This post tells you how to save time and money on your next big project with the best Project Planner Template (plus a bonus Project Planner Printable PDF).
There’s a lot of excitement at the beginning of any big project, whether it’s a home renovation, business venture, or major life change. But it’s not long before the challenge of managing timelines, tasks, and budgets, all while coordinating with various people, vendors, and contractors starts to feel overwhelming. The Project Planner Template helps save time by keeping all the important details in one place, and helps save money by keeping track of every expense and where it’s being spent.
When I first started my home renovation, I opened my laptop and started a spreadsheet to track receipts. I wanted to know exactly how much I was spending. Over time, I discovered that there is so much more to keep track of than receipts when it comes to a home renovation project. So I developed the Project Planner Template based on my experience and what I wish I would have had to help manage all the details.
Having a detailed project plan is the best way to stay organized. It frees up mental space and allows more time for creativity. By having a clear roadmap, like the Project Planner Template, you don’t have to scramble to find important information or wonder where the money is going. Personally, I track every receipt in the template and then put it in a manilla envelope in case I need to make any returns or review costs.
Project Planner Template Tabs
Here is what is included in the Project Planner Template:
Project Planner
This is a great place to keep track of all the tasks and assign them to a specific person. You can list the tasks, put them in priority order and then sort. Or, you can use the dates to sort them in order. The start and due dates in this spreadsheet are used to build the Gantt chart on the next tab.
Gantt Chart
This is a visual of every task by duration in days, providing a great overview of which tasks will overlap. Use this like a project timeline template to see when your project may require an extra set of hands.
Task List
If you love a checklist, this is for you. Mark off tasks as they’re completed and watch the pie chart fill in!
Budget Tracker
This allows you to keep track of how much is being spent on items in each category. The pie chart allows you to see how much has been spent per category based on the total amount of money spent. For home renovations, this is a great way to see which room has required the most investment!
Expense Tracker
Those receipts I mentioned earlier are easy to track in the expense tracker. You could even customize this to include even more detailed information like the receipt number or which items were returned.
Material List
This is a helpful tool for all the details that require multiple quantities. Once the list of materials is added, this list could be used to help build the budget in the Budget Tracker tab.
Supplier Directory
This tab keeps track of who you’ve contacted, received an estimate from, and hired. There’s also a place to track payment and due dates so you can know when you’ve paid in full.
This project management tool is designed to help you focus on the important parts of your project while making sure that nothing falls through the cracks. If you want your next project to run smoothly, efficiently, and within budget, be sure to download your Project Planner Template. Take the stress out of your next big project and start planning with confidence!
Benefits of a Project Planner Template
The Project Planner Template was built off my personal experience renovating a home and managing multiple projects. It is also a great tool for project managers and those working with other team members or those with a designated project team. Here are some of the ways this simple, easy to use project planning tool could make a world of difference for your next big project:
1. Get a Clear Roadmap of Your Entire Project
One of the biggest struggles when managing a large project is the risk of losing sight of the big picture. You know what needs to be done, but it’s easy to get bogged down in the details. For example, when you first walk through a home, dreaming about the new interior, there are a lot of ideas being shared. Eventually those ideas require a list of materials and that list of materials requires a budget. A clear roadmap is crucial to navigating through your project smoothly. With the Project Planner Template, you have a bird’s eye view of your entire project, from start to finish.
2. Track Every Task, Every Deadline, and Every Budget—In Real Time
We all know how important it is to stay on top of deadlines and budget, especially when it comes to similar projects. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, upgrading a bathroom, or launching a product, the smallest slip-ups can lead to big headaches. Without an organized plan, it’s easy for deadlines to slip, budgets to balloon, and tasks to fall through the cracks.
But with the Project Planner Template, you’ll be able to track everything in real-time. From the very first task to the final finishing touches, you’ll know exactly where things stand. Every task, budget item, and due date is right in front of you, ensuring that a critical step is never missed.
3. Collaborate With Your Entire Team Effortlessly
Managing a specific project often involves more than just one person, and communicating across multiple teams, contractors, or vendors can get confusing fast. But what’s great about Google Sheets is that you can share your project template, so everyone can stay updated and aligned on progress.
