A Review of the Best Apps for Scheduling, Communication, and Task Management
In a world where there's an app for just about everything (yes, even for remembering to drink water), managing your household with the help of a domestic helper has become more tech-savvy than ever. Whether it's keeping track of weekly chores, setting up reminders, or simply communicating effectively, there's no shortage of apps that can make life a little smoother—for both you and your helper. Here’s a roundup of some of the best apps to help you manage everything seamlessly and make your home run like clockwork.
Oh, and don't worry—none of these apps will remind you to drink water... unless you ask them to.
1. Google Calendar
For: Scheduling and Reminders
Let’s start with the classic. Google Calendar is like the reliable old friend that never lets you down. You can create multiple calendars, set reminders for tasks (like when the laundry needs to be folded), and even share events with your domestic helper so everyone’s on the same page.
The beauty of Google Calendar is its simplicity. You can color-code tasks (blue for cleaning, red for cooking, maybe green for… watering plants?). It’s not just about chores either—set up a reminder for your helper’s rest days or family birthdays. You’ll never accidentally schedule a deep cleaning on a public holiday again!
2. Trello
For: Task Management
If you’ve ever wished you could organize your household like a project manager organizes a team, Trello is the answer. Trello lets you create boards, lists, and cards for each task or project in your household. Each card can have due dates, comments, and checklists.
Imagine a board where you can track daily chores, meal planning, and even grocery lists. You can assign tasks to your helper and track progress easily, all while feeling like you’re running a highly efficient operation (and trust us, you are).
3. WhatsApp
For: Communication
Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most effective. WhatsApp isn’t just for family group chats or sharing cute pet videos; it’s also perfect for keeping open lines of communication with your domestic helper. Set up a dedicated chat for household tasks, create group chats with other family members, and send reminders or voice notes.
Bonus tip: You can even create recurring reminders using WhatsApp’s new scheduling features. Just don’t be surprised if you start getting reminders from your helper to buy more detergent.
4. Home Routines
For: Chore Management
If you’re someone who thrives on checklists, you’re going to love Home Routines. This app helps you create customized cleaning schedules, set recurring tasks, and track progress. It’s basically like having a digital clipboard for your home, reminding you to tackle that dusty shelf you’ve been pretending not to see.
You can break tasks down by rooms or zones and set timers to help keep things efficient. Your domestic helper can use the app too, so there’s a shared understanding of what needs to be done daily, weekly, or monthly.
5. OurHome
For: Family Coordination
This one’s a great option for larger households. OurHome turns chores into a game of sorts by allowing you to assign tasks and reward points for completing them. While originally designed for families, you can easily adapt this app to manage tasks between you and your helper.
Set up recurring tasks, track progress, and even leave encouraging notes or reward points for a job well done. You’ll foster a spirit of teamwork, and your home will be running so smoothly, you might start looking for extra things to organize.
6. Cozi
For: Family and Helper Organization
Cozi is like the Swiss Army knife of home organization. It’s a family calendar, grocery list, meal planner, and chore tracker all in one. Share the app with your helper to keep everyone in the loop about the day’s tasks, meal plans, or even shopping needs. You can even track important information like appointments or school schedules if you’ve got kids.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to use. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get this one up and running.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
With the right apps, managing your home and domestic help can go from stressful to streamlined in no time. Whether you need to keep track of tasks, improve communication, or simply stay organized, these tools are designed to make life easier for both you and your helper.
Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for your household. Some employers like to keep things light and flexible, while others prefer a more structured approach. Whichever camp you fall into, these apps will help bring a little more order—and maybe even a little fun—into your home.