Paperless Planning: Part 4- Google Keep

 

Although it isn't a new tool, Google Keep is also a new discovery for me and I use it constantly. I use it for packing lists, school to-do lists, school ideas, blog post planning, family projects, and anything else that I would have written out and stuck in my planner. 

Getting Google Keep set up was a little more involved because I was basically converting both my personal and school planners to digital. Here is what I did: 

1. Set up categories that you are likely to use. I used family, school, camping, travel, blog, and recipes. 
2. I started with my personal planner and went through it page by page- adding everything to my Google Keep in the appropriate categories. No more recipes floating around and getting lost. Packing lists all together (more about this later). 
3. Color coding is easy using the controls at the bottom of each note. Easily add checkboxes by clicking the three dots at the bottom of the not and click add checkboxes. 
4. Repeat this for all planners and all sections. Before you know it, you will have a digital planner/ notebook. 

You can add photos. I've added the map of our favorite campground with our favorite sites marked so I know which ones to look for when I book our camping. 

I wish you could customize the colors used, but it's a minor sacrifice for the convenience of Google Keep, which you can use on any device. As long as it has been synced with the internet, it is available offline too. When you reach the internet, it will update any changes. 

You can also archive notes to be used again later and there is also an option to uncheck all items. 

I'm a list maker, but you do not have to use a list format. You can actually write paragraphs, add websites with the link preview, and add drawings. 

As Tbomb goes into the 8th grade this year, I've been thinking a lot about high school. I also have a running list of things to utilize once we get to high school. 

Another wonderful thing about Google Keep is that you can easily share notes with others. Add your family group or individuals. I love being able to share a to-do list with my kids, especially when getting ready for travel. 

Of the tools I've learned to use, Google Keep is my favorite. I'm a huge fan of notes and lists and this keeps me on track. 

How do you use Google Keep? 

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs