12+ Checklist Examples & Templates

When tasked to do quite a few chores or tasks, it is important that you take into account what you have finished doing and what you still need to do. There should be a way for you to record and keep track of things you need to do in order to avoid doing the same thing over and over and to help you keep track of your progress. There is a tendency of being more inspired to finish your to-dos when you can actually see the progress you are making.

With that in mind, a checklist template will allow you to keep track and record your progress as you go along with your tasks. In this article, topics essential to understand a checklist are thoroughly discussed.

Elements of a Checklist

A checklist is a table containing appropriate labels as well as the tasks that need to be accomplished within a specified time. In order to make a checklist that will effectively serve the purpose you have decided on, here are some essential elements that it must have:

• An inclusive table: The table you use must be able to list down all that you need, although there is a limit to how many rows or columns you can only include in one page, it must not prohibit you from adding more items to the list.
• Clear labels: A checklist can only function properly if the labels are clear and direct. On each column of your list, clearly specify what items should be listed below it to make sure you prioritize and organize your to-dos.
• Check boxes: Since it is called a checklist, it must have small boxes beside each item where you can put a check mark after accomplishing the task. Although this is not a requirement, it can make your checklist look more tidy.
• Time/Date/Duration: The items of your checklist should have a specified time or duration telling you when it should be done. Although there are checklists that are more for long-term tasks, short-term tasks should indicate its deadline.

10 Checklist Templates

Grocery Checklist

Business Travel Itinerary Checklist

Camping Checklist Template

Task Checklist

Wedding Checklist Template

Project Checklist

Inspection Checklist Template

Event Planning Checklist

Inventory Checklist

Maintenance Checklist Template

Termination Checklist

Checklist Examples

Social Celebration Event Planning Checklist

behance.net/gallery/61754887/Checklist

Initial Interview Checklist

behance.net/gallery/11859821/UI-Initial-Interview-Checklist

Application Checklist Example

behance.net/gallery/26955887/TCSPP-Application-Checklist

Steps in Layouting a Checklist

A checklist can be a great tool to help you stay motivated in doing your tasks and help you keep track of your progress so far. With that in mind, a checklist is quite easy to make so long as you already have a clear idea what it will be used for. To help you make sure you checklist functions as it should be, here are steps you can follow when layouting a checklist:

Step 1. Put a label for the checklist

On top of the checklist, include a label that will indicate what the checklist is for. This will also tell you what the items included in the list will be about. For example, a checklist labelled as a grocery checklist tells you that the items on the list will be food or drinks needed to be bought on a trip to the grocery.

Step 2. Decide how many columns to include

A checklist is best made with a table. Thus, there is a need to decide how many columns to include. The columns are where you will list down your items for the list, thus, the columns will depend on how many categories you will be including on your checklist.

Step 3. Label the columns

After deciding how many columns to include on your checklist, make sure you put a label on them so you will not forget what each column consists of. The label will tell you what category the listed items belong to.

Step 4. The more rows the better

Since there are times when you forget to include some things on your checklist, it is important to give it extra spaces where you can list them down the moment you remember them. You will list down all your items on each given row. You should also include a check box where you put a check mark after each item is accomplished.

Step 5. Organize items according to importance

Now that your items are separated by category, make sure that you arrange and organize the items on your list based on importance and urgency. Items listed on top should be the most important/urgent and the least important/urgent should be listed on the last/end.

Tips in Layouting a Checklist

Since you already know how to basically layout a checklist, here some useful tips that can be your guide as you make a checklist:

• Although not necessary, a good design or illustration on you checklist will help you stay motivated.
• Make sure your checklist is organized according to your preference.
• Allot extra spaces, rows, and columns where you can list down categories and items you have forgotten.
• Make sure you clarify the labels on your checklist.
• It is best to not widen the columns and rows in order to save space.
• With that, write your items briefly but clearly.
• Specify the time when accomplishment of items should adhere to; somewhat like a deadline.

How to Make a Checklist in Word

A checklist can take various styles or format; there are checklists that require tables and there are also simple ones. Here is a guide you can follow to help make a simple and a tabled checklist in Word:

Simple Checklist

1. Upon opening new document, click on the symbol drop-down list and click more symbols. There, choose to insert the check box.
2. Once the check box is inserted to your document, you can begin typing the items to include in your list.
3. As you go on down your list, make sure you always begin it with the check box.

Tabled Checklist

1. Open a new document in Word. You need to add the label or title for your checklist; it should appear on the center uppermost part of the page. You can also include the date/deadline/timeline to tick off every item on your list.
2. After that, add tables. You will be given the options to choose how many rows and columns to include.
3. Once table is set, adjust width to your preference. The first column on your table should be intended for the labels of each category.
4. After putting labels on each column, you can begin listing your items on each row.
5. You can also add a check box beside every item on you list to have something to put a check mark once tasks are accomplished.

Types of Checklist

To make you more familiar with checklists, here are two types of effective checklists you can use for your own tasks or activities:

Read-Do Checklist 

This checklist basically outlines the steps needed to complete an activity. Read-do checklists almost work like a recipe or list for directions for a procedure where items are needed to be accomplished first before you can proceed to another.

Do-Confirm Checklist

This checklist allows you more freedom to complete tasks since there are no specific directions to follow. You are allowed to complete tasks from your memory even before checking your list. The checklist can be used to confirm no tasks were forgotten or overlooked.

Checklist Sizes

There is no right or wrong size to make a checklist. It can be made on an A4-sized paper, shorter or longer depending on what you prefer. It all really depends on the quantity/number of categories and items you want to include in your checklist.

Checklist FAQs

Here are some answers to questions commonly asked about checklists:

Why is it important to have a checklist?

A checklist makes sure you complete daily, weekly, and monthly tasks on the right time. It also helps you keep track of your deadlines as well as your progress.

How do I make a checklist?

A checklist can be easily made in Word or any word processing software. You can use bullet points or tables depending on your style. A guide on how to make a checklist in word is included above.

To find out more checklist templates, go check out Template.net.