Warning: this is longer than the Oscars, so feel free to fast forward to the good parts. People often ask how we organize our long to-do list. Our solution is simple: one long living document that we update as projects are completed or planned. It’s been ten months since our last update, so here’s a refreshed, clearer version. We split each room into “Done” and “To Do” sections and added an estimated completion percentage for each area to show progress at a glance.

-The Front Yard (40% complete)-

Done:

• Pruned and limbed up the magnolia so it no longer obstructs the house.
• Removed overgrown bushes that hid the facade.
• Reseeded and planted grass where shrubs were removed.
• Updated garden beds and added basic landscaping.

To Do:

• Transplant, plant, and trim additional beds (we’ve completed about three of ten areas).

-The Front Porch and House Facade (35% complete)-

Done:

• Furnished the porch with pieces from our previous home.
• Planted shrubs and flowers to define the entry.
• Painted the front door a cheerful yellow.

To Do:

• Frame porch columns so they read chunky and square instead of ornate.
• Stain the concrete porch floor for a finished look.
• Add window boxes and shutters to side and back windows.

-The Carport/Garage (5% complete)-

Done:

• Replaced a tiny light fixture with a large black lantern.

To Do:

• Decide on use: convert to a closed garage or enhance it as a carport with beefed-up columns and a pergola-style trellis to preserve light into adjacent rooms.

-The Living Room (85% complete)-

Done:

• Painted walls and brightened previously dark wood trim.
• Gray-washed the ceiling beams.
• Added a new sectional, console table, rugs, ottoman, and a secondhand media cabinet.
• Hung subtle patterned curtains and built a leaning chalkboard to balance the slider.

To Do:

• Add overhead lighting (a pendant over the table and possibly recessed lights).
• Convert the kitchen fireplace into a double-sided feature opening into the living room.
• Refinish the floors in the future.

-The Office (85% complete)-

Done:

• Built a built-in double desk and added storage and task lighting.
• Painted and upholstered thrifted chairs and stenciled the walls.
• Updated an old chandelier with paint, new bulbs, and a large shade; added sentimental artwork and functional filing storage.

To Do:

• Consider bamboo blinds or other window treatments for texture.
• We’d love to add French doors between the dining room and office for privacy and architectural interest.
• Eventually refinish floors.

-The Hall Bathroom (100% complete)-

Done:

• Raised the shower curtain height, installed new window trim to balance the room, and added a fresh light above the mirror.
• Painted walls, framed the mirror, added shelves, swapped vanity knobs, and installed a homemade window shade.

To Do:

• None for now—this one’s done.

-The Big Hallway (90% complete)-

Done:

• Completed a frame collage and placed a console table; we’re happy with the current look.

To Do:

• Add a patterned runner and eventually refinish the floors.

-The Small Hallway (5% complete)

Done:

• Spray-painted old doorknobs for uniformity in an oil-rubbed bronze finish.

To Do:

• Add board and batten, paint, install crown molding, hang art, replace the old light and the gaudy doorbell chime, and refinish floors eventually.

-The Dining Room (95% complete)-

Done:

• Painted walls, painted the built-ins’ back wall dark teal, hung homemade curtains, and added a large round table and chairs.
• Added a chippy buffet, personalized yard-sale art, and a show-stopping light over the table.

To Do:

• Build a large lazy Susan for the center of the table and refinish floors eventually.

-The Laundry Room (98% complete)-

Done:

• Painted walls, removed shutters, frosted the glass side door, painted cabinets, replaced hardware, upgraded appliances, and installed custom shelves.
• Replaced laminate with cork flooring, mounted a space-saving ironing board, added art, and made a clothespin chandelier.

To Do:

• Consider adding a window treatment—this room is nearly complete.

-The Kitchen (85% complete)-

Done:

• Painted the brick fireplace and paneling, replaced mismatched appliances with energy-efficient stainless steel, and opened a large pass-through to the dining room.
• Redid lighting with cans and glass pendants, rearranged cabinetry to add a peninsula, painted cabinets and installed new hardware, and installed white Corian counters.
• Tiled a dramatic backsplash to the ceiling on one wall, added open shelves, built a microwave cabinet with ventilation, hung a range hood, and installed dark cork flooring.

To Do:

• Finish the back of the peninsula with trim, possibly add a message board, reconsider crown trim atop cabinets, decide whether to repaint walls, and eventually reface the fireplace with a chunky mantel and a new surround.

