Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Perfect Planner

Can you believe we’re just a few days away from the new year? Around this time you may be thinking about how you will stay organized, motivated, and on schedule in the new year.

And there’s no doubt you’re also thinking that it’s time for a new planner.

Although digital planners and organizers are convenient (I mean, you can literally plan your days and weeks with a few swipes and taps), some of us still prefer old-school planning methods like writing things down… with an actual pen or pencil 🙂

So you might be wondering which planner will be the best fit for you in 2020.

Finding the Perfect Planner

Finding the right planner to support your goals is the key because planners are not one-size-fits-all, that’s for sure.

I’ve used several styles and brands of planners over the years depending on my goals and roles. And when I started a business I searched for a planner that didn’t just track client appointments and meetings, but one that could help me track all of my life, business, and family activities in one place.

And here’s a confession… I sometimes use multiple planners within the same year.

From ring-bound to spiral-bound, to goal-setting or bullet journals… there’s no shortage of planner styles and variations.

So if you’re new to pen-and-paper planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices.

But, not to worry – we’ve got you covered!

We’ve done extensive research on planners and organizers and rounded up the Top Planning Tools to organize your life and meet your goals for 2020.

One of these is sure to be the perfect fit to help you stay on track next year.

We put them all on this list for you to easily reference. When you’re finished reading below, go here to take a look at our Favorite Planners and Organizers.

But before you head off to search for your perfect planner, let’s talk about how to choose the right one to meet your goals in 2020.

5 Factors for Choosing the Perfect Planner for 2020

1. Size & Transportability

Do you need a planner that you can carry around easily, or will your planner remain stationary (eg. your desk) most of the time? If you’ll be toting your planner around with you, then consider the size and weight of your planner.

2. Layout

What kind of layout do you prefer? Do you want a horizontal or vertical view? Do you prefer a planner with pages that are templated, perhaps with notes or “must-do” sections and lines with the time of day? Or do you need a planner that has a lot of open space for you to jot ideas down, take notes, or even brainstorm and create plans?

3. View

How far in advance do you plan? How much detail do you need to include in your planner? Think about whether you need a planner that has a daily, weekly, monthly view, or a combination of views to help you see your vision and create plans that keep you focused and moving forward.

4. Customizability

Do you need flexibility? Do you want to customize your planner? Do you want to configure the sections of your planner so you have only the ones that are relevant to your needs? If you want a planner that is tailor-made, then you may want to consider a ring-bound style that allows you to add or remove the sections relevant to your planning objectives.

5. Intended Uses

Besides being an appointment book, how else will you use your planner? Do you want to include life goals. health goals, track business goals, or will you need to keep track of activities for the whole family? All of these factors play a role in narrowing down your planner search.

Choosing the right planner can be simplified by knowing how you’ll use it and what you hope to accomplish. And also know that your planner requirements might change over time. Choose your perfect planner now to kick off your new year with a clear roadmap.

See this list of our favorite planners and organizers to choose the one that will work well for you and help you meet all of your goals for 2020.