What’s your calendar style?
As summer winds down and the calendar turns to September, let’s take a look at what kind of calendar you’re turning.
In an over-scheduled world, a calendar is a necessity for staying organized—especially if you’re juggling work and household schedules. But there are so many types available that the choices can be overwhelming. That’s why we have a roundup of the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of calendars.
Calendar apps/online calendars
Advantages:
Everything’s digital—no messy markers, no erasing and rewriting, no appointment cards to lose
Perfect for those on the go; your phone’s always with you
Easy to share your calendar with spouse/partner/kids/friends
Easy to add notes and information as needed
Easy to schedule recurring events like birthdays, sports practices, or events from online invitations
Endless range of choices to suit your style
Cloud backups protect information
Disadvantages:
Security vulnerabilities
Hard to disconnect when everything you need is in your device
Constant notifications and alerts can be wearing
Internet outages or weak cellular signals can block access
There’s a learning curve to use the app/site
Popular options for work and/or home:
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar (aka: iCal)
Microsoft Outlook
Cozi Family Organizer
Calendar.com
Calendly
Trello
Physical calendars
Advantages:
Easy to use; can be faster to jot things down over entering information digitally
Physically writing down an appointment or task can help the brain remember better
No need for special technology
Good for seeing the big picture all at once
Can be displayed in a centralized area (e.g., refrigerator) for the entire family
Can get creative with pictures, stickers and colors
Can be a fun way to teach kids how to be organized
Disadvantages:
Not easy to share with others
Limited physical space
Everything needs to be entered by hand
May need to replace every year depending on format
May not always carry the physical calendar with you
Popular options for work and/or home:
12- or 18-month multi-page wall calendars
Daily, weekly or monthly planners
Dry erase calendars
You may want to maintain your calendar using a combination of the types listed above. For instance, use your Google Calendar to enter and view appointments on the go, and then transfer those details on a weekly (or monthly) basis to a physical calendar in a central location. Or you could use a monthly calendar and assign each household member a different color for tracking their specific schedules.
The best way to find what works for you is through trial and error. Choose a system that will be easy to use not only for yourself, but your entire household.