Need a new planner but don’t want to spend much money or can’t find one you love? A DIY planner may be the way to go. Made with free printables it’s a very affordable planner option.
For the last few years, I’ve used an Erin Condren planner or a Happy Planner. I love both but in the past, I’ve also made my own DIY planner.
It’s a great option if you can’t find a planner you like or they cost too much. You can use free printables or even buy some printables. Even if you buy printables since you can use them over and over again it’s still a cheaper option.
How to Make a DIY Planner
To make a planner using a 3-ring binder and free planner printables, follow these steps:
- Gather the necessary supplies, including a 3-ring binder, dividers, planner pages, and any other decorative materials you’d like to use. I also like to use page protectors on most of the pages to keep them in better shape. You can also use wet-erase markers on them so you don’t have to keep printing out pages.
- Create sections for your planner by inserting dividers into the binder or use a decorative piece of scrapbook paper and a tab. Common sections include monthly calendars, weekly or daily schedules, to-do lists, and notes.
- Customize your planner pages by using free planner printables or creating your own designs or purchasing pre-made pages. Make sure they fit into your binder and are hole-punched to fit into the rings if you aren’t using page protectors.
- Assemble your planner by placing the pages into the appropriate sections of the binder. You may also want to include additional items such as stickers, page markers, and post-it notes.
- Decorate the outside of the binder to make it more personalized and enjoyable to use. You can use stickers, washi tape, or any other materials that you like. I used scrapbook paper on mine.
- Use your planner regularly to stay organized and on top of your schedule. Update it as needed, and consider adding new sections or pages as your needs change.
With these steps, you can create a customized planner that suits your needs and helps you stay organized and on track.
Free Planner Printables
These are some free planner printables you may want to use in your DIY planner. This is one of the great parts of making your own planner, you can include as many or as few of these as you’d like.
- Planner Cover
- Daily Planning Sheets
- Block Schedule
- Calendar
- Daily Meal Planning Sheet
- Weekly Meal Planner
- Grocery Lists
- Spring Cleaning Checklist
- Habit Tracker
- Pet Information Sheet
- Family Emergency Plan
- Budget Printables
- Expense Tracker
- Travel Planner
You can also look for free planner printables on Pinterest. There are so many great ones out there.
More Planner Printables
If you don’t want to sign up for a bunch of free planner printables or want a more uniform look you can also buy planner printables.
I offer several here on the site that are perfect for using in your own planner.
I also have planners for different holidays that are great for including in your DIY planner.
In conclusion, creating a DIY planner using free planner printables is a fun and budget-friendly way to get organized and stay on top of your schedule.
By following the steps outlined in this post, you can create a planner that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences, and includes all the sections and features you require to stay productive and focused.
Whether you’re a homemaker, student, a professional, or simply looking to streamline your daily routine, a DIY planner can be an effective tool to help you reach your goals and stay on track. So why not give it a try today and see how it can benefit your life?
Micaela @MindfulMomma says
Great roundup of free printables! I still use paper notebooks for many things but I also have a digital to-do list and calendar. I keep thinking I should go all digital – but I really like to write things down on paper – guess I’m an old-fashioned gal!
Lisa Sharp says
Digital didn’t work very well for me. I like this system because I don’t have to get a new one each year and just print things I will use and as I need them. And I scrap paper for my to-do lists each day. They have found the act of writing things helps you remember them.
Katherine says
OMG yes! I am thinking of going back to paper! Today I forgot an appointment for the car – and I could of make the digital appointment right there but I didn’t. What do you do when you are away from your binder/paper calendar?
Lisa Sharp says
Make a note in my phone or email myself. I have at times used my phone calendar as well as my paper one but I’m worse about putting things in my digital calendar than my paper one.
Jennifer says
Me too i rather do paper planing and anything else because im afraid my computer will crash and everything will be lost.
lynn hasselberger says
Wow. That’s a great way to get organized!
Betsy (Eco-novice) says
Wow! So comprehensive. I will be checking out your blogging checklists and resources. I like the idea of having a handy list of date night ideas as well.
Tamara Rubin says
Thanks Lisa! I’m going to share this with the kids too!
Maria@SewTravelInspired says
I am old-school and prefer non-techie record-keeping. I really appreciate the comprehensive list of printables you have collected for this post. Thanks for the info.
Angela @ Setting My Intention says
I just posted a picture on Instagram of my new weekly/monthly planner. I love a new, blank planner for the year – such promise! I do use my phone for grocery items that we use all the time and for reminder, but I prefer paper and pen! You sound uber organized! Good for you!
Lisa Sharp says
I’m not naturally organized but working to try to do better. 🙂 I like pen and paper as well.
Kayla says
A grocery price sheet is a great idea–I buy pretty much everything at Target, but I always wonder if there are better prices somewhere else!
Thanks for joining us on the Alder Collective! Pinning, and we hope to see you again this week!
Shanna says
I’m in the process of creating my very own planner that will have everything needed and none of the stuff I don’t need. My table of contents is already at least 2 pages and I’m still not done. I’ll have to share more once I have a bit more together to show everyone.
Lisa Sharp says
I’d love to see it! <3