Gathering your most used functional planning supplies before any planning session is super important. It can be overwhelming to dig through every planning product you own just to find the right thing. It can be just as annoying to not have what you need at your fingertips when you’re on a roll.
Let’s take a look at some of my favorite planning supplies and how to use them in your functional planning system. Then break out your stash and gather everything up to simplify your next planning session.
The links on this page may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking, I will receive a small percentage (it costs you nothing). Visit my favorites page for coupon codes!
Essential Planning Supplies
Organizing Your Space
- Storage Container: A simple, shallow basket can be a game-changer for keeping your planning essentials organized. It’s a versatile solution that can be tailored to your specific needs. Also consider a zip pouch, or even a tool organizer for a minimal collection.
- Shallow basket
- Zip pouch (large)
- Zip pouch (divided)
- Upright tool organizer
- Paper Trimmer: Often associated with crafting, this tool is a hidden gem for planners. It efficiently trims washi tape to your desired width, adding a touch of customization to your spreads. Keep a paper trimmer near your planning area, but not necessarily in your planning basket. Shop my favorite paper trimmer.
Essential Planning Supplies for Precision
- Slice Tool: This pen-like tool, equipped with a tiny ceramic blade, is ideal for precise cutting of stickers and washi tape. It’s a safer alternative to traditional cutting tools. Shop my favorite slice tool.
- Spatula and Tweezers: These tools are invaluable for handling stickers with care. The tweezers, in particular, offer a gentle and controlled way to place delicate stickers. The spatula acts as a sticker lifter to move repositionable planner stickers. Shop my favorite planner tool set (bonus: it comes with precision scissors!).
- Correction Tape: A reliable correction tape is essential for correcting mistakes and maintaining a clean, professional appearance in your planner. Shop my favorite correction tape.
Enhancing Your Planner’s Aesthetic with Planning Supplies
- Highlighters and Markers: I like dual-ended markers and highlighters with fine-point and chisel-tip options, allow for precise detailing and bold highlighting in your planner.
- Sticky Notes: These versatile sticky notes can be used for various purposes, from jotting down quick notes to creating custom planner elements. You can get fun shapes and designs that even snap into your planner, or go functional with printables on a plain sticky note.
- Page Flags: These tiny flags are perfect for marking important pages or sections, making it easy to navigate your planner. Shop page flags.
Planning Supplies Elevate Your Planning Experience
- Reusable Sticker Book: This innovative sticker book allows you to organize and store your stickers without damaging them. By keeping your stickers organized, you can easily find the perfect sticker for any occasion. Learn how to organize your reusable sticker book.
- Stencil: A stencil can be used to create consistent and professional-looking elements in your planner, including checkboxes, lines, and boxes. Erin Condren LifePlanners come with a planner stencil!
- Planner Stickers: Stickers provide a wealth of decorative and functional stickers to personalize your planner. Shop my favorite planner stickers.
Shop here with my PlannerKate promo code KK20 to save an extra 20% of your cart, even on sale prices during Warehouse Wednesday and other sitewide sales on planner stickers for Erin Condren, Hobonichi, Laurel Denise, and more.
Tips for Using Functional Planning Supplies Effectively
By incorporating these essential planning supplies into your routine, you can elevate your planning experience. Remember, the best tools are the ones that inspire you to plan and organize effectively. Additionally, consider these tips for maximizing your planning potential:
- Experiment with different layouts and designs: Don’t be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you.
- Use a variety of colors and patterns: This can help you to visually organize your planner and make it more fun to use.
- Set realistic goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Review and reflect on your progress regularly: This will help you to stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: There are many resources available to help you with your planning, including online communities, books, and workshops.
By following these tips and using the essential planning supplies discussed above, you can create a beautiful and functional planner that will help you to achieve your goals.
Essential Functional Planning Supplies Video
Watch this video to learn more about my favorite planning supplies and how I use them functionally with my planner. (Note: the links on this page have been updated to my current planning supplies. Please click through to the video description to see the links to planning supplies you may see in the video)
Coupon Codes for Planning Supplies Favorites
Check out my favorite planning supplies page for coupon codes and more links to products that you’ll love to use for functional planning! Also check out my favorite supplies for goal setting.
