Skip to main content
Tag

organize

Google Keep: Learn the Basics + Use Key Features

By Blog, Checklists, Digital Minimalism, Digital Organizing No Comments

 

 

Are you someone who makes it all the way to the grocery store before you realize you forgot your shopping list?

 

Or do you just like to wing it? No list at all, taking the risk of wasting money on duplicate ingredients that you already have at home?

 

If you fall into either of these categories or you’re just looking for ways to uplevel your grocery process… then you definitely need this time-saving, note-taking, checklist Google Keep app to simplify your life today.

 

Plus, I’ll be showing you how to share your shopping lists with others so that you can delegate tasks and free up your own time!

 

What is Google Keep used for?

 

If you’re anything like me, I’ll often remember while I’m out and about that I had to pick something up, but then realize I left that sticky note at home so I’m not too sure what it was. This happens so often when I’m driving by a grocery store, hardware store, or in an area of town that I know I had some errands to do in.

So I’ll let you in on my secret… I have a favorite app for shopping lists, errand reminders, and notes, all in one place.

 

This magical solution is called Google Keep!

 

I’ve used this daily and consistently for many years and have found that it saves me so much time and stress on my weekly shopping trips.

 

I’ve tested many other apps but they just didn’t work for me. They weren’t easy to share with others, they costed more money than I felt they were worth, and they weren’t simple enough to use on all kinds of devices.  

What I love about Google Keep is that it works on iOS and Android devices, as well as the good ol’ fashioned desktop computer!

During the week when I notice I’m running low on my favorite coconut yogurt, dish soap, toilet paper, batteries, or other household items, I can simply add them to one of my Google Keep Lists.

 

If there’s a specific brand I like for something, I can also snap a photo and add it to the Grocery List in a pinch.

Why Wait to Spring Clean?

Welcome in the fresh air and get a head start this year
with our free Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist!

Download Here!

 

How to use Google Keep Notes

 

I’m sure you shop at a few different grocery stores, so I recommend you have one running grocery list. This way, you can refer to it while you’re out at any location. Now if you decide to pick up a few items for dinner, you’ll have your handy list at your fingertips and can cross things off at the same time!

 

I recommend you create shopping lists for the types of stores you frequent on a regular basis.

 

The lists I love to have and recommend you make in your own Google Keep are the following,

  • Costco
  • Home Depot or a Hardware Store
  • Drug Store
  • Garden Center
  • Office Supplies
  • Errands  

 

You can even add your packing lists and other notes in here too, but that’s a whole other story for another time 😉

 

 

Can you share Google Keep with others?

 

Now, here’s the best part of Google Keep. This feature saves me time and it’s how I’ve been able to delegate household grocery shopping to my husband so I don’t have to do it every week!

Also, when he’s at a hardware or drug store he can simply check the lists to see if there’s something specific that I need and easily see which brands I like. In turn, this saves me from having to drive to those same stores again and we don’t have to text back and forth about what I’d like him to pick up.

 

Inside Google Keep, you can share your created lists with family members, teenagers, your nanny, or anyone else that does errands and may help out with your shopping.

For uses in my business, I’ve even shared project lists with clients, team members working on the project, or my client’s nanny who does the grocery shopping. Then when I’m organizing an area of their home and notice that they are low on cleaning products, batteries, or pantry items, I can easily add the items to their grocery list.

 

It’s a time-saver for everyone involved!

 

This app is a great assistant for someone who’s doing grocery shopping for their elderly parents or caring for a loved one. It’s really simple to use and anyone with a phone can learn how to add an item to a list if you show them how, all they need is a Gmail address.

 

They don’t even necessarily need to use the Gmail email. I’ve helped set up many accounts over the years just so someone could be added to a Google Keep List!

 

When adding a collaborator to a Google Keep list, make sure they understand how to add items to the various lists. Then whoever is doing the shopping knows what they’re supposed to buy. This will help you avoid wasting money on the wrong printer toner or kitchen pantry items that you may already have enough of on hand.

 

Keep in mind, that if you want to own the Google Keep List or Note (meaning keep it on your account), the best practice would be to set up the list on your mobile device first, and then add others to it. That way you can manage who is added and deleted from each list.

 

You can also add Google Assistant for a voice-activated, hands-off feature. Add items to your list by saying, “Hey Google, add Almond Butter to Grocery List” then it’s totally off your mind!

 

 

Could you see this saving you time and money?  

 

Let me know in the comments below what shopping lists you’re going to create!

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Negotiation

50 Things To Declutter Right Now

By Blog, Checklists, Home Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

There is no better way to welcome a fresh, new year than to get out with the old to make room for the new!

 

This article will cover 50 things you can declutter right now (feel free to add to the list!)

 

Life changes a lot over the span of the year. You are no longer who you were last year, and that goes for your family too!

 

We all outgrow things, go through consumables, and items get old and need repair or replacement. These are just the natural aspects of life, and this list is for you to keep on top of them!

