Wednesday, January 1, 2014

H-APP-y New Year!

Whether or not you made getting more organized one of your New Year's resolutions, getting more organized can make your life more enjoyable.  Today I want to share with you my favorite 6 apps that assist me on a regular basis with my quest for organization.  All of these are available for iPhone and Android, and best of all they are all FREE.  Many of these apps I have been using for years, so you've probably already heard of some or all of them.      

1.  Wunderlist
If you like using "to do" lists, then you need this app.  You set up an account so you can log in and sync the lists on your PC and/or mobile devices.  You can even share your lists with others.  There is a paid version of the app, but I find the free version perfect for what I need it for.  I don't need to worry about forgetting my lists at home any more.  For more information visit www.wunderlist.com  

2.  Dropbox
I learned about Dropbox at a conference.  I started using it, because I was tired of emailing myself documents or carrying a flash drive so that I could update work documents at home.  Sometimes, I would send/save the wrong file or not save the updated file when I got back to work.  Dropbox allows you to access your files on your PC and mobile devices and syncs them.  You can even access previous versions of the file in case you change your mind about updates that you made.  I also save all of my photos from my phone on Dropbox.  No more needing to worry about losing all of your files, because you lose or damage a device.  Plus there is no clutter with DVD's, flash drives, or paper backups.  You can even share files and/or folders with others that you give permission to.    For more information visit www.dropbox.com  

3.  E-Reader Apps - Nook, Kindle, iBooks
I bought myself a Nook Simple Touch before a trip.  I wanted to bring a few books, but I didn't want to carry the weight of them.  I fell in love my Nook, and I even upgraded to the Simple Glow-light Touch.  I read more books now, since my next book is just a click away.  Barnes and Noble also offers a Free Friday Nook Book every week.  However, you do not need a special e-reader to read e-books; you just need an e-reader app.  This allows me to purchase or check out books, without them causing clutter in my house or having to pay library fines.  E-books are also cheaper than their paper version.  Having the Nook app also allows me to read from where I left off on my iPhone and pick up at the new spot on my Nook.  I am not as familiar with other e-readers or their apps, so I can't testify as to how good they are. I just know that I love the convenience of my e-reader.         

4.   TripIt - Travel Organizer
You know those confirmation emails that you get when booking hotels, cruises, flights, etc?  Forward them to plans@tripit.com and the details of your trip will be all in one place.  I love having the dates and times of the details of my trip all in one place.  Traveling with others or need to share your itinerary with your emergency contact?  You can sync and share it.  For more information visit www.tripit.com

5.   To-Do Checklist - Daily, Weekly, Monthly (Lite)
I just recently started using this app for my chore check list.  What I like about this app is that it is FREE and easy to use.  You can upgrade it, but I am content with free features.  I have entered in my daily chores, weekly chores, and monthly chores to help me keep up with my household.  I make the items all day events, so I don't need to select a specific time.  You can enter your chore checklist into your calendar, but I like keeping my chore check list separate.  

6.  Pinterest
This app needs no explanation.  I use it for "pinspiration" on organizing, decorating, recipes, etc.  I do make an effort to delete pins that I no longer need, such as recipes that I've tried and didn't like.  Try to check out the webpages that link to the pins to see if they are in fact useful.  If my boards get too full, I break them down in more specific ones.  For more information visit www.pinterest.com or follow me at www.pinterest.com/all50by30/

I hope that you found at least one thing on today's post helpful.  Please feel free to share any apps that have assisted you in your quest to become more organized.  

No comments:

Post a Comment