Every morning, before diving into the day’s chaos, I start with a calming ritual: opening Microsoft To Do. It’s my way of prioritising what needs to get done around the house and in life outside of work. With a hot cup of coffee in hand, I take a few moments to review my list, add new tasks, and set my focus for the day.
Using To Do has become second nature to me, and for good reason—it’s simple, intuitive, and keeps everything organised. What’s even better is its integration with Microsoft Planner and Outlook, allowing me to see all my tasks, work and personal, in one seamless view. It’s like having a personal assistant that never drops the ball.
Why Microsoft To Do is Perfect for Household Management
Managing household chores can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling work and family life. That’s where Microsoft To Do shines. Its straightforward interface makes it easy to use, and it’s incredibly flexible for personal task management.
One of my favorite features is My Day. Every morning, I get a clean slate to prioritise what matters most. I can pull tasks from other lists, add new ones, and set my intentions for the day. The app is available on all my devices, so whether I’m at home or out running errands, my tasks are always accessible.
How I Use To Do to Organise My Day
My routine with To Do is simple but effective. Each morning, I:
- Open the My Day view to see what’s on my plate.
- Add new tasks specific to household needs.
- Review flagged emails and Planner tasks (more on that in a bit).
- Start tackling items, one by one.
Here’s a typical example of what my task list might look like:
- Pick up groceries (subtasks: milk, bread, veggies, snacks)
- Book dentist appointment
- Declutter kitchen drawers
- Plan weekend with family
The satisfaction of ticking off each task is unmatched—it’s like a mini reward for getting things done.
Integration with Planner and Outlook
A new feature recently released by Microsoft now takes Microsoft To Do to the next level. This is its integration with other Microsoft tools like Planner and Outlook.
- Planner Integration: Tasks assigned to me in Planner (usually for work) automatically appear in To Do. This means I don’t have to open multiple apps to keep track of everything.
- Outlook Integration: Flagging an email in Outlook turns it into a task in To Do. This feature is perfect for those “don’t forget to follow up” moments.
- Unified View: Everything—personal errands, household chores, and work tasks—is consolidated in one place. This saves me from hopping between apps and keeps my day organised.
With this integration, I can seamlessly balance work and home responsibilities. For example, I might see a flagged email about a work deadline alongside a reminder to water my plants.
Tips for Maximising Microsoft To Do
Here are a few ways I make the most of Microsoft To Do:
- Use Smart Lists: The Important and Planned lists help me prioritize and plan ahead.
- Set Reminders: For time-sensitive tasks like appointments or chores, I set reminders to ensure I never forget.
- Break Down Big Tasks: Subtasks are my secret weapon. For example, “Declutter the kitchen” becomes “Sort utensils,” “Organize spice rack,” and “Clean out fridge.”
- Sync Across Devices: With everything synced, I can check my list from my phone, laptop, or tablet—wherever I am.
How To Do Has Simplified My Life
Since adopting To Do as part of my daily routine, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in stress. Having everything in one place—neatly organised and prioritised—makes life feel more manageable. Whether it’s scheduling appointments, tackling chores, or remembering to pick up groceries, To Do keeps me on track.
The integration with Planner and Outlook has been a lifesaver, especially on busy days when I’m juggling multiple roles. It’s empowering to know I’m not just keeping up with my to-do list—I’m staying ahead of it.
Could Microsoft To Do Simplify Your Life?
If you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your household tasks while keeping work and personal life balanced, I can’t recommend Microsoft To Do enough. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.
How do you manage your household tasks? Have you tried Microsoft To Do? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
