Life is complicated and if you are not careful, you could accidentally forget to get a few important things done. This is where the checklist comes in. The better organized your life, means you will probably have time enough to complete all you need to. In order to assist you in this, individuals use checklist templates. This is a listing of things to do, doing them in a particular order and within a certain timeframe. This way, you are certain to get these items done, and on time. A checklist is an advanced form of to-do list, in that the format is a precise one, including time of day and date for each task.
Quick and Easy Ways to use Excel and Word to Create Your Checklists
In the old days, people created checklists using notepads and Filofaxes. Today, those days have been replaced with the advent of Microsoft Word and Excel. By using either of these programs, you can create a list for yourself quickly and easily. Below we have outlined some basic steps in creating your checklist. Bear in mind, that instructions may vary depending on what software version of Word and Excel you own.
Creating a Checklist Using Microsoft Excel
- Go to File>Options>Customize Ribbon
- Under Customize the Ribbon, choose Main Tabs
- Check the Developer box. The Developer tab is what you will be using to gain access to creating your ‘boxes’
- Click OK
- Get your list in order, and prioritize it. This is a list of tasks or actions which need to be done.
- In the first column, make a list of your tasks/actions. One for each row.
- To add checkboxes do the following
- Go to Developer tab
- Go to Controls Group
- Click Insert
- Choose Check Box, located under Form Controls
- Click on the Cell for your first checkbox. The Checkbox Control will then appear.
- Use your mouse to position the box to your liking.
- Delete the text ‘CheckBox 1’.
- Copy this Checkbox to any cells that need it.
- Congratulations! You have now created a Checklist. Remember, you can make these as simple or complex as you wish.
Free Checklist Templates for Excel
Creating a Checklist Using Microsoft Word
With creating a checklist in Word, you have a variety of options. You may choose to make a table, or you may choose to create a list with checkboxes. There is also a calendar function for those of you who wish to create your checklists using a calendar.
Check Box Option
- Open Word
- Type out your tasks/actions in a downward column, one task per line.
- Select your entire list
- Go to the Paragraph section of your Home Tab
- Click Define New Bullet
- Click Symbol
- Choose the box shape
- Thats it, you are done! Simply save and print. You can edit list this any way you like, such as adding dates and times to your list for each task.
Table Option
The table options allows you to create a checklist that is more detailed, including date and time for each task in an orderly manner.
- Open Word
- Open a new document
- Click the Insert tab
- Choose Table
- The next step depends on how many columns or rows you will need. For example, the first column will be for tasks/action. The second one may be for day, date or time, and perhaps another for any special notes you need for that task.
- Select how many rows/columns you will need
- Create your table, and then proceed to customize it by typing in the information for your rows and columns. Rows will have tasks/actions to be completed, and columns will be customized for tasks, day, date, notes, etc.
Calendar Option
- Open Word
- Click File
- Click New
- In Search for Online templates field, Open the Calendar template
- Click Create for your Calendar Template and edit by adding your tasks.
How The Checklist Template Can Be Your Best Option
While you can make your own simple checklists using software, why would you if there were an easier option? This option is the to do list template. Our checklist templates offer you a quick and efficient way to create as many checklists as you like, and save them to disk or print them out. Create that checklist using a template, and upload it to your smartphone to carry with you, or print it out and place it on your bulletin board. Each of our checklist templates are professionally designed to make your life easier. Simply choose one of our stunning designs, download and customize to your needs. We guarantee you’ll find that keeping track of important tasks, actions and events in your life has never been easier.
Free Checklist Templates for Word
Tips to Create the Best Possible Checklist
Checklists are used for anything from wedding planning to scheduling study time for exams. While it may seem a simple matter to create your checklist, there are some time honored tips to help make your checklist the best it can be.
Which Method is Easier?
Your checklist should always be withing easy reach. No matter how perfect your checklist, if you don’t use it, then it’s not much good. This is why you need to take time out to think how you will be able to carry it with you. You could make the list on your phone, or use a note pad, or have it on your computer.
In Plain Sight
No checklist will work if you don’t pay attention to it. Remember, you can have several copies of it. You can have one you take with you on your phone, you can have one on your bulletin board, and you can also have one on your refrigerator door. Whatever works for you, so it’s always in view.
Go Day by Day
In the end, we are only human, and only capable of doing a certain amount of tasks per day. Think about this when creating your checklist and give yourself a little room to navigate the day, and some time to get these tasks done. This is about getting tasks done, not seeing how fast you can get them done. The checklist is to relieve stress, not create it.
Prioritize Your Checklist
Don’t put those important tasks on the bottom of the list. Instead, make sure they are among the first you do that day. Remember, that this checklist needs to be realistic, or you will not be happy with yourself, and only frustrated.
Roll Over Tasks
Life happens. Sometimes things get in the way of what we are supposed to do. In such cases you may not get everything in your checklist done. No harm here, simply add the task to the next days checklist.
How Checklists Assist Us in Our Daily Life
You are free to create a checklist for anything you would like. If you are wanting to do a checklist, but are finding yourself staring at a blank piece of paper or computer screen, we can help get the ball rolling. Below, we have included some ideas for checklists that can help get you started.
Create a Bucket List
This is the ultimate of all checklists to be sure. A bucket list is a list you create of things you wish to accomplish before you die. Some of these items may be ridiculous, some may be everyday tasks, but the bucket list is at our top because it’s good to be reminded of things we would love to do or experience.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
This one speaks for itself. The winter is over, and the house is now open to breathe in the fresh air of springtime. As such, it’s time to make a checklist of all the things you need to take care of, such as cleaning out the attic, basement, or tossing out some newspapers.
Maintaining Your Physical Fitness with Checklist
It’s much easier to keep fit if you have a routine, and this is where the Checklist can help out. By customizing your checklist to include days for your upper body, abs, aerobics and gym days you can have a visual aid of what needs to be completed, and get it done. You can also customize your checklist to keep track of miles biked, hours spent at the gym, calories burned and inches lost.
Family Activities Checklists
These can include anything from weddings to caring for your children. Whatever you have going on in your personal life, you can create a checklist here. For instance, perhaps you need to create a checklist for Christmas shopping, buying your kids school supplies and clothing, planning a shower, or family reunion. As you can see, checklists are not just for business, but also to keep your activities of daily living in order.
Traveling Checklist
Checklists are an absolute necessity if you are going to take a trip. Whether it is a camping trip or a trip around the world, a checklist will keep everything organized. These lists are imperative when planning a trip, as you do not want to forget anything. If you are camping, you need to make a list before you head out, to ensure you have methods of water purification, clothing and enough food. Indeed, from your passport to what to pack in your carry-on bag, the checklist keeps your travels stress free.
Conclusion
As you can see, the checklist has much to offer you in your life. These lists can reduce stress simply by carefully laying out what it is you need to do, when you need to do it. They work with anything from keeping track of your personal health care needs, to what to bring with you on a camping trip. These visual aids keep us reminded of specifics that we might otherwise forget. We have included ways to make simple lists in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the preferred option of simply downloading a template and customizing it. Which ever way you choose, be confident that the checklist will make your life simpler, more streamlined and easier to manage.
