Which planner style is right for you?

With so many different planner styles out there, it can be hard to narrow down which one may be right for you. Are you a customization queen? Or a do you prefer a predictable planner? Do Discs and rings make your wrist hurt just at the mere thought? Or Perhaps you have flashbacks to days of school when the 2 dollar coiled notebooks you just bought gave up before you got past your first month of classes, leaving turning the pages an impossibility. We all do things differently, and planning is no different. Below, we outline the major planner styles available and the pros and cons of each! Let us help you find your perfect planner style!

Travelers Notebooks

Traveler’s Notebooks, often affectionately referred to as “TNs,” are versatile and beloved tools for modern explorers and creative thinkers alike. These compact, customizable notebooks provide a canvas for recording thoughts, memories, and adventures. They come in various sizes and materials, from leather-bound classics to sleeker synthetic versions, catering to different preferences. What sets Traveler’s Notebooks apart is their modular design, allowing users to insert and swap out individual notebook inserts, each dedicated to a specific purpose, such as journaling, sketching, or planning. Whether you’re a globe-trotting adventurer or a dedicated journal keeper, Traveler’s Notebooks offer a charming and practical way to document your journey through life.

Pros

Reusable
Portable
Many sizes to choose from
Customizable
More comfortable to write in for left handed people

Cons

Less customizable then other methods
Some sizes may be hard to find inserts for

Best For

People who want a simple, portable and reusable system with some customization ability.

Ring Bound

Ring-bound planners are indispensable tools for those seeking organization and productivity in their daily lives. These planners feature a flexible and convenient design, typically consisting of a sturdy cover with metal or plastic rings that securely hold various inserts and pages. What sets them apart is their versatility, as users can easily add, remove, or rearrange pages to suit their specific needs. Whether you’re a student, professional, or a busy parent, ring-bound planners offer the freedom to customize your organization system, housing everything from calendars and to-do lists to notes and reference materials in one easily accessible place. With the ability to adapt and evolve alongside your changing priorities, ring-bound planners are the go-to choice for those looking to stay on top of their schedules and responsibilities.

Pros

Reusable
Lots of inserts available
The most customizable of any other system, allows changes on a page by page basis
Lots of décor options available on sites like etsy
Easy to make your own inserts

Cons

Bulkier then other methods
Requires a special punch to make your own inserts/add ons
Can be uncomfortable for lefties
Customization options can be overwhelming

Best For

Those who want maximum control and customisation options

Book Bound

Book-bound planners offer elegance and simplicity when it comes to keeping one’s life organized. These planners feature a traditional binding method, where the pages are stitched or glued into a sleek and durable book-like cover. What sets them apart is their timeless aesthetic and commitment to structure. With book-bound planners, you’ll find a cohesive and uninterrupted flow of pages, making it easy to maintain a chronological record of your plans, goals, and achievements. The absence of rings or spirals provides a clean and professional look, perfect for those who appreciate the art of analog planning. Whether you’re a minimalist seeking refined organization or someone who enjoys the tactile experience of writing on quality paper, book-bound planners offer a classic and dependable solution for managing your life’s journey.

Pros

Static, predictable, classic design
May styles are offered by a lot of major brands like Hobonichi, Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917 and more!
Easy to use
Comfortable to write in in for lefties

Cons

Least Customizable system
Single use

Best For

Those who prefer a clean, simple with minimal customisation.

Disc Bound

Disc-bound planners are the epitome of versatility and customization when it comes to personal organization. These planners feature a unique system where pages are held together by a series of sturdy, interchangeable discs. What sets them apart is their flexibility; users can effortlessly add, remove, and reposition pages to suit their changing needs. This adaptability makes them ideal for individuals who crave both structure and freedom in their planning routines. Whether you’re a student organizing coursework, a professional managing tasks and meetings, or a creative mind jotting down ideas, disc-bound planners offer a dynamic and convenient way to keep your life in order. Their sleek design and variety of cover options also add a touch of modern style to your planning routine, making them a favorite choice for those who seek functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

Pros

Pages can be moved around, added and removed
Larger styles available for those who like a roomy planner
Lay flat design

Cons

Often, more bulky then other planners due to the discs
Requires a specific paper weight, otherwise, the pages wont stay on the discs properly
Inserts may be hard to find depending on the size
Requires a specific planner punch to add your own pages/accessories

Best For

Those who like a lot of of customization, flexibility and lay flat design.

Coil Bound

Coil-bound planners offer a seamless blend of practicality and convenience for individuals looking to stay organized in their daily lives. These planners feature pages that are securely bound together with a durable coil or spiral binding, allowing for easy page-turning and a lay-flat design. What sets them apart is their user-friendly nature; you can effortlessly flip through pages and jot down notes without any hindrance. Coil-bound planners come in various sizes and styles, catering to a range of preferences. Whether you’re a student keeping track of assignments and class schedules, a professional managing appointments and deadlines, or simply someone who loves the tactile experience of putting pen to paper, coil-bound planners are a reliable choice that ensures your plans and ideas are readily accessible when you need them most.

Pros

Simple to use
Lay flat design
Easy to turn pages on higher quality coils
Often offered in larger sizes then other systems
Static, predictable design.

Cons

Less Versatile
Cannot add or remove pages easily
Often more bulky
Less Durable coils get damaged over time, leaving page turning more difficult during the later part of the planners life
Coils can be painful on the wrist of lefties
Can only be used once

Best For

Those who like a roomy, single use planner that can lay flat and doesn’t require customization.