Modern life can feel like a constant juggling act between work deadlines, social commitments, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Staying organized isn’t just helpful— it’s essential! I’m often overwhelmed by all the notifications, goals, errands, and ideas in my head. That’s why I use a planner to help keep me and my family organized.

Planners can help give structure to our time and clarity to our priorities. They’re more than just calendars: planners can be systems for thinking, planning, prioritizing, and more. Whether it’s a digital app synced across devices or a notebook filled with handwritten lists, there’s a tool for everyone.

Let’s explore the types of planners available, the benefits they offer, and how to find the right one for you!

📔 Types of planners

Do you already use a planner? I keep an organized digital calendar for my family that we can all access from our devices. It includes school events, doctor’s appointments, birthdays, meetings and more. But I also love using a notebook or paper planner where I can jot down ideas and lists.

Paper planners

Many people love using paper planners, and there are endless options available. Many popular planner systems include pre-filled daily, weekly, monthly, and annual pages for keeping track of appointments. You can also buy plain notebooks and create your own system. Bullet journaling is a popular method that combines planning with journaling and creative expression.

Digital planners

Digital planning options include calendars and other apps that can be synced between devices and saved to the cloud. For people who are constantly on-the-go and don’t like to carry extra things around, digital planners are a great option to use. It’s also easier to search for things in a digital planner.

Hybrid systems

Both paper and digital planning options have their advantages, so many people (like me!) choose a hybrid system. This might include keeping important dates in a digital planner, while using a paper system to keep track of lists, notes, or ideas.

🗓️ Benefits of using planners

If you already have a planner system in place, you know how helpful it can be! Here are some of the benefits of using planners:

Increased productivity: Using a planner can help you focus on priorities and deadlines.

Better memory and focus: Writing things down can help you remember things better, according to a study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Reduced stress: Getting things out of your head and onto paper or into your digital planner can help reduce mental clutter and anxiety. In my notebook, I frequently have a “brain dump” page where I write down all the things I’m thinking about, whether it’s an errand or something work-related or a chore I need to do around my house.

Flexibility and customization: Digital tools can offer search functionality, reminder notifications, and cloud syncing across devices, while using paper can give you creative freedom and tactile satisfaction.

Screen-time balance: Many of us are trying to reduce our screen time, and using a physical planner is a great way to take a break from your device.

🎯 How to choose the right planner

Are you one of those people who starts off the new year with a new planner, thinking “this is the year I’ll finally get organized!” I confess I am that person. I’ve learned it’s important to consider not only what you want a planner to help you do, but also to think about your own existing habits.

Here are a few things to consider before rushing out to buy the latest trendy planner system or downloading a new app:

Goals: What do you want your planner to help you with? Is it for work, personal use, academic use, or multiple things? Do you want to share your planner with other people or across your own devices?

Tech habits: For digital options, think about your own habits such as screen time tolerance and what devices you have available. You should also consider whether you want automated reminder notifications or the ability to search your planner.

Aesthetics and customization: Some people don’t care what their planner looks like and are happy with a barebones, black-and-white system. Others are more inspired by aesthetically-pleasing pages or apps! Think about what you prefer and what will motivate you to use it.

🔔 Keep planning and keep scanning

Do you already use a planner? Did this post inspire you to try something different? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

And remember: you don’t need to buy fancy tools to set up an effective planning system for you or your household. However, remember to scan any planner-related purchases you might make, whether it’s new pens and notebooks, stickers to decorate a paper planner, or other helpful items.

If you’re not a NCP panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, go to the Join NCP section of the blog for more information.

Regards,
Taylor

Blog comment reminder: For help with panel-related issues (such as scanning or rewards), please contact our Panel Support Center directly at 1-800-962-6700, [email protected], or via NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t post panel-related issues or share personal information in the blog comments. Thank you!

More From NCP: