Shared Family To-Do List App. vs. Wall Chart: Pros and Cons

Staying on top of a busy schedule isn’t something that comes easily to most people. It takes impeccable organizational skills and dedication from the entire family. 

Life is full of day-to-day activities, events, and chores that need to be done. With so much stuff going on, it can be all too easy to let a few things fall through the cracks! But nowadays, almost everyone has access to a smartphone or tablet, meaning that using a digital to-do list has never been more accessible. 

Digital to-do lists are easy to use and are designed for those with busy schedules. They provide real-time updates and alerts to ensure that nothing will be missed for those on the go. 

How to Choose Your Method of Organization

Everyone has their own way of learning and retaining information. Some can hear something and remember it with no problem, while others need to write it down!

For those that need to write down that important information, they need to decide how they are going to do so. Are they going to go the traditional route of a wall chart or upgrade to a more tech-savvy option, such as using a shared family to-do list

Before you decide which method will be best for you, you must ask yourself some important questions. Some of those questions are:

  • Are you consistently on the go where you will not have access to your wall chart?

  • Does the convenience of instant access to your tasks via your phone sound appealing?

  • Do you find the act of physically writing something down more engaging and memory-retaining?

Asking yourself these questions can help you determine what will be best for you and your family. Some people prefer to stick to the old fashioned route of pen and paper, while others are looking to optimize their family’s organization by digitizing their tasks and schedules. 

The thought of having to choose a way to organize your family’s activities can be overwhelming. There’s just so much to consider! It may feel like a never-ending parade of doctor’s appointments, work meetings, sports games, and parties that you need to try and remember! 

Before you consider whether a shared family to-do list app or a wall chart would work for you and your needs, you should consider the pros and cons of each. Whichever route you choose should be the one that can best organize your day-to-day life and make your and your family’s life easier! Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and downsides of using each form of organization. 

Shared Family To-Do List

Shared family to-do lists are used through an app, meaning they can be accessed via phone, tablet, or even laptop. This makes creating and checking to-do lists easier than ever! With all things, there are pros and cons to using a shared family to-do list. Here are some of them:

Pros of Using a Shared Family To Do List App

  • Shared and individual calendars

  • Real-time updates

  • Reminders sent to assigned family members

  • Schedule recurring to-do lists

  • Can share lists with the whole family or certain members 

  • Color coding (events, appointments, parties, meetings, etc.)

  • To-do lists with the ability to create subcategories

  • Grocery list with capabilities such as:

    • Checking off items as you go

    • Importing items to next week's list to avoid re-adding every week

    • Inviting family members to add to the grocery list

    • Attaching photos to help find the correct brand

  • Built-in recipe library that you can:

    • Choose from over 5,000 recipes and add your own

    • Create and share a meal plan with the entire family

    • Assign meal times and cooking responsibilities

  • Import and export calendars to other platforms such as Google and Apple calendar

Cons of Using a Shared Family To Do List App

  • Have to click through multiple pages to get to the one you want

  • There is a learning curve when learning a new platform

  • Creates a reliance on technology

Using a Family Wall Chart

Before technology had advanced to where it is today, families relied on wall charts in the home to organize their day-to-day lives. This was typically a large whiteboard or chalkboard where you could write down the dates of important events or other things that needed to be documented, such as what to buy for groceries.

While this method is becoming less and less popular as technology advances, there are some people who swear by this mode of communication within the family. 

In comparison to using a digitalized shared family to-do list, there are some pros and cons. Let’s take a look at those now.

Pros of Using a Family Wall Chart

  • All the information you need is immediately in sight. No flipping through multiple screens or pages

  • It feels more satisfying to cross an item off a list than it is to check a digital box

  • Writing by hand has a better retention rate than typing

  • Less time staring at a screen

  • Less distracting

Cons of Using a Family Wall Chart

  • Limited accessibility. Once you leave home, you can no longer see or change your list.

  • There are no updates. If you have a meeting or appointment coming up, you must rely on your memory.

  • Risk of disorganization. If there are too many thoughts or notes on your board, it can easily become cluttered and confusing.

Family Daily: The Game-Changing Shared Family To Do List App

Finding the right shared family to-do list app will improve your family’s efficiency and ability to remain accountable for household management and other responsibilities. Updates and reminders are sent to family members to help each person stay informed and coordinated. 


Choosing Family Daily when looking for a shared family to-do list app is a no-brainer. Family Daily helps take the family organization to the next level for optimal efficiency with its easy-to-use interface, color coding, and real-time updates. Download Family Daily now to try out the service for free!

Jessica Manley

Jessica is an avid writer with a creative mindset. If she isn’t writing, you can find her playing with her two children, crocheting, or lifting weights at the gym.

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Why Should I Use a Shared Family To Do List?

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