 

Here are 50 things to Declutter Right Now:

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get down to work? 😁👍🏼

 

Before you start on these 50 items, here are just a few words of my advice.

 

You may find yourself distracted while decluttering and reorganizing. This is totally normal, and while you’re still getting the hang of it this is commonly experienced!

 

The best ways to avoid the distractions and mistakes that will lead you to the trap of Yo-Yo Organizing are in this freebie download below!

3 Home Organizing Mistakes

 

While working virtually with those who have a new year’s goal of wanting to get organized and with clients on-site in their homes, I always see the same frustrations. So I want to help you avoid getting discouraged by these common mistakes!

 

Read through these 3 most common organizing mistakes and learn how to avoid them to ensure your success while you use these 50 ideas to declutter right now!

 

 

Did we miss anything? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

30 Inspiring Organizing & Decluttering Quotes

75 Creative Ways to Use A Label Maker

By Blog, Checklists, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

Is a label maker worth it?

 

I say… label makers are one of the most useful tools ever made!!

 

Beyond labeling in the kitchen or whichever common area first comes to your mind, these organized little machines are ready to help you in every room of your house (and office too!).

 

But before you go buy the biggest, fanciest label maker, first ask yourself these questions to determine the right one for your needs.

 

Which one to buy?

Ask yourself these questions:

 

  • How many font options would you like?
  • What size of labels will you need to print?
  • How much room do you have to store it?
  • How simple it is to learn and use?
  • Does it use batteries, a rechargeable battery, or plug into the wall?
  • Are the tape cassettes easy to find?

 

Advice For Buying A Label Maker

 

In my opinion, the Brother brand label makers are the absolute best. I have gone through many, many different brands and styles of label makers over the years, and Brother brands have never let me down.

 

They’re simple to use, it’s easy for me to find tapes in person or online, and the overall quality is just top-notch!

 

However, I use a couple of different label makers depending on my client’s style. I’ll list them below and tell you some of the differences between them, too!

 

Label Maker Comparisons

 

The first, Brother P-Touch PT- D610BT, automatically cuts and trims the edges of the label so I don’t get a huge empty white space on either end. It also fits a larger label tape for bigger prints.

 

The second, Brother P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT, uses larger tapes (24mm) which allows for large, easy to read, and beautiful labels in a pantry, linen closet, or on storage bins. The 24mm black tape with white font has quickly become my new favorite choice of tape because it actually has the look of a custom label!

 

 

Both of these label makers use laminated tapes. Using laminated tape is KEY for making professional-looking labels.

 

I prefer to stay away from the cheap paper tape that lower models use. This type will curl up once cut and leaves a lot of white residue when you peel the label off. Yuck!

 

So now that you have an idea of WHAT you’re shopping for…

 

Head out for the fun part! Or stay in and shop with your fingertips (our fave!)

 

Our Favorite Label Makers

(Remember to only buy what fits YOUR needs!)

 

 

How to Organize Your Entire House
with a Label Maker:

 

1- Office Cords and Plugs

  • Routers
  • Printers
  • Monitors
  • Laptop chargers

2- File Folders and Cabinets

  • Color code for more organization

3- Binders

  • Spine
  • Tabs
  • Pockets

 

4- Receipts Area

  • Bin / Basket / Container
  • Binder clip

5- Notebooks

  • Meeting notes
  • Reference notes
  • Specific projects

6- Drawers

  • Drawer dividers / containers
  • Office supply sections

7- Highlighters

  • “Important dates”
  • “Priority to-do’s”
  • “Goals”
  • Color code tasks for different people

8- Miscellaneous Cords

  • Phone charger
  • Laptop charger
  • HDMI
  • Ring light
  • Names on chargers for each family member

 

9- Bulk Office Supplies

  • Items taken out of original packaging

10- In-Tray

  • Sections for mail, paperwork, different kinds of documents you receive

11- Linen Closet Shelves

  • Towels
  • Sheets by size
  • Guest
  • Satin pillowcases

 

12- Laundry Excess

  • Items decanted / taken out of original packaging
  • Detergent
  • Softener
  • Bleach
  • Dryer sheets / balls

13- Laundry Baskets

  • Lights
  • Darks
  • Whites
  • Delicates

 

14- Board Games

  • Storage shelves of games
  • Age range
  • Type of game
  • Kid-friendly

15- Hobby Section

  • Shelf in closet
  • Project boxes
  • Drawer / Cupboard in storage furniture

16- Kitchen Cooking Utensils

  • Whisks
  • Tongs
  • Spatulas

 

17- Spices

  • Decanted items
  • Mixed bottles, give uniform labels
  • Easier to read

18- Snack Zone

  • Kids
  • Sweet and salty
  • Healthy

19- Baking Supplies

  • Bin of baking supplies
  • Sort by holiday

 

20- Health Section

  • Protein powders
  • Smoothie additives
  • Supplements

21- Meal Prep Jars

  • Salads
  • Smoothies
  • Juices

22- Frozen Items

  • Smoothie ingredients
  • Meat
  • Soups
  • Expiry dates on homemade items

 

