Ready-to-use plans

Start with a concrete plan for a situation such as an exam, a move or a presentation. Copy the tasks you need and adapt the suggested structure to your own commitments.

Shopping

Start with a shopping List and check your pantry before choosing what to buy. Add each purchase you want to complete separately as a Task. Give a collection Task its store location for Nearby. If you already group household work in a Home Area, place the List there.

Choose an option Check the kitchen cupboards before making the grocery list Buy vegetables for the next three dinners Replace the empty laundry detergent Compare the dimensions of two storage boxes Pick up the reserved order from the shop

Weekly cleaning

Create a List for one cleaning round and begin by clearing the kitchen worktop. Set recurrence on jobs you want to repeat after this round. Keep larger repair work in its own Project when it needs decisions and several stages.

Choose an option Clear and wipe the kitchen worktop Vacuum the rooms and hallway Clean the bathroom sink and mirror Change the bed linen Check which cleaning supplies need replacing

Renovating a room

Create a Project named for the finished room. Start by measuring the walls; add Lists for decisions, purchases, and work as the plan grows. If GTD is enabled, use Waiting For on the quote request while other preparation Tasks remain actionable.

Choose an option Measure the walls and draw the room layout Choose a paint sample and check it in daylight Ask the contractor for a written estimate Order the agreed materials Inspect the finished work against the estimate

Car maintenance

Begin by checking the date and mileage of the last service. Keep ongoing car responsibilities in an Area if useful, with a List or Project for the next service visit. Add confirmed appointments to the relevant Tasks, recurrence for known routine work, and the service location when you need it in Nearby.

Choose an option Check the date and mileage recorded at the last service Ask the service centre which work is due Book the agreed inspection Check the tyre pressure against the vehicle manual Save the service receipt and note the next check

Personal paperwork

Check the expiry date of the document you need to renew. Use a List for the application’s actions, or a Project when renewal has several stages. Add confirmed deadlines and reminders to the relevant Tasks. An ongoing administration Area can group these plans if you want one place for them.

Choose an option Check the expiry date of the document to renew Find the official list of required documents Prepare the copies required by the application Book an appointment or submit the application Record the reference number and follow-up date

Preparing for an exam

Create an exam Project and begin by collecting the official topics and format requirements. Group related practice Tasks in topic Lists as needed. Use Sessions to record study time and a separate Habit when you want a history of regular practice. Give the exam arrangements their confirmed date and place.

Choose an option Collect the official exam topics and format Mark the topics that need the most practice Complete one practice set without notes Review mistakes and write down the missing steps Check the exam time, location and required materials

Learning a language

Choose one situation you want to handle in the language, then name a Project for that outcome. Keep exercises and conversations as Tasks. A Habit can track regular practice by time or another suitable metric; Sessions can record time spent on an individual lesson.

Choose an option Choose one situation you want to handle in the language Collect useful phrases for that situation Listen to a short recording and note unfamiliar words Write a short message using the new phrases Arrange a conversation and review what was difficult

Reading

Keep the books you want to read in a List and choose the next one first. Add Tasks for actions such as borrowing or returning a book, with a due date when confirmed. Use a reading Habit to track minutes or pages, and a Session when you want to spend time with the chosen book.

Choose an option Choose the next book from the reading list Borrow or buy the selected edition Choose a realistic reading goal for this week Record one question to revisit after the next chapter Return the borrowed book before the confirmed due date

Launching a work project

Start a Project by writing the launch result and its readiness criteria. Add Lists for preparation and final checks when those groups help. Turn agreed work into Tasks; with GTD, use Waiting For for an external approval and Next Actions for work you can do now.

Choose an option Write down the launch result and acceptance checks Confirm the scope with everyone involved Prepare the materials needed for release Run the agreed checks and record unresolved issues Confirm who will monitor the first day after launch

A freelance project

First agree the deliverable, deadline, and revision rounds, then create a Project for that result. Keep requirements in notes and separate Tasks for producing work and receiving feedback. Add Lists when stages need grouping, and use a Session to give time to the next piece of work.

