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Free To-Do List Template

Printable and digital versions

Blaz Kos
Author
Date
19/10/2021

Would you like to become more organized? We have prepared free, simple, and actually useful to-do list templates that you can use in a digital version (DOCX) or printable one (PDF, PNG). If you are looking for a basic daily or weekly to-do list template, you’ve come to the right place.

How to use a to-do list

A to-do list is one of the most popular organizational tools besides a calendar. A to do-list is a list of tasks you need to complete in a certain period of time. It enables you to free your brain capacity by writing down what needs to be done, set priorities based on these tasks, and monitor their progress. To-do lists are one of the best ways to manage and organize your life.

There are many other benefits of using to-do lists:

  • You’ll easily break down your big goals into items, and items into tasks
  • You’ll see both the forest and the trees (with the right system in place)
  • You’ll set your priorities more easily
  • You’ll free your brain and gain more mental bandwidth (memory improvement)
  • You won’t forget things
  • You’ll manage your time better
  • You can measure progress more easily
  • To-do lists will boost your motivation, especially when crossing out each completed task

Using a to-do list is really simple. 

STEP 1: You list all the tasks that need to be done in a certain period. 

STEP 2: Review all the listed tasks and see if there’s anything you can delete, delegate, or outsource, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

STEP 3: Start working on the tasks, and when you finish a specific one, strike it out or make a tick next to it. It’s that simple.

You can use to-do list templates for many different types of tasks:

  • Work tasks
  • Home chores
  • School assignments
  • Grocery lists
  • Errand lists
  • Movies you have to see or books you have to read, etc.

Read more:
The To-Do list: How to use to-do lists in the most productive way  

Additional tips for using a to-do list template

Let’s look at some additional tips on how to use a to-do list template in the most productive way. These tips will help you to get the most out of this self-organizational tool.

  • Limit the number of tasks: Make sure your to-do list is not too long, otherwise you will feel overwhelmed. 15 – 20 tasks is ideal, and that’s usually for a time period of a week. For a daily to-do list it makes sense to have 3 bigger tasks and a few smaller ones. For bigger tasks it’s recommended to timebox timeslots directly in your calendar.
  • Set priorities: One important benefit of having a to-do list is being able to see all the tasks you must complete and then carefully picking the most important ones. So, make sure you clearly mark priorities on your to-do list. Try to start your day with the most demanding task on your to-do list.
  • Set a deadline for each item: When putting together a to-do list, it’s beneficial to add deadlines based on your set priorities. Deadlines enable you to plan your work easier, and they also put a little bit of pressure on you to really complete the task in time.
  • Regularly groom your to-do list: A to-do list needs to be revised and “groomed” on a daily basis. Mark the tasks that are completed and this will motivate you to complete even more tasks. Add and remove items on your list based on the changes happening at your work. Make sure you have your to-do list in a visible place and always near you, and when you complete a demanding task, don’t forget to reward yourself.

There are many different electronic apps for to-do lists that come handy when reorganizing and grooming your own list, but printable versions have one big advantage: there’s a better connection between your brain and pen and paper, than your brain and a keyboard. You can doodle, sketch, and more easily write notes on a paper version of a to-do list than when using an app.

Download a free to-do list template

Below you can download free to-do list templates in different document formats. You can choose between daily or weekly to-do list templates, and you can also download the complete package of to-to list templates, completely for free.


Daily to do List

Daily to-do list

Download Daily to do list in different format:

Weekly to-do list

Weekly to-do list

Download Weekly to do list in different format: