawer measurements. That way when I'm at the shops, I have all the information I need!
view C'est Claire's profile
In fact I have several lists sitting next to me right now. FYI, I'm also a virgo.
view ObliterateWasteNow's profile
I'm less of a list maker (though that's not to say I don't make lists, there's always a notebook in my purse and I stick pens in my hair) and more of a timer fanatic. My most useful tool in the kitchen/while I'm out is my cellphone's countdown timer. It lets me keep track of dozens of things, from when the cookies are done to how long the waffles have been in the waffle iron to how long per side the steaks need to cook. I've got itchy fingers when it comes to cooking sometimes, and having a specific time limit keeps me from peeking at things that I KNOW aren't done.
view PreludeInZ's profile
Take a look a Things from www.CulturedCode.com
view davebarnes's profile
Take a look at Things from http://www.CulturedCode.com
view davebarnes's profile
I make lists on the flaps of envelopes which promptly get lost. Sometimes I think the act of writing down the list is more important than having it later. But maybe I'm just used to my scattered brain.
view sciencegeek's profile
I make lists for everything, including chores daily, and even hourly if I have a lot of things to do. I stick them on post its to the fridge or keep sticky pads in places where I can see them easily.
view nerd2003's profile
List maker....and Virgo. Hmmm, seeing a trend. ;o)
view Annegret's profile
By the way the best thing about making lists like kmarie said is when you get to check off things that are already done.
view nerd2003's profile
I started serious list-making in High School. Then, it was just Weelky Errands that were color coded and in order with deadlines and rewritten daily. Now, I have lists for everything. I even have a 10-year list for my house plans. And I've shortened my Daily list to just 5 things. I keep them in my bedside table or my phone.
view asked you first's profile
Lists, flow charts, staging areas. You bet.
view SunnyBlue's profile
Definitely a list-maker and have been since I was a kid. I keep a running grocery list on my fridge, lists of packages or mail I'm expecting or have to send (I order a lot of things online), and things I need to get that are not gettable from the grocery store and are not immediately necessary (e.g. cloth napkins, a lampshade, plant pots, etc.).
view slowdown's profile
I'm actually moving (at the end of the month) to a whole new city, and starting a new job to boot, so I have an entire spiral notebook full of lists of things to do for the move and for my new job. I have crossed distressingly few things off any of the lists.
view stegersaurus's profile
totally a list-maker myself. wonders of technology allows me to now keep them all in one place - my PDA phone.
view selenakyle's profile
I love lists!!! Make them all the time. I love rewriting a list that has had a lot of things checked off. And I'm Capricorn, so the love of a list doesn't rest solely with the Virgos...
view LilyC's profile
I actually wrote a blog post about my list making! Ha! http://gaytha-gaytha.blogspot.com/2009/01/lists.html
view Gaytha's profile
I make lists of everything ...even lists with sub-lists. I'm a Virgo too.
view Leeesaa's profile
@stegersaurus! I am a nomad, and every time I move, I start a new spiral notebook of of necessary information. Here's my best tip: Don't ever tear out a page.
If you have completed a chore or an action---draw a line through it, or "X" it out in some way, and DATE it. That will keep you from wondering if you finished some chore when your brain goes into overload. Also: write down the dimensions of ALL your furniture that is being moved. This will come in handy over and over again.
view SunnyBlue's profile
I had an old roommate that was a list maker. In fact I always teased her about it because I heard that list-making is a common trait in most all serial killers.
view Rob's profile
i have to make a list at night before i go to sleep - otherwise i cannot relax. also, i never cross things off my lists. i suppose i don't make lists for that purpose. it's more about staying in control of my overwhelming daily life and not forgetting to do or bring something. luckily, today was my last day of grad school (yea!) so life is going to slow down for a while.
view jigsawjazz's profile
I try not to have enough responsibility to actually need to make a list.
view oakland's profile
The iPhone note pad has saved many trees. Guest check pads, cfold towels, beverage napkins, pretty much anything that could be written and stuffed in my pockets has been. As a chef, lists are a huge part of my day. Now I'm obsessed with figuring out a way to convert inventory lists to a digital format that can be emailed in order to eliminate the need for paper versions. Currently, I have several lists going for things like: wiring and switches, photos to reprint for framing, balcony garden plantings, blog posts/ideas, the LIST goes on and on...