Choose an option Confirm the deliverables, deadline and revision limits Collect the client’s source materials Prepare the first agreed deliverable Ask for specific feedback on the delivered version Send the final files and record the handover

Preparing a presentation

Begin by writing the main idea and audience question. A short presentation can use a List; use a Project when research, slides, and rehearsal form separate stages. Add Tasks for each result and a Session for rehearsal, then record the confirmed presentation time in the appropriate Task.

Choose an option Write the main point and the audience’s question Outline the supporting examples Prepare slides with the necessary sources Rehearse aloud and check the speaking time Test the display, audio and backup copy

A meeting and its follow-up

Create a preparation List and first write the decision the meeting needs to produce. Afterward, turn agreed follow-ups into Tasks with confirmed dates. Keep a Task for each response you are waiting for; with GTD enabled, give those records Waiting For.

Choose an option Write the decision the meeting needs to reach Send the agenda and relevant material Collect questions that need an answer Record the agreed actions and confirmed dates Send a concise summary and request any missing confirmation

Looking for a job

Write your important job requirements, then create a Project for the search. A vacancy that needs several steps can have its own List. Add application, interview, and follow-up Tasks with confirmed dates; use notes for the details you need when returning to an application.

Choose an option Write the role requirements that matter to you Update the CV for one selected vacancy Prepare and send the requested application materials Prepare examples for the interview questions Check the response after the agreed follow-up interval

Organizing an event

First agree the date, guest count, and budget. Create an event Project with Lists for the venue, invitations, and day-of checks when useful. Put bookings, replies, and deliveries in Tasks with confirmed details. A Space can focus the event records alongside other relevant plans.

Choose an option Confirm the date, guest count and budget Book the venue and record the conditions Send invitations and note replies Confirm equipment, supplies and delivery times Walk through the event-day checklist

Moving home

Confirm the moving date and access arrangements first. Use a Project with Lists for documents, packing, and address changes. Give appointments their dates and collection Tasks their places. A moving Space can bring these records together, while Nearby helps plan the errands with saved locations.

Choose an option Confirm the moving date and access arrangements Book transport and check the agreed cost Label boxes by room and list fragile contents Record the meter readings at handover Update the address with the services you use

Before a holiday

Start by checking the official entry and document requirements for your actual trip. Use a preparation Project with Lists for documents, packing, and work handover. Add confirmed bookings and deadlines to Tasks. Review care arrangements for home, plants, or pets before choosing the final packing actions.

Choose an option Check the official entry and document requirements Confirm bookings and save their reference numbers Arrange care for the home, plants or pets Send the work handover and record pending answers Check the packing list against the expected conditions

Returning after a holiday

Use a return-to-work List and begin by collecting new obligations from messages and notes. Review existing Projects before copying new Tasks into them. Update obsolete plans and choose the next action for each active Project. A work Space can help focus the first day’s relevant records.

Choose an option Collect new commitments from messages and notes Delete or revise plans that are no longer relevant Confirm the next step for each active project Choose a manageable set of tasks for the first day Resume paused routines when you are ready

Caring for plants

First check care guidance for your particular plants. Use Tasks for jobs that need completion, such as buying supplies or changing a plant’s place. A Habit can track regular observations. Set recurrence only for work whose timing you have actually established, rather than treating one schedule as suitable for every plant.

Choose an option Check the care instructions for each plant Inspect the soil before deciding whether to water Remove damaged leaves where appropriate Check whether a plant needs a different position Record which care supplies need replacing

Caring for a pet

Begin by checking the supplies you already have. Keep ongoing care in a dedicated Area if useful, with Tasks for stock replenishment, confirmed appointments, and care during an absence. Add recurrence for established routine jobs and a place to an appointment when you want it in Nearby.

Choose an option Check how much food and other supplies remain Confirm the next appointment with the veterinary practice Prepare the records requested for the appointment Inspect and clean the pet’s everyday equipment Arrange care before an upcoming absence

A creative project

Write the intended result and project boundaries first, such as a finished story or a selected photo series. Create a Project, keep ideas in notes, and turn the next workable pieces into Tasks. Sessions can record creative time; add a feedback Task when an outside response affects the next step.

Choose an option Write the intended result and the limits of the project Collect the reference material you need Complete one small part of the work Ask for feedback on a specific question Prepare the final version and decide where to keep it