**Please note that this post contains affiliate links and I may make a few dollars for you clicking on and purchasing the item. The ClickUp deal is for first time purchasers only**

 

Listen, I’ve seen a million blog posts about the 18 – 24 lists you need in order to be organized, and I call baloney. It just doesn’t need to be that complicated. If it did, I wouldn’t be organized at all AND I love me some lists. Truthfully, I find that lists often get left where they aren’t needed or get forgotten altogether. 

 

So what list do you need? 

 

You need your Backlog.

 

What is your backlog?

 

The backlog is the list of all new household tasks, changes to existing home features, fixes to previous home features (patching up that ceiling or wall from a dent when moving furniture), or other activities that your team (family) may deliver. This is the single authoritative list of what needs to get done in your house. 

 

Side note: Of course you have your usual household tasks like cleaning and cooking. I’ve done a podcast on how I deal with those and you can see it here. Software I use is Google calendar.

 

Now once you’ve got this list together, you’ll want to look at it before every Sprint meeting and ensure that everything is in priority order. You’ll notice that things move up and down the priority list as things get moved onto the list. If an item you think is important gets pushed back then speak up and discuss with your team why it’s moving and see if it should be a higher priority.

 

But this list is truly the only list you need in order to stay organized. 

 

Where do I keep my backlog? 

 

Well, I use a software called Click-Up and you can check it out here: this link will give new users 30% off of Unlimited and 15% off Business for their first year.

 

Where do I keep all other pertinent information to my life?

 

Google calendar keeps anything that needs to be done on a certain day. For instance, you’ll see kids laundry every Wednesday perpetually in my calendar. 

 

Alexa keeps my grocery list

 

Whiteboards keep track of my meal plan and a Pinterst board keeps track of my recipes. I call that board this week and move things around as needed if they’re good they will remain on This week board for reuse. If they weren’t great I just delete or decide if I can tweak to make it better.

 

In general, I only need 1 list for organization though. I don’t use a daily planner. I use my Google Calendar. AND everything is housed in a location where anyone in my family can access it. I’m not about to be over here in charge of #allthethings. 

 

What would be the #1 priority on your product backlog right now?