Finding the Right Planning Tools can be fun or frustrating, depending on who you are.

As a Planner Coach, I definitely find it fun to try new methods and tools for making my planning and organizing more enjoyable. I totally understand, though, if you’re in the other camp and just want someone to tell you how to do it! I will encourage you to be open minding to trying new things – and having them not be the best fit for you.

I thought I’d make things a little easier for you by providing you a list of some of my favorite tools to help me when I’m working in my planner.

Washi Tape: Washi tape is a decorative tape that comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns as well as different widths. It can be used to add color, texture, and personality to a planner. Some fun and functional uses of washi tape include:

• Dividing pages or sections
• Highlighting important dates or events
• Decorating page edges
• Creating borders or frames
• Labeling sections or pages
• Covering over an “oops” 👈🏻 This is totally my favorite usage of washi tape.

Just be careful! You might become addicted to it like I am and end up with a large collection!

Stickers: Stickers are another popular accessory for paper planners (and definitely one of my personal favorites). They come in a variety of styles, from functional to decorative, and can be used to add visual interest to a planner. Some creative uses of stickers include:

• Tracking habits or goals
• Adding fun quotes or phrases
• Highlighting important events or appointments
• Creating a visual representation of tasks or goals

Sticky Notes: Sticky notes are a versatile accessory that can be used to add notes or reminders to a planner. They can be easily moved or removed as needed, making them a great option for those who like to rearrange or adjust their plans. Some popular uses of sticky notes include:

• Writing to-do lists or reminders
• Adding notes or ideas to a brainstorming page
• Creating a color-coded system for prioritizing tasks or events (I do this to keep up with my hostess info in my follow up tracker.)

Highlighters: Use different colors to highlight important information, such as deadlines or events. Pro tip: when you know you have a section that needs highlighting, use the highlighter FIRST, then write your text on top. This reduces the potential for smearing!

Colored Pens: Use different colored pens to differentiate between different types of tasks or events. Of course, I love our PenGems pens, which come with blank ink installed, but you can refill with all sort of colors! I’m also a fan of the Frixion erasable pens (which come in several different styles as well).

Tab Stickers: Use tab stickers to create sections in your planner, such as for work, personal, or health goals. Label your insert so you can easily see which one it is, or use them in your journal to create sections or make it easy to find important pages later.

A Storage Pouch: Use a storage pouch to keep pens, stickers, and other planning tools together and easily accessible. I’m a fan of our XII Pouch, but the Planner Pouch is a great option as well – it includes an elastic loop so you can attach it to your planner and never forget it!

White Out: Easily clean up mistakes in your planner (and then cover it up with some fun washi tape). I usually use the Bic White Out EZ Correct white-out tape. No dry time makes it a no brainer!

Tote: Of course you need a planner tote to carry it all with you! With three sizes (mini, medium, and large) available, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you!

What other planning tools can you think of? Drop them in the comments before you go!