I’ve tried many planning systems and enjoyed them all. The feel of thick, crisp paper and a smooth inky pen…I truly enjoy this experience. However, fancy systems can not only be pricey, but office stores can phase them out then you are back to square one trying to find a replacement. Read on to see the super affordable and versatile planner/scheduler I often use!
Want to know my secret system that is cheap, simple, and can be modified in endless ways?
THE SPIRAL NOTEBOOK!
Key benefits:
Top of photo:
Notes are taken as needed on full pages. Fold all the pages in half, and create your daily “To do” list on the right-hand column. It’s easy to flip open the pages and reference any notes you may need.
Bottom left photo:
Open the flap created by the folded pages to add specific details of your daily to-do list without cluttering the actual checklist. I like a clean checklist but often have additional notes and reminders for the day I want accessible.
Bottom right photo:
Each day starts with a fresh page by folding over your list from the day before, transferring anything you didn’t accomplish.
Again, pages can easily be opened to review notes and reminders. Tear out pages that are no longer needed to keep the spiral relevant and uncluttered.
Needless to say, the possibilities for customization are endless!
Divide your pages into sections with a ruler for different areas you are managing, add stickers or sketches (remember bullet journaling?), use the back page for daily gratitude notes, add a tab for information that is often referenced…the sky is the limit!
Extra tip:
Create a to-do list by separating pages into three sections:
*Home- anything that is done at home like cleaning, projects, repairs, etc.
*Go- anything you do outside the home like errands, shopping, visiting friends, etc.
*Communication- emails, phone calls, social media, etc.
These three macro areas keep you focused and prevent skipping through lists of things that don’t go together.
For example:
When you leave the house you want to see the dry cleaners, pharmacy, and post office altogether. Skipping through wash the dog, start crockpot, and grade history assignment is not helpful.
These are the spiral notebooks I ordered from Amazon because my 3-year stash from the yearly Target back-to-school sale was finally depleted! Check it out if you are interested!
The good news is this system can be utilized whenever needed or put aside for something else, depending on the season of life you are in.
It could even be useful for a specific project, for example, Christmas, graduation, or birthday party planning.
I use my phone for planning and calendar work as well, but the spiral comes in handy when that brain-to-hand connection helps process information.
I also use it to take notes and plan these blog posts! The digital world is so amazing, but I find that old-fashioned pen and paper can sometimes be so much quicker and easier.
What methods of daily planning do you use? Which is your favorite and why? Leave a comment below!
This article contains an affiliate link to Amazon.