Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared at rows of planners—online or in Target—and thought, “Why are there so many options? How am I supposed to pick one?!” 🙋‍♀️
With planners in every shape, size, and color (some with bells, whistles, and glittery stickers), it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a pretty planner that… well… doesn’t actually work.
Today, I’m breaking it down for you with 3 simple tips to help you choose a planner that’s both functional and fabulous—one you’ll actually use to get organized and stay in control of your time. Let’s do this!
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Choose a Planner That Comes with a System
A planner without a system is just a notebook. Look for one that teaches you how to use it—through guides, videos, or blogs. When there’s a method to the madness, you’re way more likely to stick with it.
Quick Tip: The TOP Planner does this (obviously - and I have a walkthrough of the planner linked below) but another example is The LifePlanner by Erin Condren —it includes a user guide and tutorials to walk you through everything. -
Make Sure It Covers a Full Year
Planners that only cover 90 days can leave you scrambling to find the right planner when you need it (we are often needing to write down things several months ahead!). Choose one with at least 12 months, so you can map out long-term goals, appointments, and big events.
Bonus Tip: Monthly tabs are your best friend for quickly flipping to where you need to go. -
Look for a Weekly Layout with Time Slots
Busy days require structure. A weekly layout with times (like 7am–7pm) helps you plan realistically and avoid over-scheduling. A planner that just has an empty rectangle for each day is a glorified task list holder. It is not a plan.
Choosing the right planner doesn’t have to feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Focus on function, flexibility, and a system that works for you. Trust me—when you’ve got the right planner in your hands, it’s like having a personal assistant you didn’t know you needed.
Now go out there and find your perfect match, friend. You’ve got this!
If you are looking for some planner suggestions, you can check out all of my planner reviews on YouTube.
- Large Wall Calendars:
I’ve been obsessed with my large reusable wall calendar, and here’s why: it’s giant, colorful, and a total lifesaver for keeping the whole family (and my brain) on track. From birthdays to deadlines to that random dentist appointment, this calendar has my back.
What makes it even better? It’s reusable! Just wipe it clean and start fresh every year. It’s like hitting the reset button—minus the waste.
- Erasable pens:
Tired of crossing out and rewriting in your planner? These erasable pens are total game-changers! They write smoothly, erase cleanly, and bring a pop of color to your planning game. Perfect for those moments when plans need a quick pivot (hello, life curveballs).
I’ve personally use these pens (have for years!), and they rock my socks off. Seriously, your planner deserves the upgrade. Plus, they’re amazeballs for making everything look as organized as you feel with The Pink Bee system.
This Week’s Watch: The TOP Planner Review
Ever wondered what makes the TOP Planner so unique—or if it’s the right fit for your busy life? In this video, I give you a complete breakdown of the planner I created (yes, I’m a little biased—but I’m also keeping it real).
I’ll take you page by page through the planner, highlighting how it works, what it’s great for, and even some areas where it might not be the best fit. Whether you’re considering the paper or digital version, this deep dive will help you decide if it’s your perfect planning companion.
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Friend, don’t forget—just 15 minutes of planning today can set the tone for your entire week. You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the tips, and now it’s time to take action. Let’s crush this week together!
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