11 of the Very Best Planners
Instead of an app or gadget that claims to jump-start your productivity, consider investing in a good paper planner. There is plenty of research that shows how actually writing down your to-do list and schedule for the day — rather than typing it out on a laptop or iPhone — makes you feel more engaged in the task at hand. And once the calendar year is complete, a physical planner becomes an artifact — a time capsule, if you will — of its happenings. Leafing through the well-loved Hobonichi Techo planners I’ve used over the years brings me almost as much pleasure as scribbling in them did.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
Hobonichi Techo Planner
Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner + Notebook Medium (A5)
JSTORY Large Personal Wide Spaces Weekly Planner 28 Sheets Pink
Moleskine 12 Month 2024 Weekly Planner
Lemome 2024 Planner
Clever Fox Planner - Weekly & Monthly Planner to Increase Productivity
Hobonichi Techo Cousin 2024 Planner
Stalogy 018 Editor’s Series
The 5 Second Journal
AT-A-GLANCE Two-Year Monthly Planner
BestSelf Co. the Self Journal
Our top picks :
Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner + Notebook Medium (A5)
I first heard about German stationery company Leuchtturm1917’s weekly planner from self-described “planner power user” Perrin Drumm. As she writes, the planner’s “hardback is perfect for planning on the go or taking notes in your lap.” Cindy Thompson, the blogger behind Instagram’s Plan Another Day, also loves this planner because it “features a simple weekly layout that can be utilized in many ways.” While I am devoted to my Hobonichi, I did like the layout of the planner, which has days on one side and space for notes on the other. The notebook also features a “project plan” section that I had no use for, but could be helpful to those with long-term vision. Plus, the feel of the notebook itself is quite nice with the sturdy hardcover and paper that has some nice heft. If you’re loyal to the Leuchtturm1917, it also makes a two-year version of the planner, which is quite cost effective.
JSTORY Large Personal Wide Spaces Weekly Planner 28 Sheets Pink
According to Drumm, “if Massimo Vignelli had $15 to buy a planner, he’d surely pick this one.” She loves the “non-nonsense” layout: “There is barely any type on the pages, so the dates, and pretty much everything else, are entirely up to you to plot out.” While the planner comes in four sizes, Drumm prefers the large, “which feels less throwaway than the smaller options.” She adds that her design-y friends go for the black-on-black option, but Drumm prefers the planner in Pepto-Bismol pink.
Moleskine 12 Month 2024 Weekly Planner
Hart-Unger says that “a fairly minimal planner with space for lists and goal-setting,” like this one from Moleskine, might be better for folks who’ve pared down. It has a simple layout: When opened, the left side’s pages are broken down into days of the week, while the right side’s are lined for taking notes. Personally, I find Moleskin planners to be a bit too minimal for my needs (I prefer each day to get a full page), but I could see it being useful for someone who keeps most of their calendar digitally.
Lemome 2024 Planner
For those who use digital calendars for scheduling appointments but still want a paper planner to help them make the best use of their time, brand strategist and writer Neha Gandhi recommends her Lemome planner. Instead of writing down appointments and logistics, she outlines each day’s main goal in her planner. That helps her keep focused during the day and track projects over time. “I like this particular planner because it doesn’t waste real estate on huge day-by-day calendars, and instead gives only high-level monthly and note-taking weekly views. I can organize meeting notes by the day they were taken (and can then cross reference the date to the meeting the notes came from in my digital cal), so that I’m not flipping endlessly through a notebook to find one nugget of information that’s somehow always just out of reach,” she says. Gandhi also likes the convenient size: “It neatly fits into any work bag.”
Clever Fox Planner - Weekly & Monthly Planner to Increase Productivity
“Clever Fox makes my absolute favorite paper planner,” says Jenna Prada, the director of executive functioning at tutoring service Private Prep. She told us about the weekly planner when we reported on the best planners for teachers. With pages dedicated to goal-setting, list-making, and scheduling, we think this would make a great option for non-teachers as well, especially because Prada told us it encourages “breaking down tasks so that they are less overwhelming.”
Hobonichi Techo Cousin 2024 Planner
Strategist writer (and self-proclaimed stationery nerd) Lauren Ro has used the Hobonichi Techo Cousin, which she describes as “the larger, more souped-up version” of my beloved Techo for over a year. It includes monthly, weekly, and daily spreads, “all in a relatively compact package.” While she has mostly relied on weekly planners in the past, the added space has become super-helpful for keeping track of both herself and her family. “I appreciate the gridded daily pages for their structured-but-not-too-structured layout that includes a schedule column on the left and a priority checklist at the top; the rest of the page is open, and I use it for jotting down diarylike musings, family-meal planning, and whatever else I want to commit to paper,” she adds. Because the Cousin does not have the leatherlike cover of the Techo, Ro suggests adding a vinyl protector to reinforce the cardstock cover. But like the Techo, the Cousin goes in and out of stock, so if you want one for 2023, don’t dillydally.
