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I’m in no way a “planner addict,” but I definitely depend on one to keep me on track and sane, especially during the school year. I only have one child, but I swear, her schedule is sometimes busier than mine, so I couldn’t even imagine having two or more kids in the mix!
Another reason my planner is my BFF this time of year is because, my memory is shot. I sometimes will forget something I said the minute it comes out of my mouth, so writing things down is crucial for me in staying organized during back to school time. I use a very basic “no frills” planner. It has everything laid out weekly for me to write in and then an area for a month at a glance that I can jot down notes quickly to add in more permanently at a later date. It works for me, but the thing about planning is it’s very personal…
What works for me may not work for all, and that’s okay. My ‘way of doing it’ does change from year to year but one thing stays the same. My tool or writing utensil of choice…Sharpies…
One thing I always look for in a planner is thick paper, because there is no budging in the Sharpie department! I love using the different colors to color code my activities and to-do lists…
- Green- dinners
- Orange- errands
- Red- shopping lists
- Blue- appts.
- Purple- household chores/services
- Black- school activities (meetings, plays, homework due dates…anything school related)
- Pink- sport practice/games
It’s become second nature, since I’ve been doing it that way for as long as I’ve been using a planner.Occasionally I will use stamps, and stickers, oh and of course washi tape to block off large portions of days, but I find just using the different color Sharpies works fine for me, and keeps my planning organized enough.
So where to begin if you want to be more organized for this upcoming school year? What do you need to get started to start using a planner?
Well…starting off, besides the obvious planner, you’ll need to get the basics…
Different colored Sharpies, pens, highlighters…All things you can pick up at Staples, which is where I go to get any office supplies I may need. Anything else purchased for your planner would just be really for decorative purposes…stickers, washi tape, stamps, and stamping block. These are all ‘extra’ things that you can use to decorate your planner, but are not really needed.
Starting on August 10th all Sharpie fine and Ultra Fine markers and highlighters will be on sale at Staples while supplies last, so now is the time to grab what you need to begin planning!
Do you use a planner? Thinking of starting to use one? Have always used one? I’d love to hear what kind you have, and what supplies you use to plan in the comments below…
Talk to you soon friends, take care!
XO
I have to use a written calendar! I work a lot like you…write everything down but not hour by hour, just the important not to miss things! You are so right about thick paper when using colored markers! Great post.
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I’m all for writing everything out!
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Wow, Christine! This is a great way to stay organized! Just another reason to buy those awesome Sharpies. 🙂
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Which planner is that?
Hi Sarah, it’s one of the Martha Stewart planners from Staples.
Thanks!
Can you tell me what stamp set that is ?
Hi Erin! Yes…here’s the link to the stamp sets http://www.studiol2e.com/stamps/planner-stamps…I have both the “list it” and “plan it” They’re great! XO
I love a paper calendar! I’ve tried digital, but prefer paper. Love the color coding! Little secret about me…I’m kind of a pen nut! I have way too many…always go back to Sharpie! What brand planner do you use that is so thick for no bleed through? ~Christy
I use different colors, too ,but one for each child-I have 5- one for entire family activities/notes, and another color for couple(mom and dad only stuff.)My first 3 were triplets, and I joined a multiples support group and learned from other moms to assign each child a color, so pacifiers, sippy cups, etc, wouldn’t get mixed up The triplets are in college, but the system still works. We always know who left a wet towel on the bathroom floor, who forgot to empty his/her backpack or lunchboxand has to clean out the mold, etc, because the color IDs the kid. It worked well with the triplets, so we continued the system with baby 4 and 5:)
I use wrasable pens, in different colors. I can’t use sharpies, because they’re permanent, and I’m afraid to commit. I like a neat planner:)Oh, I also have a huge whiteboard calendar in my laundry rmwhereI post everyone’s events or reminders, in ‘their colors’.
How do you keep track of all of your markers? Do you carry them with you?
I keep them in my purse. I also have another set at my desk (where I do most of my planning)
Hi Christine! I’m thankful for your comment. It’s so much simpler to keep an additional set of same colored pens in your purse than just at home. I am happy to read that I’m not the only one who does this!! Great minds…lol.