Tips How To Start Planning | For Beginners
Somehow you stumbled across someone showing there daily planner for display either on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. It was beautifully and creatively decorated.
Now you’re wondering what is all of this about!! I know I did!
Always loved a planner since grade school. I had to have one to write down my assignments. I had the little free ones from Hallmark to remind me of the appointments and deadlines. If I did not have those I had the wallet size ones with the cute covers and clear plastic sleeves for the entire sleeve.
When I first saw all of the awesomeness, I was like someone please tell me how to get started. ASAP!!
The planner community has grown so much and so fast the past few years. Which is a wonderful thing because it is so easy to get started. There are so many choices of planners and accessories.
Now let’s get you started with planning!!
First, you will need a Planner
Your planner can be from Dollar Tree, Target, Walmart, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joanns or ordered online. Wherever you would like it to be from. As long it is what you like and the style that you prefer.
At first, it may be trial and error on what type of planner that you like.
The different types of planners are:
Spiral (notebook type planners) such as the Erin Condren, Recollections (from Michaels), The Life Planner and etc.
The Arc style planner from The Happy Planner. Many like this style because it is customizable to your preference.
My very first planner when joining the planner community, an Erin Condren.
Arc styled planner: Classic and mini Happy Planner
Travelers notebook style is also very customizable. With this style, you can create your own dashboards, dividers, pockets, print your own inserts and much more.
Binder style is just simply a 3 ring notebook type cover with a snap clasp or decorative/solid binder. The style is flexible as well with customizing to your preference. There are inserts that you can purchase, print (from Etsy shops) or they may come with the planner already.
Travelers Notebook planner
Binder ring styles planners in mini different colors
A5 size ringed binder from Michaels Recollections brand
Secondly, PENS
Next, you would need a Pen of course. It can be just a regular pen until you can figure out what types of pens are your favorite to write in your planner. Most planners like a fine tip end of there pens (like 0.5 tip). I have found some of my favorite pens from Dollar Tree. Yes, the Dollar Tree!
Some like Staedtler, PaperMate Flair, Frixion for example. I am, not a pen expert but I do like to write with the same pen throughout the week in my planner layouts for continuous.
And honestly, that is all that you need to start planning right away! Everything is extra! But I am sure you want to know the EXTRA!
I got you!
STICKERS, STICKERS and more STICKERS!
The best thing ever is!!
I started with just sticker simply from the Dollar Tree. I normally did not pay to much over a $1.00 for a sheet or pack of stickers….at first. LOL!
You can find stickers anywhere! The grocery, department, craft, drug store and online! You name it! Stickers are everywhere!
Since the planner community has grown so much and quickly there are so many out here to help decorate our planners even more.
There decorative stickers and functional stickers to use.
Decorative stickers are like flowers, animals, dolls (even different skin tones), holiday themes or even words.
Functional stickers are more so labeling a certain task or activity to help with productivity in your daily lives. Such as sticker labeling: Work, School, Chores, Church, Study, Practice or etc. What is so great is that they can be in different colors and fonts too.
Make sure to always catch a sale or use a coupon to get the best deals.
Washi Tape
I remember when I did not know what washi tape was…really I didn’t.
Although once I did find out about washi tape, I just adored all the colors and patterns. It seems as though you can never have enough rolls of washi tape so when you start collecting it be very cautious of the addiction. LOL! You can never use all of the tapes that you collect. But it is Oh So, So Pretty!
Washi tape can be used to create borders, banners, flags and more within the planner pages. There are many affordable ways to purchase washi. Dollar Tree and Target’s Dollar Spot (aka Bulls Eye Playground) is one of them.
Also, take advantage of the sales at your local craft stores. Be sure to sign up for their email alerts for the best deals!
All of the rest of the items below can be found at your local Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target or Craft stores. Here is a quick guide to get you started on your new planner journey.
Sticky notes
Whiteout tape
Paper clips
Dividers
Folders
Hole Puncher
Adhesive tape or glue stick
pencil/pen case
Planner bag
Any bag will do! Although us Planner girls love to have a specially made bag. Michaels, Joanns and Hobby Lobby has the planner bags for all your goodies. But please do not forget the coupon.
Social Media
Instagram is awesome for inspiration and YouTube as well. There are so many examples, ideas, and tutorials on how to plan in your planners.
Facebook has many planner groups to gain tips and knowledge from the best pens, Etsy shops, sales, copier paper to buy and more.
Surprisingly through social media, you will gain planner girl friendships and community support members that simply understand, YOU! They will understand your questions, celebrations, frustrations and planner addiction. LOL!
Be sure to join Facebook groups that are supportive and negative!!
Also, the sneak peeks of what is coming up in the planner world is always fun!
The Happy Planner always announces when they are going to come out with a new release. Which is fun! Normally they Go Live on Instagram but later posts videos on YouTube as well if you happened to miss it.
Erin Condren also has a YouTube channel that announces upcoming releases and products. When I first joined the community I was mesmerized by all of their planners and accessories.
Starting out to plan does not have to be expensive or over the top.
Planning is just having a planner and a pen, a list of daily to-dos, errands, schedules, appointments, and your goals.
REMEMBER
It is all up to you if you want to glam or decorate it all up.
Purchase what you like and what is in your budget.
Take it slow! Take your time figuring out what works best for you. There is no right or wrong way with planning.