view art's profile
I love making lists. I keep a spiral notebook in my purse so it is with me all the time. I prefer the spiral notebooks so when I have finished my list I can just rip out the page instead of ripping half the notebook. When I have spur of the moment ideas I write them on whatever is handy if my spiral notebook is not with me. Then I transfer the information to my notebook so all my lists are in one place.
view krisa's profile
I think the one reason why I love making lists is to get to check it off at the end. It feels so good!! I use a spiral notebook, more room to write everything!
view cubbieblue854's profile
I keep my lists in various journals (whichever is handiest at the time). Lists I make can be anything from a Trader Joe's shopping list to a craft projects list to a mending list to a cleaning list to homework lists to bills lists to music-to-check-out lists... there is something wonderful about checking things off. It makes me feel accomplished with even the most minimal effort.
view Jesse Lu's profile
I love lists. Lists for work, for home, for shopping, for errands; things to buy, things I want, things I aspire to be. I even write things I've already done down on lists, just for the joy of crossing them off. I hope I'm not the only one who does that?!
view twicelight's profile
You list fanatics should all read Getting Things Done - it takes list making to a whole new level. Speaking as a major Virgo over here, that is.
view H L I's profile
LOL oakland. :)
I make lists like there's no tomorrow. Actually, no, I make lists like there IS a tomorrow. Lists for everything, oh man. I couldn't survive without them!
view Elizabeth B's profile
I love making lists too. I'm a Scorpio. Does that have anything to do with it? I don't think so, but thought that if others were putting down their starsign, I might as well for comparison.
view buda's profile
SunnyBlue: What's a "staging area"?? Major list-maker here needs to know! Thanks!
view BlueAholic's profile
PS - anyone know of a very good list application for iPods?? Thanks once again -
view BlueAholic's profile
@BlueAholic---I set aside a small area to collect things that I am going to use in the near future. If I am going to be gone from home overnight or longer, I begin assembling items that I want to take with me, but I'm not "packing" yet.
view SunnyBlue's profile
Another Virgo listaholic here... I make my lists on notepads. They usually take up 2 pages - one for long-term goals and the other for the I-should-get-this-done-in-the-next-two-days list. Sometimes I'll find an old list (I came across one from 2005 a couple of weeks ago!) and feel good about crossing off that last item :]
http://meowmineh.blogspot.com
view organizemehermi's profile
I adore lists!!! The best part? Crossing things off! I will even add a completed item to the list so I can cross it off. (wow, seeing that in print seems weirder than I expected).
view Kit's profile
I come from a long line of list makers. I usually keep a small moleskine in my purse for jotting down whatever I need. Very helpful to have when getting quotes, phone numbers, stashing business cards, etc. We are in the process of selling the house and purchasing and then renovating another so I have purchased a 3 ring binder with envelope divider tabs to keep track of reciepts, applications, permits, and all that good stuff. I also keep a design notebook. It's a photo album with sticky pages that I put all my design inspiration tear sheets into, organized by room. I hate being disorganized. That said, when I'm organized at home, I'm messy at work, and when organized at work, messy at home. Go figure!
view mntwmyn 's profile
Virgo and addicted list maker! It makes me feel more in control when I start getting bogged down with all the jobs I need to do. Its interesting though, most people here sound really organised; the fact that they make lists at all seems a testament to that. But for me, having a list makes no difference! I am a shambles 24/7 and it doesn't matter what form of list making I use (from brightly colour post its in really obvious places, to notepads sitting on my bedside table), I am still disorganised, messy and forgetful. I'm thinking I may have to invest in a personal organiser one day in the future - something with very loud alarm bells and unchangable deadlines locked into it anyway!
view alycefff's profile
Yes, I am a compulsive list-maker! Currently I'm keeping track of my lists online at Netvibes, using their To Do List widget. My current lists are: "To Do - Week," "Goals - Summer '09," "Goals - Year," "Goals - Long Term," "Apartment Ideas," "Need for Apartment" (I'm moving into my own place and need a variety of small appliances, etc.), and "Goals - Environmental" (things I try to remember like bringing cloth bags when I go shopping).
