Tips for Using Printable Planners

Printable planners are powerful tools, but like any tool, they’re most effective when used the right way. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your printables and stay organized:

Choose the Right Paper and Printer Settings

The quality of the paper and print can make a big difference in how durable and visually appealing your planner pages are.

• Use thicker paper to create a sturdier planner and to also prevent ink bleeding. This is especially helpful if you plan to use highlighters or markers.
• Adjust your printer settings to “high quality” or “best” mode for crisp, clear prints, especially for templates with intricate designs.
• Consider using pre-punched paper if you’re adding your pages to a binder to save time.

Bonus Tip: If you don’t have access to a high-quality printer, many office supply stores offer affordable printing services.

Keep Your Printables Organized

A pile of loose sheets can quickly turn into clutter, defeating the purpose of using a planner in the first place.

• Use a binder or disc-bound planner system to keep your printables neatly arranged and easy to flip through. Dividers can help separate different sections like budgeting, meal planning, and scheduling.
• Alternatively, store your printables in a folder with clear sleeves if you want to keep them protected but easily accessible.
• For a more portable option, bind your printables into a spiral notebook or use an accordion file for categorization.

Bonus Tip: Label sections clearly so you can quickly find the template you need.

Review and Update Regularly

Your planner can only help you if you consistently use it. Making time to review and update your plans will help keep you motivated to use it.

• Set aside 10–15 minutes at the start or end of each day to review your schedule, cross off completed tasks, and plan for the next day.
• Use a weekly check-in to adjust your goals, transfer unfinished tasks, and reflect on your progress.
• For long-term planners, dedicate a few minutes each month to review your goals, reset priorities, and prepare for upcoming events.

Bonus Tip: Pair this habit with a cup of coffee or tea to turn it into a relaxing ritual.

Use Digital Options for Added Flexibility

Sometimes, you don’t want to rely solely on printed sheets, especially when you’re on the go.

• Upload your printables to a tablet and use apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or OneNote to write on them digitally.
• Save PDFs of your printables on your phone or cloud storage (like Google Drive) so you can access them anytime.
• If you prefer a hybrid system, print only the templates you use daily and keep others digital to save paper.

Bonus Tip: Digital templates are ideal for travelers or anyone who wants to avoid carrying a bulky planner.

Personalize Your Planner

Making your planner uniquely yours can make planning more enjoyable and increase your commitment to using it.

• Add stickers, washi tape, or color-coded markers to highlight key tasks or add a personal touch.
• Use highlighters or colored pens to prioritize tasks or categorize sections (e.g., red for urgent tasks, green for completed goals).
• Customize templates by typing directly into editable PDFs before printing or creating your own hybrid designs.

Bonus Tip: Add a vision board or inspirational quotes to your planner for extra motivation.

Print in Batches to Save Time

Printing templates one at a time can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

• Print several weeks or months worth of pages at once so you’re always prepared.
• Keep a stockpile of frequently used templates (e.g., daily planners or meal planners) so you don’t have to reprint them every week.
• Store extra pages in a drawer or filing system to avoid scrambling for them when you run out.

Bonus Tip: Consider laminating reusable templates (like habit trackers) so you can write on them with dry-erase markers and save even more paper.

Experiment to Find What Works for You

Not every planner template will suit your lifestyle, and that’s okay.

• Try different templates over a few weeks to see which ones you naturally gravitate toward. For example, some people thrive with daily planners, while others prefer weekly overviews.
• Be flexible and switch templates as your needs evolve (e.g., shifting to a project planner during a busy season or adding a self-care tracker when life feels overwhelming).
• Don’t be afraid to combine templates to create a system that feels complete for you.

Bonus Tip: If you’re stuck, follow planning communities on Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration and ideas.

By following these tips, you’ll not only get more out of your printable planners but also make the process of planning feel effortless and enjoyable.

BONUS: Where to Find Printable Planners

Finding high-quality printable planners can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you navigate, here are some of the best sources for printable planners, tailored to different needs and budgets.

Free templates, premium designs, or customizable options, these suggestions have you covered:

Etsy

Etsy is a treasure trove of unique and beautifully designed printable planners. Many sellers offer customizable options, so you can tailor the templates to your needs.

