Welcome to Part 1 of my Planner Directory Series where I do a deep dive on the types of planners. Nowadays, you can find quite a selection of planners out there. However, trying to find the one that is best for you can be a bit daunting. This is why I will go through each planner style and we will kick it off with the coiled planner. In this blog post, we’ll explore what coiled planners are, how they can help you, and where you can buy them to get started on your journey to better organization.
*Some of the links below may be affiliate links which means that I may get a small commission no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase a product. Thank you for your support!
What Are Coiled Planners?
Coiled planners are a type of physical planner bound by a durable metal coil. This coil binding allows the planner to lay flat or be folded back on itself. It makes it easier to write in and use, no matter where you are. Coiled planners come in a variety of sizes, designs, and formats, catering to different needs and preferences. There’s a coiled planner out there that fits your lifestyle. You can find a weekly planner to keep track of appointments or a daily planner for detailed scheduling.
How Can Coiled Planners Help You?
1. Enhanced Organization
Firstly, coiled planners provide a structured way to organize your time, tasks, and goals. With dedicated spaces for daily, weekly, and monthly planning, you can easily break down your tasks into manageable chunks. This helps prevent overwhelm and ensures that you stay on top of your responsibilities.
2. Improved Productivity
By having a clear view of your schedule and tasks, coiled planners enable you to prioritize effectively. This increased clarity helps you focus on what’s most important. Additionally, many coiled planners include sections for setting goals, tracking habits, and reflecting on your progress, which can further boost your efficiency.
3. Portability
One of the standout features of coiled planners is their portability. Thanks to their sturdy coil binding and compact design, coiled planners are easy to carry with you wherever you go. Unlike bulky binders or oversized notebooks, coiled planners are typically slim and lightweight, making them ideal for slipping into your bag or backpack. This portability ensures that you always have your planner on hand, whether you’re heading to a meeting, running errands, or traveling.
4. Creative Outlet
For many, (including me) using a coiled planner is more than just a way to stay organized—it’s a creative outlet. With a variety of cover designs, layouts, and accessories available, you can express your personal style through your planner. Throw in some stickers and you have yourself a work of art! Some people use their planners as a form of scrapbooking, adding photos, doodles, and mementos to make the experience more enjoyable. But simply adding stickers to make your daily tasks more enjoyable is a huge boost.
5. Reduced Digital Fatigue
In a world dominated by screens, coiled planners offer a refreshing break from digital devices. Writing things down by hand can improve memory retention and provide a sense of accomplishment as you physically check off completed tasks. Plus, it’s an opportunity to step away from your phone or computer and engage in a mindful, intentional activity.
Where Can You Find Coiled Planners?
You can find coiled or spiral-bound planners at several different price points ranging from $20 USD to about $80 USD. Always wait for a good sale so you don’t have to buy them at regular price.
Erin Condren
Erin Condren is perhaps the darling and fan-favorite for coiled planners. They are known for their high-quality materials and beautiful designs. They offer a wide range of planners that really offer a wide range of customizability for different lifestyles and preferences.
Available Coiled Planners:
Plum Paper
Plum Paper offers an incredible amount of customizability with their A5 planners, 7×9 Planners, and Letter Size planners. You can customize your layout and choose either a Sunday or Monday start. Furthermore, you can also choose a weekly or daily view!
The Happy Planner
Although The Happy Planner is best known for their disc-bound planners, you can also find coiled planners in their shop!
Cloth And Paper
Cloth And Paper is a company famous for their minimalist and chic designs which they work in with their spiral-bound planners.
Clever Fox
Although Clever Fox is best known for their hard-bound planners, they offer spiral-bound planners as well! And they come in several different planner cover colors for you to choose from.
Laurel Denise
Laurel Denise Planners are very unique in which you can view your weekly and monthly view at the same time. They have several options but one of their most famous planner is the horizontal weekly planner and their vertical weekly planner.
Tori Artis
Tori Artis Planners are known for their colorful and artistic designs. There is a focus on art and they even invite local artists to collab on the planner designs. They typically come in a 7×9 size. You can add on different tabs such as a business or finance tab and choose your cover from the available designs or even upload your own.
Colibri Paper Co
These planners are handcrafted in Southern California and offer several customizable layouts including horizontal, vertical, hourly, etc. They also have a wide array of planner covers to choose from and you can choose between an A5 and 7×9 Planner.
Golden Coil
Golden Coil is a clean, minimalist planner that typically has linen, leather and designer covers. Perfect for the minimalist!
Coiled Planner Sizes
A5 Size
A5 coiled planners, measuring approximately 5.8″ x 8.3″, strike a balance between portability and writing space. They’re compact enough to carry in a medium-sized bag but still offer enough room to write comfortably. This size is popular among students and professionals who need to keep track of daily tasks, meetings, and deadlines.
Half-Letter Size
Measuring around 5.5″ x 8.5″, half-letter coiled planners offer a bit more space than the A5 size while remaining relatively easy to carry. This size is great for those who prefer a little extra room for writing and planning without sacrificing portability. It’s also a popular choice for personal planners that include sections for journaling, goal setting, and more.
7×9 Size
This is the planner size made popular by the Erin Condren Life Planner and now adopted by several planner brands. Just like its name, it is 7×9 inches. It’s perfect for someone who feels A5 may be too small but letter size may be much too big. It is not as portable as an A5 and better suited for someone who will keep it at their desk.
Letter Size
Letter-sized coiled planners are larger, typically measuring 8.5″ x 11″. These planners provide ample space for detailed daily, weekly, and monthly planning. They’re ideal for those who have a lot of information to manage, such as teachers, project managers, or anyone who prefers to see their entire schedule at a glance. While not as portable as smaller sizes, letter-sized planners are excellent for desktop use or carrying in a larger bag.
Custom Sizes
Some brands offer custom sizes or unique formats, allowing you to choose a planner size that best fits your specific needs. For instance, some planners may be slightly wider or narrower than standard sizes, or they might come in special dimensions for niche purposes like fitness tracking or meal planning.
Choosing The Right Size
When selecting a coiled planner, consider how you plan to use it and where you’ll be carrying it. If you’re constantly on the move, an A5 size might be ideal. If you need more space for detailed planning or prefer to keep your planner on your desk, a 7×9 or letter size might be more suitable. By choosing the right size, you’ll ensure that your coiled planner becomes a functional and indispensable part of your daily routine.
Conclusion
Coiled planners are more than just a way to keep track of your schedule—they’re a tool for enhancing your productivity, expressing your creativity, and staying organized in style. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone looking to bring more order to their daily life, a coiled planner can make a significant difference. With so many options available, there’s no reason not to find the perfect planner that suits your needs and helps you achieve your goals.
