As for new and old work (residential), I make a list like this. I go through each room and list everything I have done. Like this:
Master Bedroom:
7 - duplex receptacles
2 - single pole switches
2 - 3-way switches
1 - Cable TV/ tele combo plate
1 - 3g toggle plate
1 - 1g toggle plate
1 - Ceiling fan
1 - BRK smoke detector
Bedroom #1:
6 duplex receptacles
1 single pole switch (or S1 for short)
1 - ceiling fan
1 - 1g toggle plate
And so on and so forth. This system works well for me and can be written up while the helper cleans up and wraps up the cords. Nothing worse than getting to a job you're expected to finish in one day and have to make an additional trip for one or two lousy plates you forgot to write down on the rough.