Stay organized this year with some tips for back to school planner organization. Start the school year and each week off right.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s just about back to school time. Wow! Makes me a little sad. There is just something about the joy and freedom that summer seems to bring.
The best way to deal with it though is to just hit it head on and make the best of it. You also have to plan for it ahead of time to stay organized. Then you aren’t running around like a chicken with your head cut off every morning trying to wrangle up the kiddos and all their belongings.
The best way I know how to stay organized and on top of things is to keep my planner up to date. I can’t wait to share these tips for back to school planner organization with you. Hopefully they will make a difference for you whether you have kids, are in school yourself, or just like to keep your work and household straightened out.
The Happy Planner
You may remember several months ago that I attended SNAP conference in Salt Lake City. It is basically a really awesome bloggers conference that leaves you exhausted, rejuvenated, and excited all at the same time.
While I was talking with Michaels, I was gifted with The Happy Planner. Now my love for planners is real and always has been. So when they placed this beauty in my hands, I was about to go crazy. My roommate Amanda, from A Crafted Passion, and I both received one and were ecstatic. (And no, I’m not getting paid to say all these wonderful things. I really just love it that much.)
I mean, just look at this floral beauty. I love the cover and how it’s laminated with a thick plastic to protect it all year. The binding is made of gold discs with hearts in the middle that can be changed out to different colors if I wanted. The inside cover has a beautiful design with the first page leaving a place for your name. I spelled mine out with scrapbook stickers.
Supplies to Help You Get Organized
#1 Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
I have been wanting these pens for so long and finally decided to just get them. They write so smooth and do not bleed through my pages. The pack I got had 20 different colors which is so awesome. I shared a post before about using colored pens to keep your organized in your planner. These would be perfect for that too.
*And in case you love to Bible journal like I do, these are great for thin Bible pages.
Another great supply that comes out of my Bible journaling stash are these alpha stickers. I have to be careful when going to any craft store because you can never seem to have enough styles or colors. These are perfect for adding detail to pages and spelling out special events or days.
#3 Washi tape
I use washi tape to add decoration and color to my pages. You can also use washi tape to keep you organized having different colors tape for different categories of your life or schedule. Check out this post HERE for more details.
#4 Page Flags
You can divide your planner into different sections using page flags as your markers. I will elaborate on this more in just a little bit. Page flags are also a great way to add attention to a particular event or item that you do not want to forget about.
Tips for Planner Organization
In The Happy Planner, at the beginning of every month, is this monthly page to help you gear up for the month ahead. There is a “Currently” section which I just love because you can always go back months or a year later and see what your family was in to or enjoying at the time almost like a journal.
You can keep track of goals for the month, birthdays, and important dates. I added kraft stickers to highlight the birthdays and just add some extra dimension.
A monthly calendar view is a perfect way to map out the entire month on one page. There is something about seeing what is to come and preparing for it ahead of time that helps take out the surprise factor and any chaos.
I add page flags to certain dates to remind me of special events or any special projects that may be due. This is a perfect way to mark if you have any exams, or if you have kids with a sports game or play.
Now the weekly view is probably my favorite part. There is a ton of space to add everything I have going on. The great part is having 3 different sections at the top, middle, and bottom. Labeling each section with page flags for a different area in your life is a great way to keep everything separate and balanced without losing track of something. i.e. Home, School, Work
Add stickers as you like to add any extra decoration. Every week I also include some kind of notepad to keep running list and attach them with washi tape. I got this weekly to-do notepad at Target a while back and absolutely love it to highlight what I have to do that week and keep me on top of things.
Extra Features
I also just wanted to let you know about a few extra pages that are included that are helpful. There are 2 pages with the full calendar for the entire year for 2016 and 2017 as a quick reference when needing to plan ahead.
In the back of the planner is a page designated just for “Notes” when needing to jot down some quick thoughts. Add sheets from a notepad for extra space and attach with washi tape if you happen to run out of room.
And if it couldn’t get any better; this planner is actually from July 2016-December 2017. I love when planners give me extra months. I always feel like I’m getting my money’s worth.
Now that you know what supplies to use and ideas to use your planner more efficiently, sit down and start planning ahead for this new school year. It’s also a good habit to sit down each week on Sunday night or Monday morning and plan for the week ahead. You will be so happy you did when you don’t have to worry about any last minute surprises catching you off guard.
Again, I am not being paid to say all this about The Happy Planner. I really and truly do love this planner. I have tried several different kinds that I really loved, but I love all the fun accessories that you can add to this planner to make it even better. I will have to share with y’all soon extras that you can add in so stay tuned hopefully for that.
So for now, get organized and have some fun in the process. You might as well!
P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