view jossoco's profile
I make a grocery list, but usually forget to bring it. On the whole, I prefer not to make lists, but sometimes that's just not realistic. I don't enjoy the crossing things off my list the way that some people do. That little line just doesn't give me enough satisfaction to bother.
view home body's profile
I make lists for absolutely everything! I usually write one out every day with all the things I have to get done, sometimes even the time I have to do said tasks and how long it should take to complete them. It may be a little obsessive, but it helps me stay organized and unstressed! I'm a Gemini.
view miumiumiu's profile
I feel better -- my friends call me Paper Girl. They don't know that I need all the paper and journals because I love lists, too. There are several all around me now. And, I, too am a Virgo!
view toniannette's profile
I tend to have at least 3 separate lists going at one time (groceries, home, work, etc...). I write them on the back of old receipts to save paper and money from not buying notebooks :)
view urbanchic's profile
Besides things that must get done in the weekend, lists are made mostly for me. List for the store, list of chores I need to do each day, etc.
view ChrisGal's profile
Twicelight, you are not alone! Especially if my list includes a lot of things that are tricky and likely not to get done immediately I'll throw in some "easy" goals--things like brushing my teeth and phoning people. ;)
I like to make lists with a checkbox for each item. I used to do it in whatever spiral notebook was at hand, but since I have so many and was always getting them mixed up this past year I've just gotten started using a dayplanner. While I don't use the planner in the way it was necessarily designed (rarely do I have a date and time sensitive appointment), it's good to keep track of things day by day, and as I don't tear out pages I can back track should I need a phone number or the dimensions to a piece of furniture that I scribbled somewhere.
view BornSlippy's profile
I have my more serious longer term projects list on my fridge's door, right next to the "i really need to buy groceries before i starve" list. In my wallet (which I always try to carry to it's minimum stuff necessary), I always carry a paper with one side a list of things done and money spent during the week (which will eventually go to my record book which I file every year). And on the other side the chores for the weekend.
view manu_pty's profile
have hundreds of list but can't seem to remember to bring them with me when I shop which is why I end up with the an item I already have.
view Joan52's profile
I used to be much worse... On top of my own list writing, my kids used to get sticky notes on their doors for reminders of things because I would forget to tell them things. Now I just add side notes to my lists so I don't forget their things. Everyone used to make fun of my lists, until one day I was so embarrassed I tried to stop... then I forget very important things, things that had to do with the people who made fun of my lists, now they don't make fun of my lists anymore. They just buy me more paper.
view sfteri's profile
I go back and forth between writing my lists on paper. Now I keep them mostly in my blackberry.
Groceries
Home projects
To do list for work
Purchases that need to be made for the home/events, bdays etc..
view mron73's profile
Great posts!! Stegersaurus and Sunny Blue: your comments ring the bell and I love the idea of dating an item once it's completed.
Predictably, I make lists for practical reasons because my mneumonic skills suck and I can't remember what I went to Lowe's for and end up making 5 separate trips. Purse is loaded with index cards and Sharpie scribbles that keep me on task and (hopefully) efficient.
On a different note, I also make lists for creative reasons and to enable that creative process: it's part imagining/conceptualizing, part planning and part pragmatist.
I have moleskins aplenty. Most of my "lists" are for dreaming and ideating and imagining. One moleskin is full of fiber arts projects and ideas... many of them not fulfilled but I love going back to it and referencing the ideas I had at that time and what was inspiring me. Another moleskin is loaded with decorating ideas and possibilities.
BTW, I'm NOT a virgo but am a Leo, so close enough.
view ShellyinMSP's profile
I'm a list maker and a capricorn. I've made lists my whole life. It helps me to remember what I have to do and when. It also helps me to lessen the anziety when I start to feel overwhelmed which is alot these days. I use a small notebook that I can carry around. I also like to use the lined post it pads so I can put up anywhere. I even use a steno pad to list phone calls I get at work. My favorite it to use a small post it to list the places I have to go on the way hoe from work and put it up on the rear view mirror. That way whenever I look in it I remember that I have errands to run.
view Star Princess's profile
I love ListPro and Excel, but I also write a lot.
view Jean's profile
Capricorn and avid list maker here. I'm pretty sure I had a list in my hand at birth. I marvel at those who don't make lists. Do they keep it all in their heads? None the less, lists give me a great level of satisfaction. Besides, all those cute little notebooks in the world have to be used for something, right?
view sharpsassy's profile
I'm a Leo - I make lists because I'm prone to starting projects but then not finishing them. Leo's are leaders...not tactical do it ppl. :P
This forces me to finish things. :)
- I have an "All Out Of" pad (http://seejanework.com/) on my fridge.
