I have had a planner since high school. I honestly don’t think I would be able to survive without one. In high school, it was just for school work and test dates. In college, it was for classes, tests, group projects, work, and social events. Now it is for work, school, social events, meal planning, etc. A few years ago I was on the hunt for a planner that could do it all but at the same time stay simple (if that was even possible). My life is (and was) so hectic and I needed a planner to keep me sane and organized.

After many google searches and reviews, I found the Simplified Planner by Emily Ley. I have used this planner for 4 years. It really has been a lifesaver. They have made some changes and wonderful updates over the years but the main concept has been the same. At first, I got the daily academic year edition because I was a full-time student. This year I am going to get the weekly calendar year edition. I have been switching off between daily and weekly (really I just want both).

Editions

There are two editions, daily and weekly. Both of them come in academic year (starts August) and calendar year (starts January).

Daily:

The daily edition covers 12 months with one day per page and shared weekend pages. Each day spread is broken into 4 quadrants. The upper left is a daily schedule that starts at 6 am and ends at 9 pm so you have plenty of space to put in your appointments, classes, or kid’s activities for the day. The upper right quadrant is for your to-do list. The lower left is a space for meals so it is perfect to write down what you are eating that day and the lower right is for notes. You can write things to remember, a quote, a memory, or anything at all. There is plenty of space in the daily edition. There are also monthly spreads so you can see a quick overview of the month.

Weekly:

I am going to get the weekly edition again this year. This edition has one week per two page spread. The weekly edition does not have the hourly schedule space but does have space for your day as well as your to-do list. The best part is there is still a spot for meals. For me, I can see my entire week at a time which right now is perfect. There is also the monthly spread so you can view your month and write in important events, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Not sure which edition is best for you? Emily Ley explains each edition and created a free quiz to help you out. 

Pros:

1. Simplicity: This planner allows me to manage my busy schedule without feeling overwhelmed. It has the essentials I need to get through my day without forgetting anything (schedule, to do list, meal plan) as well as space for important notes I need to write down.
2. Lay-Flat Book Binding: Both editions lay flat when you are open to a page. This is so helpful when you are trying to view your day/week and you don’t need to keep flipping back to the page.
3. Size: For me, this is a perfect size. I can fit it in my purse and I can fit everything I need in the planner. There is also a front inside pocket you can put whatever you need (mini notebook, receipts, etc.)
4. Stickers/Note Pages: in the back of each planner there are sticker pages and note pages for anything you need. Seriously this planner has everything you could need.

Cons:

1. Price: The weekly edition is $48 and the daily edition is $58. You get what you pay for and I think this planner is worth it but you can find cheaper planners. It depends if you are looking for a planner that has everything you need or just a planner to get you through the day.
2. Covers: If you are looking for a planner with just a black or white cover then this might not be the one for you. They do have a planner for men that has a leather cover if that is something that interests you. I personally love the covers and look forward to the cover reveals but it just depends on what you are looking for.

Each year they reveal new covers and this year they are AMAZING. The four covers this year are happy stripe, fancy floral, gold pineapple, and gold dot. I don’t know how I am going to choose this year. I want them all!

The calendar year planners sold out within days at the first launch. They just restocked so make sure to get yours ASAP! I expect these calendar year planners to sell out quickly. To buy your planner click here !

Emily Ley also has many other products like notebooks, pens, washi tape, binders, and more. You should also read her book Grace, Not Perfection to learn her story and tips on staying organized while focusing on what matters.

What planner do you use? What is the most important thing when you look for a planner?

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