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Spring cleaning: Apps for getting stuff doneGetting stuff done isn’t always easy. Whether you’re procrastinating a bit too much, or forgetting about tasksaltogether, it might be time to try out a productivity app on your Android or iOS device.

CNET › Software › Mobile Apps › Spring cleaning: Apps for getting stuff done

September 24, 201512:17 PM PDT

Mobile Apps

by Nicole Cozma @c0z

Spring cleaning can become a relatively involved process. That's because you'reusually adding these tasks to your normally scheduled ones, like grocery shopping orpicking up your kids. Here are a few apps for your Android or iOS device that can helpyou remember what to do, when, and even where so you can get that spring cleaningdone.

Note: Some features may not be available on both OSes due to individual platform

limitations.

Evernote

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Looking for a place to store lots of information (like the things that need cleaning), while stayingorganized? Evernote (Android/iOS) has you covered. You can create notes, task lists, and embedimages -- all of which can be shared. Entries can be sorted into notebooks and given tags, but you canalso use the search feature to find them; you can even search text in images. The ability to sync acrossmost major platforms, and work offline, make Evernote a truly powerful app. However, if you're primarilylooking for task list management, check out this next app.

Wunderlist

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Wunderlist (Android/iOS) lets you make checklists with tasks and subtasks and collaborate with friends,family, or coworkers. Tread carefully when inviting coworkers to help with spring cleaning. If you needto remember to do something important, like pay the guy who cleaned out your gutters, Wunderlist willlet you set a notification on the task as a reminder. The app's sync feature works across all of yourdevices, and there's even a Web interface so you can access Wunderlist tasks from anywhere.

Splurging for the Pro version will allow unlimited file attachments, assignments to others, and subtasks,and also adds an extra 10 backgrounds to choose from. For more info, check out CNET's review. Is this app still a bit involved for your taste? Then take a look at the next one.

Any.Do (and Cal)

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Clean lines and sharp color contrasts make this app a pleasure to work with and look at. When you starttyping a task, Any.Do (Android/iOS) has a predictive text feature to help speed things along. Fororganization, tasks can be put it on the today, tomorrow, or even someday lists -- all of which can beshared. But if you're planning on getting the cleaning done before Summer, you should probably steerclear of the Someday list. You can mark off tasks as you complete them, or bring them back if you makea mistake.

If you really want to take your time management to the next level, install Any.Do's other productivityapp: Cal. With this companion app, you can sync your current calendar(s) and then schedule your tasksin conjunction with other events. This next app will give you even more information about today'sschedule.

Google Now

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Google Now is actually part of the Google Search (to be on 4.0 or higher.) For starters, this app is quite different from the others because you can simplytell it to create reminders for you. If you specify an address you need to be at by 4 p.m., Google Nowwill deliver driving directions along with approximate commute time. Additionally, you can trackpackages, get reminders for birthdays or reservations, check sports scores, view boarding passes, andsee flight times.

Tags: Android Update, Mobile Apps, Tablets, Laptops

iOS6,

iOS 7, Google, Android Lollipop

To add a note, just say "add a note," or "note to self" and then you can speak your note (e.g., "clean outthe closet!"), or type it in the box that opens on the screen. On Android, Google Now will integrate withGoogle Keep, allowing you to save notes there for easy access.

Google Keep

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Last, but definitely not least, is Google Keep (Androidnotes, record voice memos, create checklists, and even insert photos. Organization isminimal, but you can color-code the background of each note with a preselected colorpalette, and add labels when you need them. As an added bonus, you can set customnotifications for each note based on time or location.

What's your favorite productivity app? Is it important for the app to be available on manyplatforms, or do you only use it on one? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Editors' note, April 10, 2015: This How To post was originally published on April 16,2014, and has been updated to include new information.

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