Lists - they are never there when I need them

This post is part of a series dedicated to mobile devices. The BIG idea is learning new ways to make the most out of the phones we carry. All the recommendations will be free.

Scenario

We create lists for the grocery and Costco but there are times when that list never leaves the table. When we arrive at the store a frantic search reveals no list and a budget-busting trip is sure to follow.

I have a million things to remember to do when I get to the office but there are days I totally forget! I do write things down in my notebook but the problem is I get lost in email and the calendar so quickly that I forget about my list.

Solution

Google Keep! It is always with me, I never forget my phone, and the note will automatically pop up on my phone when I arrive at the store or work. This one app will save you in more than one way.

Getting Started

Download Google Keep on your device.

If you do not have a Google account, create one now. 

Next Steps

There are three main areas you need to be aware of moving forward.

1. Search Bar - once you have a lot of notes this will be super handy. Think of it as a Google search for Keep. If you have more than one Google account on your phone you can use the small circle on the far right to switch between accounts.

2. Tools that will allow you to take different types of notes. From left to right -

• Checkbox - a clickable box will appear next to your note. As you complete that task it will be crossed off and moved to the bottom. This is great for recurring tasks or things you buy at the grocery.
• Pen - Use your finger to draw or write with.
• Microphone - Leave yourself a voice note.
• Picture - Add an image to the note. This is perfect when you are sent to the store to buy something super exact, you can match the picture to the product.

3. Plus Symbol - Click to create a new note.

Creating a Powerful Note

I clicked the Plus Symbol, number 3 in the image above, to create a new blank note. I then immediately clicked the small plus symbol that will appear in the lower-left corner of the new note.

I usually always click Checkboxes in the menu that appears. This allows me to clear my list as I process the tasks. Once clicked the items are moved to the bottom with a line going all the way through the words, it is very clear these items are crossed off.

1. I always create a super clear title for my notes. If I am heading to Costco, the note says CostCo at the top. If it is Aldi, it will say Aldi. 

2. Create your notes. 

To get back to the main screen, click the arrow in the upper left. Your note will be saved automatically.

1. The little push pin at the top of the note will pin this note to the home screen. When you have only a few notes, this does not matter as much. Once you have a bunch of notes, I always pin the most important ones to make them accessible faster.

2. The little bell is like an alarm. This opens the settings that you see highlighted by the number 3.

3. While you can pick a date and time for the note to appear, I usually just use the Pick a place option. In the next few screenshots, you will see the magic, but it means when you hit an address the note will appear as a notification on your device automatically.

 

I clicked Place.

Then added the address of my office. Once I arrive at the office this note will appear as a notification. 

You will now see the address appear at the bottom of the note. I did use this when we went to Pentwater this summer. I added the lockbox code to the house we rented to the note so it would appear once we arrived. Searching my email seemed so last year when I could use the geofence option in Keep.

Do Now

Set up Keep on your device. I recommend adding the shortcut to your main screen so you can access it quickly.

Create a Keep to trigger to appear when you get home.

Create another one for the grocery and school.

Read the how-to guide from Google for a more in-depth look.

I also recommend Googling - how to use google keep. There are a ton of great articles and videos that will help you find new ways to use this tool.

Bonus - go take a look at keep.google.com on your laptop, your notes are synced to the web!