You can easily assign tasks to different people, track progress, and keep everyone in the loop about any changes. If something needs adjusting, you can update the sheet and everyone will be notified instantly—no more back-and-forth emails, lost messages, or confusion about responsibilities.
4. Ensure Effective Project Planning With a Gantt Chart Template
A Gantt chart template is a powerful addition to your project plan that allows you to visualize your timeline and project flow. By mapping out tasks and their durations by number of days, you can see exactly when tasks will overlap. This level of detail gives you a clearer picture of your project timeline and helps ensure that tasks are completed in the right order.
The Gantt chart template is connected to your Project Planner task list, providing you with a visual tool and ensuring that you’re always in control and making effective project planning decisions.
5. Stay On Budget and Avoid Unnecessary Costs
One of the most important goals for any project is to stay within budget. With the best Project Plan Template, you’ll have an easy way to track your expenses. From materials to labor to unexpected costs, you’ll be able to input expenses in real-time, so you can know exactly where your money is going.
As the project progresses, the Budget Tracker will give you immediate visibility into how your actual spending compares to your budgeted costs. This allows you to take action quickly if things start going over budget, helping you identify areas to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your project. By preventing unnecessary costs, you’re giving yourself more freedom to spend on what really matters.
6. Customize Your Plan for Your Project’s Needs
Every project is different, and that’s why the simple Project Plan Template is so invaluable. It’s completely customizable to fit the unique needs of your specific project. Need to add a new task? No problem. Want to sort a different way? Easy. The flexibility of Google Sheets ensures that your project plan is tailored to your exact needs.
Whether you’re managing a small DIY project or overseeing a larger renovation job, you have the freedom to include whatever’s necessary and leave out what’s not, making the template work for you.
7. Access Your Project From Anywhere
One of the very best features of Google Sheets is the fact that you can access your Project Planner Template updates from anywhere, on any device. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, you can check the status of your project or make updates whenever you need to.
If you’re in the middle of a meeting with a supplier and a decision needs to be made, you can pull up your project plan, make real-time changes, and keep things moving forward—all from your smartphone or tablet. This easy access keeps your project fluid and adaptable no matter where you are.
8. The Only Tool You Need for Success
Like I said before, this is the template I wish I’d had when I started my home renovation project, but I’m so glad I could take that experience to create this and share it with you! Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or tackling a major personal project, the Project Planner Template in Google Sheets is the one tool you need to keep everything on track. It’s an all-in-one solution for task management, budget tracking, and real-time collaboration.
Having a project planner is so important because it organizes the work schedule, ensuring that every necessary step is clearly defined, while also addressing the following questions: what needs to be done, when does it need to be done by, and who is in charge of the task. Click here to start saving time and money with the Project Planner Template.
Or, if you’re more of a pen and paper type of person or you like digital planning on an iPad or other device, then keep reading to find out more about a different product called the Project Planner Printable PDF.
What’s Inside the Project Planner Printable?
These are my other favorite way to keep track of ideas, progress, and track habits. Whether you have ADHD or are a high achiever, this PDF is simple, effective, and ready to print.
The Project Planner Printable is designed to help you stay organized, on track, and motivated. This 10-page printable template is packed with everything you need to keep your projects moving forward and your goals within reach. You don’t have to know how to use Google Sheets or any other complicated system for that matter, just download, print and manage your entire project from start to finish on paper.
Here is what is included in the Project Planner Printable:
1. Project Overview Page
The perfect starting point for any project. This page allows you to capture the essentials, such as your project objectives, project scope, start date, and end dates. It helps you clarify the big picture and get a clear sense of your project goals.
2. Monthly Timeline Tracker
Keep track of your project’s progress month by month. This page helps you map out your due dates, major milestones, and important deliverables. You can easily see where you’re at, what’s coming up next, and stay on top of your project status without losing sight of the larger timeline.
3. Annual Timeline Tracker
For longer-term planning, this page lets you track your project goals and key tasks across the year. It’s great for managing multiple projects or for planning out a major initiative with several phases and deadlines.
