How to choose your next planner

[@pointeplusplus]

You mentioned being envious of the freedom to use multiple layouts in a bullet journal but not wanting to draw out spreads. I feel like I have the best of both worlds in my discbound system. I can print out any pages I want, punch them, and pop them in: no drawing required! I've been experimenting with modifying my weekly and while everyone is looking forward to their 2024 planners I'm just having a good ol' time in my current one. Everything also gets printed on my favorite paper!

[@NikkiBly]

Another thing to consider is if paper colour tone matters to you. For example, I really don't enjoy yellowy or cream paper, so I tend to look for planners that use a cool white paper. Some people don't do well with bright paper so they have to do the opposite and look for the warm toned paper in planners. I did bullet journaling from 2017-2022 and I really do miss how customizable it is, but I just found that if I want to make it sustainable when I'm not doing my best mentally I need a pre-printed layout.

[@JuliesPlans]

Absolutely! Paper color definitely matters!

[@lifeasqueline]

... and not just in planning 😂🤣. This was such a great video. 2023 was a lot of planner hopping for me and i couldn't figure out the perfect combination of planners to put in my "planner stack". This video and your trends video has really helped me be confident in just going with what works for me. Even if it's just one frankenplanned monthly with extra lined and dot grid pages. 😊

[@brandiepoulin1771]

Also look in your stash to see if you can use any planners you’ve previously bought! ❤ great video

[@sujeyplans7720]

Everything about this was spot on! A tip for exploring sizes is to try a notebook first. They come in every size imaginable and are at much lower prices than a full blown planner.

[@olderandorganized]

Over time I've learned my non-negotiables: I must have Monday-start months and weeks; I like low-contrast pages, so gray ink rather than black. Budget is a biggie for me, so I have some stamps, a few rolls of washi, but won't buy stickers. In order to get exactly what I want, I've made my own pages for many years, in different size planners, from 1/2 letter to 4"x6" index cards, to making my own Field Notes-size quarterly booklets (3.5" x 5.5") and now Personal-size rings.

[@deniseholmes7958]

Thanks for the very helpful video. I appreciate that you emphasized the personal aspect of choosing a planner. Its easy to get dragged into the hype and forget what one really needs, as opposed to what one wants.

[@JuliesPlans]

You’re very welcome! Glad this was helpful!

[@joanna910]

"....and not just in planning :)" hahaha the way I gasped and went "JUUULIIIIEEE" hahah loved that. Love this video! You're always such an advocate for "do what works for YOU" and fuck the pressure you may feel to plan how everybody else is.

[@kathydubois2206]

This was very helpful. It took me a while to find the layout that I would actually USE. I picked up several Happy Planners on clearance and finally found the ONE. I went with the classic monthly layout and love it. And yes, I got sucked in on the decorating too! 😂

[@wendyhoward2699]

I loved this video. When I first started using a planner, all I heard about was the Happy Planner. Now, I’ve been retired from teaching for almost 10 years and I don’t have as much to put in it. I would love to have a Hobonichi Cousin. Blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@JuliesPlans]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Wendy!

[@Butterflies.and.Tulips]

I have my 2024 planner(s). But for 2025, I’m going to a Hobonichi cousin because I love daily pages and love A5 size. I don’t love drawing my own layouts! The only thing I don’t love is monthly Monday starts - so if I relate them, I’ll be ok!

[@Amayzun1]

I'd be happy to see more bound planners. Over the last few years it's been harder to find those kinds of planners.

[@anaggiewithaplan]

"And not just in planning..." I love spicy Julie! 😂

[@TatianaLovely]

Right? I was listening as I work and that def made me do a double take 😂

[@JuliesPlans]

Stay spicy my friends 🌶️ 🤣

[@beccaplans]

I came here to say that... 😂

[@MamaRhiPlans]

OOH, curly hair Julie! :) Love!

[@JuliesPlans]

Thank you 🫶🏼

[@christinegould5779]

Hi, what color is your filofax cover?

[@JuliesPlans]

hi! it's the matte black!

[@alma4teal]

I loved this video 🎉

[@JuliesPlans]

Thank you so much!

[@natashasanders8785]

I love the flexibility and creativity of bujo planning. But I've learned I am not going to draw anything each month, week or day. I don't even like to fill in the dates in an undated planner. Lol....

[@JuliesPlans]

Yeah me and undated planners are not friends lol but a bujo for like daily planning when I need it, I could do that!

[@zoeybea6984]

Yep that's me! I tried for 2 or 3 years and having to set it up every month and week was just too much for me. In my last one I ended the year by just setting up monthly spreads and forgetting any kind of weekly or daily unless I absolutely needed it for a day. I need my planner to be made and dated for it to work for me.

[@madridiriss]

this year (for next year) i decided to invest (i’m talking $600+ later 🫠) in a rings system and a daily journal to split between planning and reflecting/memory keeping! i didn’t consider how i would store my inserts after the year is done but we’ll figure that out later 😂 thank you for creating this video!

[@JuliesPlans]

There are some great inexpensive storage options!!

[@olderandorganized]

@madridiriss Depending on the size of your binder, Franklin Covey makes very affordable storage binders (Personal rings will fill in Franklin Covey Compact). Least expensive way is to punch a couple of pieces of cardstock for front and back & use book rings (or even string) through a couple of holes