Finding Planner Peace: 18 Things to Check Before Choosing a Planner
Finding the right planner can feel like an endless journey, but achieving “planner peace” is possible with a bit of guidance. Before spending money on multiple planners or accessories, here are 18 things to check to ensure your choice fits your lifestyle and needs.
1. Size Matters
When choosing a planner, the first question to ask yourself is: What size do you need? Are you looking for something small, lightweight, and portable that you can carry everywhere, or do you prefer a larger planner with ample space to organize everything—from work and personal goals to health, cleaning, meal planning, blogging, and more? Think about how you intend to use your planner.
Keep in mind that if you plan to track spending, cleaning schedules, and other household tasks, a separate household binder might be a better option to avoid overcrowding your daily planner.
It’s also important to check not just the overall size of the planner but the actual dimensions of the pages. Planner covers often extend beyond the page size, so confirm the measurements of the pages themselves. This is especially relevant for ring-bound planners, where the inserts tend to be smaller, and the covers can be quite bulky—one reason many people, myself included, avoid them.
Additionally, consider the planner's duration, as it impacts its thickness. For example:
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A 12-month planner is slimmer than an 18-month version.
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Daily layouts typically require more paper than weekly spreads.
2. Binding Style
Choose a binding style that complements your planning style:
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Discbound: Flexible and allows page rearrangement.
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Spiral/Wire/Coil: Durable but less customizable.
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Ring Bound: Offers customization but can be bulky.
If you love customizing, discbound systems like the Arc Planner are a great option.
3. Planner Layout
Layouts come in three main styles:
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Vertical: Ideal for task-focused planning.
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Horizontal: Offers ample writing space.
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Hourly: Best for scheduling your day.
4. Daily vs. Weekly Planners
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Daily Planners: Great for detailed schedules but bulkier.
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Weekly Planners: Provide an overview of your week across two pages.
5. Start Day of the Week
Decide whether you prefer the week to begin on Sunday or Monday. Ensure the monthly and weekly views align with your preference.
6. Start Time of Year
Planners are typically sold for:
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Calendar Year (January–December).
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Academic Year (July–June).
7. Monthly Calendar Design
Key features to review:
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2-page layouts for more writing space.
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Uncombined boxes for the last days of the month.
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Consistent colors or a neutral design for color coding.
8. Printable vs. Printed
Some companies offer free printable samples to test before buying.
9. Cover Durability and Design
Choose between hardcovers for sturdiness or laminated covers for customization. Check if the tabs are protected by the cover.
10. Paper Quality
Look for thick, bright white paper to prevent pen ghosting or ink bleed-through.
11. Add-On Pages
Many planners include basic extras, but customizable options like extra notes, habit trackers, or specialty pages can add value.
12. Ring-Bound Hole Spacing
If choosing inserts, confirm the hole spacing matches your binder.
13. Free Samples
Opt for planners that provide downloadable samples to test layouts and usability.
14. Shipping Costs
Check if the planner ships to your location and if international shipping is reasonable.
15. Colorful or Minimalist
Choose colorful planners for vibrant spreads or minimalist designs for sticker and washi tape customization.
16. Extras and Accessories
Look for built-in pen loops, sticker pockets, and add-on pages to suit your needs.
17. Planner Stickers
Erin Condren sticker sizes are versatile and fit many planners, including Happy Planner and similar layouts.
18. Reviews and Videos
Watch YouTube reviews for real-life demos of planner features.
For more planner insights and printable tools, check out my blog and YouTube channel. Take the next step toward achieving planner peace!