4. Task List With Check Boxes and Due Dates
This page helps you break down your project into individual tasks with clear due dates and checkboxes for easy tracking. It’s perfect for staying organized and crossing off each task as you complete it, giving you a sense of accomplishment along the way.
5. Expense Tracker
Keep your budget in check with this expense tracker. Whether you’re tracking labor costs, supplies, or any other costs related to your project, this page helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid overspending.
6. Goal Planner Page
Stay focused on your project goals with this dedicated goal-setting page. Break down your goals into actionable steps, set your target deadlines, and track your progress along the way. It’s a great tool for staying accountable and focused, whether you’re managing simple projects or larger tasks.
7. Progress Tracker (Like a Habit Tracker)
This tracker helps you monitor your project progress on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can track your habits, progress on tasks, and other key metrics to stay motivated and ensure you’re always moving forward.
8. Annual Projects List
This page helps you organize all of your projects for the year, breaking them down by priority, deadline, and other key criteria. It’s a perfect way to keep your project tasks organized so you can move from one project to the next with ease.
9. Mind Map
Get creative and brainstorm your ideas with the mind map page. Whether you’re organizing thoughts for your next big project or working through a new project scope, this page helps you map out all the ideas and possibilities in a visual format.
10. Brainstorm Map
The perfect tool for free-flowing ideas, this brainstorm map helps you think outside the box and explore new solutions. Use this page when you need to organize your thoughts, identify key tasks, or work through challenges and potential risks.
Why This Project Planner Is Perfect for ADHD & High Achievers
I know how overwhelming it can be to juggle multiple tasks, deadlines, and goals. That’s why this planner is designed to help you stay organized without adding complexity. Here’s how it works:
Simple and No-Fuss
This is not an overcomplicated tool filled with unnecessary features. It’s just a straightforward project management template that lets you focus on what matters most—getting things done.
Print and Go
Download the PDF, print it out, and get started immediately. No need for special software or apps. You can keep it right by your side as a tangible reminder of your goals and deadlines.
Break It Down into Bite-Sized Pieces
ADHD often means you get overwhelmed by the “big picture.” This planner lets you break your project objectives into actionable steps and track progress every step of the way. With task lists, due dates, and progress trackers, you’ll be able to stay focused and motivated.
Keep Your Goals Clear
Whether you’re managing a large project or working through a new project, the goal planner and timeline tracker help you visualize your project scope and break things down into manageable chunks, preventing that feeling of being overwhelmed by a never-ending list of to-dos.
Boost Your Productivity
High achievers often juggle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. This template is the perfect solution for staying on top of your project deliverables, tracking cost estimates, and managing project progress without missing a beat.
How This Planner Helps You Achieve Project Success
With this project planning printable, you’ll get a handle on your project goals, key tasks, due dates, and budget—ensuring that your project doesn’t just stay on track but thrives. Here’s how it can help you manage project tasks and boost your project success:
Set Clear Milestones
Track your progress with monthly and annual timelines, so you can always see how far you’ve come and where you need to go next. Every major milestone gets a spot on your planner, making it easier to achieve project success.
Eliminate Distractions
ADHD can make it tough to stay focused, but this simple project planning template keeps things easy to follow. By focusing on one task at a time, you can avoid getting distracted and stay aligned with your overall strategic plan.
Track Your Budget
Avoid overspending with the expense tracker. Keep a close eye on your project budget and cost estimates, and ensure that your project deliverables are being met without exceeding financial constraints.
Visualize Your Goals
The mind map and brainstorm map pages give you space to brainstorm ideas, sort through challenges, and plan your next steps. Use these pages to think creatively and come up with new ways to achieve your project’s goals.
Stay On Task
With the task list, due dates, and progress tracker, you’ll know exactly what you need to do and when, ensuring you never fall behind. Mark off each task as you complete it, keeping your momentum going throughout the entire project.
With this planner, staying on top of your project goals, action items, and due dates has never been easier. Make this the most organized, focused, and successful project you’ve ever tackled. Download the Project Planner Printable today, and get started with your project success!
Leave a Reply