Stalogy 018 Editor’s Series
For those who prefer notebooks or planners with lay-flat binding, Drumm says this undated daily planner from Stalogy not only opens flat but also “bends around to nearly a full 360-degree rotation without cracking or breaking.” She says it’s made of onion-skin-like paper that “feels wonderfully retro” and doesn’t bleed through despite its thinner consistency. “This fact really deserves more exclamation points, because if you like inky pens and thin paper, then you’ve never gotten your way,” Drumm explains. “As far as layout goes, the type is minimal and the light-gray printing is unobtrusive,” she says, adding that the fill-in-the-date format means “you can start things off whenever you damn well please.”
The 5 Second Journal
“For the aspiring planner who has no idea where to begin, I recommend the 5 Second Journal,” says life and career coach Phoebe Gavin. The 5 Second Journal, written by motivational speaker Mel Robbins, has more structure than your standard planner — it asks you to fill in everything from your most important project of the day to what time you plan to stop working (to prevent burnout). There is also a small hour-by-hour planner to help you map your schedule more comprehensively, and a gridded space meant for jotting down ideas.
AT-A-GLANCE Two-Year Monthly Planner
“If you’re a big-picture thinker, you’ve built a successful life ignoring anything that does not help meet your grand vision,” says career counselor Penelope Trunk. “But there are some things that cannot be ignored, like calling your mom on her birthday.” If this sounds like you, she says this monthly at-a-glance planner is great because it asks you to write down “your one most-important thing each day.” At the end of the two years it spans, you’ll have a record of all the most essential things you did for those 730 days.
BestSelf Co. the Self Journal
While it may be more common to plan schedules by weeks, days, or months, Annie Mueller, the founder of content agency Prolifica, promises that “planning in quarters is life-changing.” She started planning and working this way after reading Brian P. Moran’s book The 12-Week Year. “A year is an intimidating thing to plan; but a month is too short for those big, exciting goals,” she explains, adding that “with quarterly goal planning, you can push for a goal that’s exciting, and stay focused and see progress soon enough that you stay motivated.” The BestSelf Co. Self Journal is one such planner that helps break down big goals into digestible 90-day chunks, which is why life coach Penny Zenker recommends it. “I use this now because it is a comprehensive goal-setting-and-tracking system with reflection all-in-one. It helps me align my goals and my daily tasks, which makes me more productive.” Liz Sumner, a progress and life coach, also likes the Self Journal. “The basic version has a lot of valuable material for getting started on goal-setting,” she says. “I’ve been using it for several years, ever since I discovered it on Kickstarter. It combines the best parts of a journal and planner.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, enhancing your organizational prowess is made seamless and stylish with the 11 very best planners featured in this guide. As you embark on the journey to select the perfect planner to streamline your days, it's crucial to consider the following critical points before making a buying choice:
- Planner Format and Layout:
- Determine the planner format and layout that aligns with your organizational style. Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or monthly spreads, selecting a planner that caters to your planning needs ensures a seamless and effective organizational experience.
- Size and Portability:
- Assess the size and portability of the planner. Opt for a size that suits your lifestyle, whether it's a compact pocket planner for on-the-go use or a larger desk planner for comprehensive planning at home or the office.
- Quality of Paper:
- Check the quality of the planner's paper. High-quality, thick paper prevents ink bleed-through and ensures a smooth writing experience, preserving the integrity of your notes and plans.
- Durability and Binding:
- Prioritize planners with durable bindings and covers. Spiral bindings, sturdy hardcovers, or reinforced stitching contribute to the longevity of the planner, allowing it to withstand daily use without wear and tear.
- Design and Aesthetics:
- Consider the design and aesthetics of the planner. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, vibrant colors, or artistic embellishments, selecting a planner that resonates with your personal style enhances both functionality and visual appeal.
- Additional Features:
- Explore additional features that enhance planner functionality. Some planners come with extras like goal-setting sections, habit trackers, or inspirational quotes, providing added value and customization options.
- Organization and Sections:
- Assess the organization and sections offered by the planner. Look for planners with dedicated sections for tasks, goals, notes, and schedules to ensure comprehensive planning and easy navigation.
- Customization Options:
- Check for customization options. Whether it's refillable pages, interchangeable covers, or customizable layouts, selecting a planner that adapts to your evolving needs adds a personalized touch to your planning experience.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews:
- Research the brand reputation and read customer reviews. Feedback from other planner users provides valuable insights into the durability, layout effectiveness, and overall satisfaction with the chosen planner.
- Ink and Marker Compatibility:
- Ensure compatibility with your preferred writing tools. Opt for planners that accommodate a variety of pens and markers without smudging or bleeding, allowing you to express your creativity without limitations.
- Budget and Value for Money:
- Determine your budget and seek value for money. The best planners offer a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring that you can organize your days efficiently without compromising on the features that matter most to you.
By keeping these critical points in mind, you can confidently choose the very best planner that aligns with your planning preferences and lifestyle. The 11 featured planners not only excel in these aspects but also provide a variety of options to suit different organizational styles, goals, and aesthetic preferences. Embrace a more organized and productive life with a top-notch planner that caters to your unique planning needs.
