Step-by-step walkthrough of how I prep my planner for the year in a pair of composition notebooks

Timestamps

0:00:00 intro & which notebooks I use
0:00:30 planning
0:01:50 monthly calendars (booklet 1, monthly booklet)
0:12:57 decorating pages with paper (booklet 1)
0:22:07 pockets, part 1 (booklet 1)
0:32:25 trimming edges (booklet 1)
0:39:46 tabs, and pockets part 2 (booklet 1)
1:00:00 index, goals, etc. (booklet 1)
1:03:00 birthday, anniversaries (booklet 1)
1:07:00 holidays (booklet 1)
1:10:00 year-at-a-glance (booklet 2, daily booklet)
1:16:00 daily pages (booklet 2)
1:24:00 to-do/task/context lists (booklet 2)
1:27:00 removable insert (booklet 1)
1:33:00 flip-through of monthly/annual booklet (booklet 1)
1:35:00 flip-through of dailies booklet (booklet 2)
1:37:00 final steps (both)
1:39:00 cover options & final comments

Downloads:

• printable quick-reference guide with measurements, etc.
• 2025-at-a-glance calendar
• 2025-at-a-glance calendar, 2nd half only

Related Blog Posts:

• picture tutorial for add-in booklet
• picture walk-through of my 2023/2024 planner

Product Links:

• composition book
• corner rounder
• Papermate Flair pen
• clear adhesive pocket assortment (These are what I actually have.)
• clear adhesive pocket 4″x3“ (I have not yet tried this brand.)
• Xyron sticker maker (This is not exactly what I have, but it’s the same brand, and similar idea.)
• tab dies (These are what I have, but it looks like only some of the styles are still available.)
• another tab dies option
• label paper (both standard and clear matte) is from OnlineLabels.com.

Measurements:

For making the hinge for the add-in page, 2 inches down from the top, and 2 inches up from the bottom (or 1-3/4 inches from bottom; just cut the slit in your booklet accordingly). 2-1/2 inches out from spine, and then trim off 1-1/4 inches from one flap.

For the daily pages, skip 5 squares at the left (or right – whatever is the outer edge). Count down one from the top of the page for the upper date, and 18 from the top for the second.

Intro music is excerpted from “Rachel” by Michael T. Ramey. Used with permission.