You’ll find everything from minimalist designs to themed planners for specific niches like wedding planning or homeschooling.

What to do:

• Search for keywords like “printable daily planner” or “customizable planner template” to find designs that match your preferences.
• Look for bundles that include multiple templates (e.g., daily, weekly, and budget trackers) for more value.

Pro Tip: Many sellers run seasonal sales, so you can snag great deals during holidays or back-to-school season.

Pinterest

Pinterest is an incredible resource for discovering free and paid printable planners, often linked to blogs or small businesses.

It’s a visually-driven platform, making it easy to preview designs before clicking through to download or purchase.

What to do:

• Search for terms like “free printable planner templates” or “best productivity printables.”
• Follow creators or boards dedicated to organization and productivity to get ongoing inspiration.

Pro Tip: Save your favorite pins to a dedicated board for easy access when you’re ready to download or print.

Personal Blogs and Websites

Many bloggers in the organization, productivity, and lifestyle niches offer free printable planners as a lead magnet (in exchange for an email subscription). For example, here at That Moxie Mom we have an undated calendar template for free: Undated Rose Calendar.

Printables that are offered on these blogs often include unique designs or specialized templates you won’t find elsewhere.

What to do:

• Look for blogs that match your planning style or needs. For example, a budgeting blog may offer financial planners, while a parenting blog might focus on family organization.
• Sign up for email lists to access exclusive templates and resources.

Pro Tip: Many bloggers also sell premium printable bundles at a fraction of the cost of physical planners.

Canva

Canva offers a wide range of customizable planner templates that you can edit directly in their platform.

You can personalize colors, fonts, and layouts to match your preferences before downloading and printing.

What to do:

• Use Canva’s free account to access basic templates or upgrade to Canva Pro for more design options.
• Search their template library with terms like “planner,” “daily schedule,” or “meal tracker.”

Pro Tip: Canva templates are perfect for creating planners with your own branding if you’re selling them or using them for business purposes.

Amazon Printable Kits

Some sellers on Amazon offer downloadable printable planners, often bundled with related tools like habit trackers or journals.

These are a great option for those who want curated kits without spending time searching multiple sources.

What to do:

• Search for “printable planner downloads” on Amazon and read reviews to ensure quality.
• Many sellers include detailed product descriptions, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for planners from well-known brands that offer digital downloads as a complement to their physical products.

Free Online Resources

There are countless websites offering free printable planners in various styles and formats.

These are ideal if you’re just getting started or need a quick solution without spending money.

What to do:

• Popular websites provide a wide selection of templates for everything from schedules to budget trackers.
• Search “free printable planners” on Google and explore the top results for templates that match your needs.

Pro Tip: Double-check the licensing on free printables if you plan to share or resell them to ensure compliance.

Design Marketplaces (Creative Market, Design Bundles)

Design marketplaces feature professional-grade templates created by designers. Many include editable formats for software like Adobe Illustrator or Microsoft Word.

These templates often have a polished, high-end look that stands out.

What to do:

• Browse marketplaces using filters for style, format, or purpose (e.g., minimalist, undated planners).
• Purchase templates you can reuse and customize for personal or business purposes.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for bundle deals or subscription options to save money on multiple downloads.

Your Own Collection (DIY Printables)

Designing your own printable planners allows you to create templates perfectly tailored to your needs.

You can use free tools like Canva or paid software like Adobe InDesign to create custom designs.

What to do:

• Start with a simple layout (e.g., daily schedule) and build out additional templates as your needs grow.
• Consider selling your designs on platforms like Etsy or sharing them with your audience if you run a blog or business.

Pro Tip: Use your own printables as a branding opportunity by adding your name, logo, or website URL.

Subscription Services

Some websites offer subscription plans where you get access to an entire library of planner templates.

These services often release new designs regularly, keeping your collection fresh and relevant.

What to do:

• Choose a subscription that aligns with your needs (e.g., monthly planner drops, niche-specific templates).
• Take advantage of exclusive designs and updates available only to subscribers.

Pro Tip: Many subscription services offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing.

By exploring these resources, you’ll quickly find a variety of printable planners that match your style, needs, and budget. Whether you’re downloading free templates, investing in premium designs, or creating your own, there’s no shortage of options to help you stay organized and productive.