Knoll & Company, P.C.

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.