- Post it's on my desk with a big ol magnet board above it.
- At work I use a combo of post-it's and a white board.
view alisaan's profile
I'm a list maker but i don't like carrying them around that much. I like to keep it organized so i basically use remember the milk's website. So that it can sync to my cell phone etc.
view cafegurl19's profile
i find that without lists im completely scatterbrained. if im out running errands ive got to have them all listed in the order of which i plan to do them. otherwise, im all over the place and forget the most important "to-dos" like cashing checks.
grocery lists, cleaning lists, lists of items i need to buy, reminders to research ceiling fans and closet organization... i list everything.
view deeboyayay's profile
Cancer. My listmaking became "schedule-making," so I actually like to see how accomplishing my tasks fits into the time available. So, gmail's calendar rocks for that because I'm constantly moving and shuffling my lists around.
view edava72's profile
I hate lists - they're so limiting and oppressive.
(Leo here)
view bepsf's profile
listography.com - i'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet! it is for the ultimate list maker. i have lists of to-do, about me, stuff, things to keep, people, places, you name it. i use this a lot to keep me focused at work with tasks since i have a desk job.
view jenz's profile
i think i'm the only gemini list-maker here. lists help me stay organized and on track for tasks and groceries.
view mahina's profile
I rarely WRITE lists -- only for special events (like a big trip) or major projects (like moving into our out of a house.)
But I MENTALLY make lists all the time. On grocery trips, I often remember what I need by remembering "there were three specific things -- bread, cereal, and what??? Oh yeah, cat food!"
view SherryBinNH's profile
This has become very astrological : ) So I'm a Pisces, and I guess we're supposed to be more ethereal and less practical...but I was raised by my mother the Virgo and list making came naturally. It must be my scattered sign though that causes me to lose lists and have more than one in all sorts of places (newspaper margins, scrap paper, notebooks, envelopes and my ipod) nothing syncs!!!
view kgenesius's profile
I don't make lists due to my star sign....I make lists because I'm very blond.
view baileyb's profile
Excel. Cancer. Need laptop. Wife thinks I'm nuts but I know exactly what needs to be done in what part of the house & where to source the material. Keep all aspects of my life in there. Major clearing of mental CPUs & RAM.
view rapidtransitman's profile
I used to make lists on paper, then found that to be too cumbersome and disorganized for my lifestyle, now I type them into a Word doc. It's a stream-of-consciousness approach, with a tag before each item (i.e., ERR for errands, HOU for house reminders, I have about 20 self-defined tags), and I regularly sort them (using a simple Word Sort so it takes under 5 seconds) into separate lists and either print or download to carry along. Works like a charm and I now spend zero time hunting for lists or agonizing over what I might be forgetting on an errand or project.
view Rucy's profile
List making is not just a Virgo thing :). I'm a Leo keep my lists in my Ipod touch. Without list I would buy the whole store; lists keep me disciplined when it comes to spending.
view absOsteele's profile
Check out these free downloadable lists I made. So many times we don't have time to do everything on our list- so I made these double sided lists that have on the front "If I only get ONE thing done today it will be ____" and then on the back- it has a list of tasks, errands, emails and phone calls.
If you are a list maker- you will love these!! I am thinking about making a gender neutral version as well.
Here's the link!: http://tinyurl.com/p7spjs
view cbaca's profile
Totally Type A Aquarian list maker. Been dating a Type B man who never makes lists and it kind of freaks me out. But I still love him.
Lists are just so darn good at getting things out of your head and onto paper.
view Loosetooth's profile
The only lists I ever make are grocery lists. I don't feel a need to write anything else down; anything that needs to be done is obvious--the laundry pile in my closet means it's time to do the wash, the dust bunnies tell me it's time to sweep. Maybe I'm not as busy as everyone else, but I have no problem remembering what needs to get done.
view jooly's profile
I also love listorganizer.com
view Jean's profile