Let’s face it, life rarely goes according to plan. Meetings shift, kids get sick, deadlines sneak up, and sometimes the “to-do” list grows faster than we can cross things off. That’s exactly why keeping a reliable planner or daytimer close by can make all the difference. At Monk Office, we’re firm believers that a little organization can go a long way toward making your days smoother, calmer, and more productive.
A planner isn’t just another office supply—it’s a tool that can turn your life from chaotic and disorganized into a powerhouse of productivity. They can help you take control of your time, reduce stress, and make space for things that matter the most to you. Whether you’re a student with a busy course load, an entrepreneur building your dream business, or a parent juggling busy family schedules, the right planner can make all the difference!
Why a Planner is Still Worth It
Do pen-and-paper plans still matter in the digital age? According to our brains, yes!
Writing tasks down has been shown to improve memory, increase focus, and create a stronger sense of accountability (especially if it’s in pen). Plus, the satisfaction of physically crossing an item off a list cannot be matched by a phone!
Tools That Keep You on Track
We’ve stocked our shelves with planners and accessories that fit different personalities and schedules. Whether you organize on the go or are a big-picture thinker who needs room to spread out, we’ve got the right fit.
When there are so many different layouts and styles to choose from, how do you find your perfect match? We have a handy guide below to help you find your ultimate planner:
Hourly Layout
If you have trouble keeping track of where your time goes in your day, have a lot of meetings/appointments, extracurricular activities, or love time-blocking, an hourly layout can help you really visualize where your time is going.
Try: Colour coding by category (work, personal, kids, self-care) for at-a-glance clarity. Tombow Dual-End Brush Pens are perfect for this.
Our pick: Quo Vadis Minister Freeport Weekly – 9×6”
Horizontal Layout
The most traditional of planner layouts, each day has a wide section running the width of the page. Lined or unlined, it provides flexibility for those who like less structure and is ideal for daily journalers and free-flowing thinkers.
Try: Splitting each day into sections for notes/reminders, priority tasks, or checklists.
Our pick: Letts Titanium Weekly Planner 8 x 6” or Blueline Quartz Hard Cover Weekly Planner 9×7”
Dashboard Layout:
AKA: The Command Centre. One side is a dedicated weekly overview, and the other side is either a notes page or sectioned into boxes for checklists, tasks, notes, habits, or goals. This layout is a powerhouse for parents and multi-taskers who like to see both a schedule and to-dos for each week.
Try: Dedicating one section to “Next Week” or “Later” to hold appointments or tasks that pop up and need to be carried over to future weeks, but you aren’t ready to schedule them.
Our pick: Quo Vadis Note 21 Weekly Diary 8 x 6” or Cambridge Hera Weekly & Monthly Planner 8.5 x 6”
Daily Layout
If you love detail in your day, the Daily Layout is for you! With one or more pages dedicated to a full day, there is plenty of space to plan your day by the hour, and still have room for priorities, checklists, notes, or reminders.
Try: Dedicating a space to write down a reflection on your day to help you refocus and reset for the next day.
Our pick: Blueline Essential Daily Planner 8.5 x 11”
Monthly Layout
Is all you need a quick, at-a-glance reminder of important, can’t-miss events? Then a Monthly Layout is for you! Also, we’re super impressed that you can remember details without needing to write them down! Literally just a month split over two pages, this minimalist power-house of a planner holds everything you need without weighing you down.
Try: Using sticky notes for recurring events/reminders or plans that might change.
Our pick: Blueline Minimalist Monthly Planner 8.5 x 11”
Think Monk Tips for Making the Most of Your Planner
1. Think weekly, not just daily
Looking at the week ahead helps balance workloads and spot potential crunch points.
2. Keep it simple
Don’t overload each page. Leave space for the unexpected (it always shows up).
3. Pair with digital
Use your planner for big-picture planning and your phone for reminders. One doesn’t have to be obsolete because the other exists!
4. Review regularly
Set aside 5 minutes at the start or end of your day to check in and make changes as needed. Small habits add up to saved time.
5. Personalize your approach
Some people like colour-coding, others prefer clean pages. The best system is the one you’ll actually use. (We have great markers to make it fun!)
BONUS TIP:
Make setting up your planner a monthly self-care activity. Set aside time just for you to get organized, design pages that make you happy, reflect on the past month, and plan for the month ahead.
Planning for the Unplanned
Curveballs will always happen in life, but a planner helps you feel less stressed and more in control. Whether you’re a pen-and-paper loyalist or just looking for a way to bring more order into your day, our planners and planning tools are here to help you get ahead, no matter what life throws your way.
Want to feel out the best option for yourself? Visit your local Monk Office & Art to explore the options for yourself. From markers and fine pens to planners, daytimers, and wall calendars, we have it all.
So, when should we pencil you into our daytimer?