Printable Checklists

Some of our readers like to print a list and stick it on the fridge, tuck it in the glovebox or slip it between the pages of a notebook. This page gathers the most practical checklists from recent guides in one place. Each list is short on purpose; the full explanations live in the linked articles. Use your browser's print option to put any of them on paper.

French press, start to finish

From How to Make French Press Coffee:

• Warm the jug and the mug with a splash of hot water.
• Grind beans coarse, about the size of breadcrumbs.
• Let the kettle rest briefly after boiling.
• Wet the grounds, wait for the bloom, then add the rest of the water.
• Stir, put the lid on and steep for around four minutes.
• Press slowly and pour out all the coffee straight away.
• Bin or compost the grounds rather than rinsing them down the sink.

Gift-wrapping kit

From How to Wrap a Gift Neatly:

• Price tag removed and gift boxed where possible.
• Thick paper, sharp scissors and double-sided tape at hand.
• A hard, clear table to work on.
• Paper cut with a small overlap, not a big one.
• Raw edges folded under before taping.
• All edges creased firmly at the end.
• Ribbon, twine or a tag to finish.

Gift basket plan

From How to Make a Gift Basket:

1. Choose one theme and the moment it is for.
2. Pick a container the recipient will want to keep.
3. Check allergies and dietary preferences.
4. Pad the bottom with filler.
5. Place tall items at the back, small ones at the front.
6. Turn every label outwards.
7. Tilt-test the basket, then cover and tie it.
8. Add a handwritten card.

Road trip, the week before

A quick pre-drive list:

• Route sketched with padded driving times.
• Rest day planned every few days.
• Busy nights booked, quiet stretches left flexible.
• Tyres, spare, fluids, lights and wipers checked.
• Licence, insurance and breakdown cover in the car.
• Offline maps downloaded.
• Chargers, water, snacks and a first-aid kit in the cabin.
• Required safety equipment in the boot.

A first week of journaling

A gentle way to begin:

• Decide what the journal is mainly for.
• Choose paper or screen, whichever you already carry.
• Pick a daily cue, such as the kettle or bedtime.
• Set a tiny minimum: one sentence counts.
• Write five prompts in the back for blank days.
• Skip catching up after a missed day; just write today's date.

Vision board session

From How to Make a Vision Board:

• Three to five themes chosen in advance.
• Board, scissors, glue or pins, magazines and markers ready.
• Cuttings edited down to the ones that really matter.
• One small next step written for each theme.
• A spot picked where you will see the board every day.

Got a list you would like to see added? Suggest it on our Say Hello page, and browse Guides & Tips for more step-by-step help.