So you’re ready to buy a new planner. You go to the bookstore and find their big display. Some are large, others small. One of the planners has the perfect weekly view you’re looking for but not the other details you need. There are so many choices!

How are you supposed to narrow it down to the planner that will work best for you? Here is a process and some important questions to ask yourself as you find your new planner.

Make a Wish List

Start by making a list of what’s most important to you to have in a planner. You can ask yourself questions such as:

What is most important to you have in a planner?

Do you need a whole page per day? What about a monthly view?

Do you want pages for notes? Budgeting? Meal Planning? Goals?

What size do you need your planner to be? Full sized or able to fit inside your purse?

These are all things to think about as you jot down a “wish list” for your perfect planner.

If you need extra help with this, a good idea would be to go in a store that has a good selection of planners and flip through them. Then write down what appeals to you the most about each one.

Set a Budget

You should have an idea of how much you can realistically spend on a new planner so you omit the ones that are priced higher than your budget.

• Can you realistically spend $50+ that a lot of planners cost?
• Or do you need to keep it at a more affordable price?

Being clear on how much you’re willing to spend will definitely make the process easier. It will narrow down your options so you’ll have an easier time choosing the planner that will work best for you while sticking to your budget.

Printable or Already Bound?

Another important thing to consider is whether you are set on having a planner that is already printed and bound or if a print-it-yourself planner would be something you’d consider.

Keep in mind though, with the printable versions there is extra cost involved to have it printed and bound at an office supply store. So take that into account as you’re comparing costs.

Research and Compare

Next it’s time to start researching planner options and comparing them. Look at things like features, price, etc. How many things on your wish list can you find in a planner at your budget?

Hopefully you’ll end up with a few good options to choose from.

Purchase Your Planner!

Finally, once you’ve narrowed down to your choice of planner, it’s time to purchase it! And if it’s ordered, wait anxiously for it to arrive.

Congratulations, you’ve then found your planner for the year!

Wondering which one I picked?? Here’s some info on my favorite:

If you are looking for a planner to help you get organized, I use and love Kayse Pratt from Intentional Mom’s Organized Life Planner! I love all the little details – there are spots for weekly habit tracker, weekly and daily priorities, prayer requests, health, water intake, meal planning, and so much more. Check it out for yourself here! (affiliate link)

Here are some moreresources to get you started:

Tell me in the comments: What’s your favorite planner?