Since the start of the year (2020), I made the switch from using a notebook bullet journal planner to using a ring binder bullet journal planner and printables. What is it like? Let me tell you!
WHAT I LIKE:
I like that I have the flexibility of adding and removing pages, and the ability to switch things around as I like them. I have pages that are different types of paper too, and I really like that. Not every page that I use is decorated with markers, so for some pages that I just write on, I can use regular cheap paper with my printable and I like that option. I don’t need to be using expensive and thick paper for every page I am doing in my ring binder.
I like that I can use card divider pages where I want them so that I can easily navigate through the planner to the right section that I want. The last notebook that I used had binding threads that started to come loose as I was using it, So, I like that I am not worried about my notebook falling apart anymore.
I also just really like the aesthetic. I have a dark grey felt cover and it looks awesome. It isn’t getting dirty, and it feels like a ‘proper’ planner to me, if that makes any sense. As a kid, I always looked in awe at Filofaxes. [You can actually create a ring binder bullet journal with a Filofax, by the way, the pages are here.] I thought they were the most beautiful thing, but when I got older and actually bought one, it disappointed…because I hadn’t discovered bullet journaling yet. But now I can have that same feel AND have the creativity of a bullet journal.
WHAT I DON’T LIKE:
I bet you know what I am going to say here…..yes, it’s true…..the rings are a little bit annoying. But not as bad as I thought they would be. If the ring is getting in my way, I simply take the page out, it takes about 2 seconds, so it’s not too much of a problem really.
The downside of using printables in my ring binder bullet journal is that I am missing the creativity…but this is not something that needs to happen. I could go to using plain dot grid paper and create my own spreads again, it is more a choice at the moment to make use of the printables that I am making for sale. But, I have a little idea to combat this, so, stay tuned…
Tips for using a ring binder bullet journal:
If you were thinking of going down the route of using a ring binder for you bullet journal planner..whoop whoop, I applaud you. I think it’s a great option. Here are some things that I would say about it.. make sure that you get a ring binder that lays flat, one that keeps trying to close on you is the most annoying thing in the world (there possibly, maybe more annoying things). Also, learn from my mistake…make sure the hole punch you get is the correct one for your binder. I bought one that said it was adjustable, and fits most planner sizes…well, it didn’t fit mine. I don’t want you to be wasting your money, please, do your preparation work and measure the hole distances etc. that you require and buy the right one that fits. It makes all the difference to be able to get your page planner ready in the shortest time possible.
SUMMARY:
This was a short post really, but hopefully it was helpful to see the possibilities and options that are available to you with planning and getting the right planner for you. I did a poll on Instagram a while back, and by far the majority of people prefer notebook style planners, which I get, but for those that want to experiment, I thought I would share my experience so far with this ring binder bullet journal style planner.
I would also like to add that there are also many other options for planners too. Many are using disc bound planners. I have a stock of discs here. This is another option that is similar to ring binders but actually the action of taking paper in and out is easier.
But the point of it all is that there are many choices.
Don’t forget to stay motivated and inspired by your planner. You won’t open it each day if you don’t like it. So, if something is not working for you, change it up, ask yourself want you want to be looking at. Be creative and as always, until next time..happy planning!
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Tony McGurk
March 22, 2023Great article Kim. . I just started Bujo’ing about a month ago. It drives me crazy if I mess up a page and I don’t really want to be tearing out pages so I switched to an A5 ring binder. I like being able to add pages where I want them too, it’s just far more flexible than a regular book. For example I have a page titled “Meaningful Quotes” which is almost full. In a normal notebook I’d then have to allocate another page further on in the book. With the ring binder I just number the first one Page 20/1 add in another page & number it 20/2 & so on. The only thing is that it’s a bit bulkier than a regular book but I keep it at home all the time & I have a pocket notebook in my man-bag so I can copy down To Dos & other notes that I need to take with me then sync it up with my ring binder Bujo when I get home. I think it’s a much better, more practical & flexible way than a regular notebook that I originally started off with. Greetings from Tasmania!!!
Kim
March 23, 2023That’s absolutely fantastic. Sounds like you have a really good set up with a home planner and on the go notebook. What a great idea!
Judy
April 13, 2023I use A4 paper folded over in my A5 binder. For most purposes I prefer quadrille to dot grid, and here in France, good quality A4 quadrille is easy to find. What’s more, I discovered that Rhodia Dotbook notebooks have beautiful dot grid printed on Clairefontaine paper! They are staple-bound; I just remove the staple, punch holes and go.
Using basic origami, I make a kind of “Dutch door” in my binder. This is an A5 sheet folded in half to A4 size and threaded on three of the six rings in the binder so that I can write on the front and also unfold it to the full A5 page inside.
Kim
April 18, 2023That’s a really great technique and idea. You have given me some things to research like the paper type you use. I don’t think I have heard of it before so I’ll definitely research. Thank you for your comment!