There’s a printable for everything and if you can’t find one you like you can always make your own. They save a ton of time not having to count out the dots and rule up spreads in your bullet journal. If it’s an editable PDF you can type in your tasks before printing and save it on your computer to re-print at a later date. They add colors and fonts you might not have otherwise used in your planner (especially if your handwriting is messy like mine). They can also be resized to any page size you like so if you’re using separate planners that are different sizes for say, work and school, you could print the same checklist printable at different page sizes.
Read more: 10 Reasons why I plan using printables (and why you should too!)
Here are some of the most useful printables to add to your planner or bullet journal.
1. Reference lists
I’ve done various reference list printables over the years. If you don’t want this taking up too much space in your planner (or if you have limited notes pages in the planner you’re using) you can re-size these pages down and add them using washi tape to create a ‘flap’ so you can still write underneath.
Related post: How to print any printable at any page size
Some reference lists to add
- 50 cleaning task reminders to add to your planner
- 50 Expenses to track in your planner (and different ways to track them)
- 50 Motivational Quotes to add to your planner
- 12 questions to ask yourself at the end of every month
- 50 Reminders to Put in Your Planner or Bullet Journal
- 50 Bullet journal Instagram accounts you should be following
- Using blank pages: 50 useful lists to add to your planner
You can find printable versions of all of these reference lists in the free printables library.
2. Packing List
Save time not having to re-write all your items out each time you pack for a trip and reduce the risk of forgetting to pack something.
I have 3 copies / versions of my packing list
- Domestic holidays
- International holidays
- Carry-on bag
3. Passwords Log
One of the first printables I ever made and one I refer to almost every day!
Password log is from my shop
4. Bill due checklist
Back when I was budgeting on paper (I now use Excel spreadsheets), I would highlight the box for the month the bill was due, and then cross off the box in when it had been paid. I could see all of my bills and when they were due on one handy reference page.
If you’d like to download a copy of this printable it’s in the free printables library. Existing subscribers can login and download here.
5. Dates at a glance calendar
An annual overview printable that has mini dated calendars for each month of the year saves so much time instead of writing them all out (and reduces the risk of typos).
You might also want to print out a public holidays list for quick reference too.
I like to have a bit more detail in my annual planning nowadays and roughly outline what I intend to work on using a vertical dated format like this. I don’t plan every day, I usually just jot a few items when I think they will happen during the month, birthdays or other important events, dates people I want to travel with are unavailable, and draw arrows if the event will carry across multiple days e.g. a vacation. When each month starts that’s when I do more detailed day to day planning using other printables.
6. Habit Trackers
Another one that’s time consuming to rule up!
Read more:
- How to choose the right habit tracker for your planner
- 100 things to put in your habit tracker of your planner or bullet journal (plus free printable habit tracker)
- 12 Planner Layout Ideas for Monthly Habit Tracking in Your Bullet Journal
- 15 habit tracker tips & ideas to try
If you still want to be able to write underneath the printable you’ve added, use washi tape on one side only to create a ‘flap’
These habit tracker printables are from this set in my shop.
7. Routine / Recurring Tasks Trackers
This could be any routines tracker. I use these for my blogging, routine tasks for my shop and cleaning but you could use this for meal plans, room by room cleaning tasks, children’s chore chart – anything you refer to regularly.
This printable kitchen cleaning record is from my cleaning printables set
8. Last time I did
Use one of these if you have infrequent tasks (as most of the monthly columns will probably end up blank / wasted paper if you use a habit tracker).
9. Favorite recipes and favorite recipe website lists
Keep a list of the meals your family likes to eat, as well as your favorite recipe websites when you’re short on inspiration.
10. Checklists
Lots and lots of checklists! I print these in bulk and used to keep these in plastic sleeves in 3 ring binders, but have recently switched to storing them in my DIY notebook where I keep all my refill pages, ready to use in my planner.
This printable is from the checklists kit in my shop.
What if your printer cannot resize printables?
If you don’t want to resize a printable or if your printer doesn’t have that function, you can fold the page in half (or thirds if you need to) and fix it into your notebook with some washi tape
If you’re looking for printables there are plenty in my shop!
More planning tips
- How to Choose a Printer (Including the best printer for printing printables and planner stickers)
- After trying more than 20 pen brands, these are my top 5
- 7 Cheaper alternatives to popular (but expensive) planner supplies
How to make printables
- How to make a printable in PicMonkey
- Microsoft Word versus Photoshop: Which is Better for Making Printables?
- How to make lined note paper DIY planner insert refills in Photoshop (quick and easy step by step tutorial)
Liked this post? Pin it!
Leave a Reply