-Playroom / Big Girl Room (75% complete)-

Done:

• Cleared clutter via a yard sale and donations, painted walls, made curtains, added a rug, child-sized table and chairs, and a nine-drawer dresser for storage.
• Swapped the fan for a pendant, created a frame collage and hung birdcage art, and cleared a closet for play storage.

To Do:

• Paint the ceiling, add crown molding, refinish or repaint the dresser, and eventually refinish floors.

-Nursery (90% complete)-

Done:

• Painted walls, hung curtains, brought in existing furniture, installed sentimental lighting, built a play kitchen and fridge, and redesigned the closet into a cozy reading nook with stamped walls and a beanbag.

To Do:

• Hang additional art, add crown molding, refinish floors eventually, and adapt the room if future needs change.

-The Sunroom (60% complete)-

Done:

• Spray-painted slider hardware, painted walls and an odd brick box, furnished most of the room with items we had, and added art and a bookcase for storage.

To Do:

• Furnish remaining bare corners, consider window treatments, and eventually replace the outdated tile flooring.

-Our Bedroom (80% complete)-

Done:

• Removed dated bifold doors, hung a mirror over the sink nook, replaced the granite backsplash to simplify the space, bought a new bed, repainted walls, and installed a playful chandelier.
• Added an upholstered headboard, positioned furniture for flow, and furnished a previously bare wall.

To Do:

• Possibly convert a window to a French door, tile the sink nook back wall, and refinish floors eventually.

-Our Bathroom (75% complete)-

Done:

• Raised the shower curtain to ceiling height, painted walls, hung art, painted trim glossy white, added frosted window film, replaced the toilet, swapped the ceiling light for a centered glass pendant, and updated tile with white frosted glass subway.

To Do:

• Phase Two: retile the floor (consider gray hex tile) and either reglaze the beige wall tile white or cover it with beadboard.

-Guest Bedroom (70% complete)-

Done:

• Primed and painted walls, furnished mostly from other rooms, and hung curtains and a mirror.

To Do:

• Add art, install crown molding, refresh or replace the small round mirror, upgrade worn furnishings, and refinish floors over time.

-Guest Bathroom (10% complete)-

Done:

• Removed an awkward door mirror, added a new shower curtain and bath mat, replaced the mirror above the sink, hung art, and updated the light fixture.

To Do:

• Paint walls, decide on tile upgrades, install a glass shower door, frost the window for privacy, and hang more art.

-Basement Workshop (85% complete)-

Done:

• Cleared clutter, donated items, organized tools on pegboards, framed and painted pegboards, sorted screws and nails in jars on shelving, and added functional shelves and sawdust-safe artwork above the workspace.

To Do:

• Paint the basement exit door and consider staining the floors and wood counters.

-Side Lot (10% complete)-

Done:

• Planted two trees as a start toward naturalizing the strip.

To Do:

• Plant more trees and native plants to create an orchard-like buffer and reduce weeds.

-Deck (80% complete)-

Done:

• Cleared foliage, planned and obtained county approval, removed the old balcony, dug post holes, framed and installed deck boards, railings, steps, and added a new French door and outdoor furnishings.

To Do:

• Stain and seal the deck, string large-bulb lights, conceal a utility box, and add planting for screening.

-Patio (85% complete)-

Done:

• Cleared weeds and dead trees, planned and purchased materials, leveled the site, laid gravel and sand, installed pavers with a custom curved edge, and landscaped around the patio. Built a rock box and added a rain barrel.

To Do:

• Furnish with cohesive outdoor seating and potentially add string lighting.

-Backyard (90% complete)-

Done:

• Built a compost bin, cleared overgrown beds, removed invasive monkey grass, transplanted bushes into better locations, and reseeded the lawn for play space.

To Do:

• Remove ivy choking trees, plant additional privacy trees at the far end, add raised beds for vegetables and herbs, and consider whether to install a swingset.

Summary: it’s satisfying to look back at all the completed items, even though the to-do list remains long. We try to enjoy the process and tackle projects based on mood and priority—safety and urgency aside. Big projects sit in the back of our minds while smaller victories keep us motivated. Right now we’re aiming to add crown molding to three bedrooms, box in porch columns, redo the carport, and renovate the untouched guest bathroom.

What about you—how do you organize your home projects? On your phone, on post-its, in a document, or by hand? How do you choose what to tackle next?