23- Allergy Notes

  • Mark with yellow or brightly colored label tape

24- Bulk Decanted Items

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Oats
  • Coffee
  • Dried nuts

25- Fridge Shelves

  • Condiments
  • Proteins and cheeses
  • Fresh produce

 

26- Utensil Drawer

  • Serving spoons and forks
  • Steak knives
  • Kids cutlery

27- Pantry Shelves

  • Dried foods
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Extra seasonings

28- Tea Collection

  • Different types of tea
  • Brands

 

29- Cleaning Products

  • Under the sink bottles
  • Items no longer in original packaging

30- Additional Drawers

  • Organizational products with drawers

31- Playroom Supplies

  • Figurines
  • Lego
  • Small part toys

 

32- Kids’ Craft Supplies

  • Construction paper
  • Crayons
  • Coloring books

33- Label By Child

  • Separate toys
  • Split things evenly

34- Toy Bins

  • Stuffed animals
  • Contents by type

 

35- Bookshelves

  • Reading age of books
  • Fiction / Non-fiction
  • Per child

36- Garage Storage Bins

  • Big, easy to read

37- Seasonal Decor

  • Holiday
  • Special occasion
  • Tradition
  • Indoor / Outdoor

 

38- Camping Totes

  • Cooking supplies
  • Tent and sleeping setup
  • Games
  • First aid

39- Emergency Kits

  • Fire evacuation
  • Earthquake
  • Lockdown

 

40- Medicine and First Aid

  • Cold and flu
  • Allergies
  • Bandages
  • Kids products

41- Beauty Supply Bins

  • Nail care
  • Skincare
  • Hair products
  • Hairstyling tools

 

42- Expiration Dates

  • Makeup
  • Hair products
  • Shower products
  • Decanted items

43- Drawer Containers

  • Cotton swabs
  • Cotton pads
  • Exfoliation pads
  • Dental care

44- Cleaning Products

  • Toilet cleaner
  • Shower cleaner
  • Countertop disinfectant
  • Items no longer in original packaging

45- Family Member Bins

  • Per family member
  • Guest use
  • Excess supplies

46- Towel Hooks

  • Per family member
  • Guest use
  • Hand and face towels

 

47- Skincare Fridge

  • Sections for different product types
  • Order of routine

48- Shower Caddy

  • Per family member
  • Sections for different types

49- Product Bottles

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Liquid soap
  • Items no longer in original packaging

50- Traveling Containers

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Liquid soap
  • Skincare
  • Cleaning products
  • Jewelry

51- Makeup Brushes

  • Types of brushes
  • Per family member

52- Jars of Decanted Items

  • Soap bars
  • Epsom salts
  • Dishwasher tabs

53- Mirror Cabinet Shelves

  • Sections by skin, hair, dental, etc.

54- Bath Toys

  • Bin for bath toys
  • Per family member

55- Magazine Holder

  • Types of magazines
  • Content
  • Kids or adult material

56- Dresser Drawers

  • Shorts
  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
  • Workout clothes

57- Under-The-Bed Drawers

  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Extra pillows

58- Bedroom Cords

  • Chargers
  • TV
  • Lamp
  • Cable box
  • Clock

59- Closet Shelves

  • Summer / Winter storage
  • Sweaters
  • Pants

60- Nightstand Drawers

  • Sleep aids
  • Lavender / Calming spray
  • Lip balm
  • Sleeping mask

61- Vanity Drawers

  • Powdered makeup
  • Eyes
  • Lips
  • Brushes

62- Storage Furniture

  • Bins
  • Baskets
  • Containers
  • Cabinets
  • Desks
  • Wardrobes

63- Remotes

  • Cable box
  • TV
  • Media streaming box
  • Videogame console

64- Plant Markers

  • Use laminated labels
  • Names
  • Caring instructions

65- Learning Language

  • Label commonly used items around home / office with new language
  • Teach little ones reading and names of items

66- Reminders

  • For self, kids, spouse
  • Do dishes
  • “Put away shoes”
  • “Clean up toys”
  • “I love you”

67- Gift Tags

  • Personalize gift tags

68- Table Setting Place Cards

  • Holidays
  • Dinner parties

69- Charcuterie Boards

  • Types of cheese, meat, cracker, dried fruits, spreads, etc.

70- Hooks

  • Keys
  • Hats
  • Purses
  • Scarves
  • Reusable bags

71- Books

  • Without name on spine
  • Journal years

72- Videogame Storage

  • Console
  • Type of games
  • Kid-friendly
  • Per family member

73- Photo Albums

  • Printed photo books name / year
  • Spine
  • Sections of photos inside

74- Recycling Bins

  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Bottles

75- Kitchen Books

  • Cookbooks
  • Recipe books
  • User manuals
Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps Simply Productive 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships.
Thanks for your support!