With a new job in a new country that has a lot of expectations on my 'free' time outside of work (ie. it's not really that free...) I'm all about anything that can save me a few minutes here or there. Those add up quickly! I've been working freelance for so long that I forgot about having to stick to regular office hours, and in a country like Japan that assumes every household has a wife available to go run all the daily errands between 9am and 3pm on weekdays (those are legitimately the bank hours here), I need every extra second I can get.
In the digital age, what better way to do just that than with the help of a number of apps? You can rely on a number of apps downloaded right on your smartphone to keep yourself in check and to save you time. Here are the most notable of these apps:
- Timeful is a free productivity app that is available for Android. It is unique in the sense that it is a time management app that is based on roleplaying games. With it, you can create your own tasks and to-do lists. Each item on your list has experience and skill points tied to it. When you successfully complete a task, you will receive points. However, if you fail to finish a task on time or delete it, you will lose experience points.
- Evernote is one of the most valuable apps you can have at your disposal. It is a note taking app that is free as long as you limit your usage of it to two devices. It is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows Phone and the desktop and allows you to take notes, create to-do lists, snap a photo and more. One of the best uses of Evernote is that you have information you need handy at any given moment, such as Wi-Fi logins for multiple places. You can easily create a note of all the passwords for said Wi-Fi logins and quickly and conveniently access them whenever you need them.
- Handy is a great app for anyone who ever needs cleaning services in places like New York, Chicago, Boston and more for their home when they are too busy to do them on their own. It includes a full database of home cleaners, electricians, plumbers, movers and other professionals who can perform home services. All pros included within the app get background checks so that you know they are legitimate. You can find a pro and book them for services right from your device. Handy is available on iOS and Android.
- GasBuddy will prove to be an essential app for anyone who drives on a regular basis. With it, you can find the cheapest gas prices at gas stations based on your current location. You can also help others who use the app by reporting the best prices you come across in any given area so that they too can save money. You even earn points when you report cheap gas prices and can enter daily contests that result in $100 worth of free gas going to the winner. Use this app with your iOS or Android device.
I hope this list will help you get a few extra seconds in your day too!