Reminders

Keeping track of your to-do list using tech can be a challenge as there are so many apps to choose from. A smartphone is an ideal tool for maintaining your list as it’s always with you.

However, before you dive in and start making lists, have a think about how you work.

Some apps are simple lists, while others allow a more projectbased approach. You may also want a separate app for work and home or you may want others to be able to use it.

Also, you may prefer to use your computer rather than your phone so you may need a web-based version.

Here’s a selection to consider if you want help organising your life.

GoogleTasks

Google has just released this app which is available free for iPhones and Android devices.

As a phone app, it is just a simple to-do list and it lacks some advanced features such as setting alerts for certain tasks.

Its real power comes when using Tasks as part of Gmail on your computer.

You need the latest version of Gmail (go to the cog on the top right corner and click ‘‘try the new Gmail’’) which allows you to access Tasks from your inbox.

You can drag emails from your inbox to Tasks to create a listing which is then linked to that email.

This is especially handy for people who use their inbox as a todo list. It’s also great for anyone committed to the Google suite of products as you can use Google Calendar in the same way. This is Apple’s version of the to-do list and it best suits Apple fans as it works on apps for your iPhone, iPad and MacBook with all your work synched across all of your devices.

It has a simple design that allows you to colour-code lists and you can also set alerts for certain tasks.

It is also possible to add locationbased alerts. When you get to work it can remind you to buy a coffee for your colleagues before walking into the office.

You can also use Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, to add tasks.

On the Mac version you can also have the Calendar app showing within the Reminders app to help plan or assign tasks.

Todoist

This app is for power users who want a project-based approach to the tasks.

Each task can be controlled, prioritised and assigned to a project. For example, you can assign ‘‘take out the rubbish’’ to your Home project and have it remind you each week when it’s due to be put out.

You can also use it to coordinate with friends, family or coworkers and it’s available for Android and Apple devices and as a web version.

And for those who love crossing things off lists, there’s a feedback feature which shows your completed tasks and a range of statistics on how productive you are.

There is a paid version but the free option will be enough for most people.

MeisterTask

This app uses a more visual approach, using a bulletin-board style to help you manage tasks.

It’s more suitable for bigger projects such as doing a home renovation and is great for bringing a whole lot of ideas together in one place.

MeisterTask also allows you to go into great detail for each item and it’s also good if you’re collaborating on a project for either work or home.

It also offers insights into your work, such as the ‘‘complete task’’ button that shows how long it took to finish something after it was added.

The basic version is free while the paid version costs $140 a year. It works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and the web.

Other options

If you love minimalist design then take a look at Ikiru (iPhone only, $7.49). It lets you add text and photos to lists and you can also create lists within lists.

If you need some encouragement to get stuff done then try Carrot (iPhone only, $4.49) which turns doing tasks into a game. If you’re productive you get rewarded with new features or ‘‘fortune cookies’’ but if you slack off you lose points and the app will have ‘‘mood swings’’.

Trello uses columns and cards to help you visualise your tasks. It’s similar to MeisterTask in that it’s suited to bigger projects. You can add all the detail you want and add subtasks, attachments, and colour coding. There’s a free version but the full version costs $8.50 a month.

The best approach is to try a few apps to see what works for you. But also remember that just because you have entered your task into an app, the app won’t do them for you but it should make it easier to get started.