Web Secret #147: InstaTodo

I am a check list fanatic.

There is no other way to effectively parent 2 teenagers, keep an eyeball out on a college student, and fulfill the responsibilities of a full time job and a consulting practice without a to do list, (or two, or three.)

Fortunately, my clever friend Alex created the perfect app for an organization fanatic like myself - InstaTodo.com.

So what exactly are we talking about?

InstaTodo provides reusable templates to help you easily create repetitive and commonly used to-do lists. The idea is to stop throwing away to-do lists after their completion – instead saving them as templates to be reused at a later time.

The app enables users to create a to-do list from scratch or modify one of their numerous handy dandy existing templates to fit your specific needs.

Let me illustrate.

I decided to go to Guatemala for Spring Break. I pick the "Planning the Trip" template. A check list is already created for me, including:

- Enroll in Frequent Flyer Program
-Check visas and passports
-Check auto insurance policy
- Check medical insurance
-Decide about medical insurance
- Purchase guidebooks
etc.

I can delete an item, add an item and then save the whole thing to be used once again on my next trip to an exotic destination.

Best of all, I can e-mail my custom to-do list to my traveling companions or even myself.

Here's another clever feature of the app. Let's say you created a list of stuff to buy the next time you are in the vicinity of a Home Depot. If you chose this feature, InstaTodo will instantly show you your to-do’s based on their proximity to where you are located. Use the "By Location" smart list and when you approach a Home Depot, your to-do list will show up as a balloon near that location.

I am just scratching the basic surface of this app for you. Many other useful features are included for the introductory price of $4.99. Currently the app can be downloaded from the iTunes store for use on Apple devices such as the iPad, and the iPhone. More devices will be added in the near future.

Now if you will excuse me, my birthday is around the corner and I need to check out the Dinner Party Checklist.