How to Find the Right Planner to Fit your Needs

The process of finding a planner can feel overwhelming with the variety of options out there. Here I hope to help you find the right planner that will fit your needs. The good thing about planning is that there really is something for everyone! Before you head to the store make sure to sit and reflect on your planning goals. Think about what you want to use your planner for and what you need help organizing. Okay, here goes! 

Traditional planners: These planners are the basic everyday planner that you can find in any office store, including Target and Walmart. They are the type of planner that you probably used when in school and are very minimalistic. For those just starting out with planning, this is probably the best option. They are simple, easy to follow, and always a good bet. But even within the traditional basic planner lines, there are options. There are daily (vertical/horizontal/hourly layouts), weekly planners, and monthly planners. Which you choose will depend on how detailed you want to get with your plans. The daily planner would be best if you need to track a lot of details. Weekly planners are the middle of the road option that usually has a two-page spread for each week. Lastly, the monthly is the most minimalistic option for those that prefer simplicity and only need to plan a rough sketch of the month. 

Specialty Planners: For those that are looking for a little extra flair, specialty planners are the way to go. These have everything that a traditional, basic planner has plus lots of extras. Specialty planners are created by certain companies that live and breathe organization and planning. They include many extras such as areas for reflection and goal setting. There are usually lots of extras that come with or are available for purchase it such as stickers and stencils for added style. These still come in the traditional daily, weekly, or monthly layouts with the extras included. These would be best for more experienced planners or those ready to jump in feet first! They are functional and fun! 

Bullet journal: If you are feeling even more daring, bullet journals are another great option. For those that dislike being confined to the pages that are already laid out, you might consider starting a bullet journal planner. Bullet journals can be anything you want them to be. They can be part planner, part journal, part art notebook. Artists often use bullet journals as a way to plan and express their creativity at the same time. This unique way of planning has grown very popular in the last few years and can be just as functional as traditional planners. To get started all you need is a dot grid notebook and a pen or pencil. For more information, you can check out the website https://bulletjournal.com/. Ryder Carroll is the creator of the bullet journal method and offers wonderful tips and tricks for both beginners and veteran bullet journalists. 

Traveler’s Notebooks: For those wanting to step even further out of the box, there are what we call traveler’s notebooks. Originally used by those who, you guessed it, traveled. The original company that started the traveler’s notebooks is in Japan. It is simply a refillable notebook cover. A leather book-like cover that holds multiple notebooks or inserts with elastic bands. A traveler’s notebook generally holds around 4 inserts, but it depends on the cover. With a traveler’s notebook, the options are endless. You can customize your planner and include exactly what you need. And when you need to change it up, you simply pull the book out and add another to fit your needs. There is a wide variety of TN inserts in different sizes including planners, plain notebooks, lined notebooks, dot grid notebooks, and square grid notebooks Now you can even find individual inserts for things such as gratitude logs and habit tracking! With so many options, there is something for everyone. Now when just starting out with planning, I don’t think I would recommend this option…. But for those of you who have planner experts, this is a fun option to consider for this year! 

Digital Planners: New to the stage are digital planners. These are planners that you use on your phone, tablet, or computer. For those who do not like or don’t feel like they have time to carry around a traditional paper planner, this would be an excellent option! Lots of people even use digital planners in conjunction with a traditional planner. That way they have their schedule with them no matter what. The beauty of planning is that there is no one right or wrong way to do it! Do what works for you! 

Now I know that was a lot of information to digest. I suggest having a brainstorming session to jot down what you want to use your planner for and then go from there. Likely you will need to try out different options before you find what works for you. And that is totally okay! What works for one person might not work for another. And what works for you one year, might not be conducive for you the following year! With all of the planners out there, there is something for everyone and every need! 

I would love to hear about for favorite planners! Please share in the comments below! 

Happy New Year!