I am a fan of technology. However, when it comes to my calendar and organization, I stick to my tried and true paper and pen system. Over the years I have tried many different planners, organizers and systems. Each year I am reevaluating what method (brand) I will try next.
I have found that each individual enjoys their own style of planner and organizational system. My method is not the perfect method, but it is what I find works best for me. This helps me stay on top of my household chores as well as organizing my fitness training and family’s activities.
Today I want to help you find the right planner system that will work for you. If you have searched online for different styles and brands, I am going to compare a few favorites and their prices to help you with your choice.
The four main paper planner systems I am going to be talking about today are Motivated Mom’s, Erin Condren, MomAgenda and a Martha Stewart planners.
A few years ago, I purchased and loved the MomAgenda brand planners. The hard bound (book style) planner was classy and functional for my needs. There was a slot for each individual in my family to put their daily activities in. I really liked the cover design and mom-friendly use of this planner. However, the price tag was a bit steep for my budget to continue. These planners run around $40.
The past two years, I have bought and used the ErinCondren planner. I really liked the design of the planner (monthly and weekly page views), as well as the ability to pick and choose the colors of the outer planner design. This is a heavy duty planner (the weight and size of a thick book – like Bible). It is sturdy and super pretty full of colors and cute quotes. However, the price tag is pretty steep at $50 for each planner.
When browsing my local Staples, I found a planner by Martha Stewart that had the same inside calendar design (monthly/weekly view) as my coveted erincondren planner. Except this planner was only $19!! That is less than half the price of the one I had been currently using.
The only drawback of the Martha Stewart planner versus the Erin Condren planner is that it is less colorful. You are only able to pick and choose from the basic stock colors and designs. Compared to the EC planner it is not as unique or flashy. However, for the function of a stay-at-home mom’s family brain planner… it fit the need and budget for me!
If I feel the need to add any more color I can always color it myself or add fun stickers! Heck, I saved $30 on a bunch of paper that will be my family’s brain for the next few months! I am very happy about this new planner system!!
I will be completely honest, I love all things organization and planning. However, because we are so busy, I struggle with maintaining a doable household cleaning schedule. I get overwhelmed and let it go. Or I manage to do more cleaning in 10 minutes before friends come over, than I did all month! Don’t judge me.
In addition to my everyday (weekly/monthly) family calendar I mentioned above, I use this simple e-book style calendar that I printed from motivated moms. You can pick and choose the style of your planner you seek. I choose the week at a glance (because I already have the daily calendar for my family’s needs).
I like this simple planner because I can simply check off the 5-7 chores it has assigned for me each day. I never feel overwhelmed.
The only negative thing about this system, if you are like me, you want to have a room finished when cleaning it… instead of partially cleaned. For example, on on Monday you will clean toilets. Tuesday clean bathtubs and shower and the mirror. There is no mention (for 2 weeks) when to mop the floors… which is very important when you have three messy boys in your house.
As with everything in life, you pick and choose what works best for you and your family. I find the above paper organization planning systems to work for me. I get the thrill and satisfaction of writing something down in its appropriate colored pen and crossing something off when it is completed. I guess it is the teacher in me.
Would you like to try the Motivated Mom’s planner? Simply leave a comment below and you will be entered to win!! Good luck!
Yvonne says
On my list for 2014 more organized .. Thanks for the comparison. I too looked at the EC planner and my mouth dropped over price.
Jenn M says
This is exactly what I needed to see today! I have been struggling to keep a good schedule and felt ancient going back to paper and pen planners when I live for my iphone…but these are great options! Thanks!
Cecilia @ MommiesRun says
I am horribly unorganized! I have a paper planner plus I use my phone! Id love to win!
Jen M says
I use the calendar on my phone, but I really prefer pen and paper. I just always have trouble finding my “perfect” calendar. Thanks for a great review of several options!
Lindsay M. says
I usually just use a basic walmart planner and pair it with google calendar. But I would love to win a nicer one. 😀
Sarah J says
I love having a planner. It’s a must for me.
Julie M says
I love checklists. What a great way to make sure your get all of your chores done each week.
Lucinda says
Love my iphone & ipad, but for planning I use paper & pen. I like that it’s tangible! Thanks for the offer!
Shelley says
I actually love the Well Planned Day planner for my needs and the coupon codes available are always so GOOD. This planner is specifically designed for the homeschooling mama. It has worked wonders for me! The Erin Condren Planner is so pretty and nice, but seriously I am on a budget like you…too much money! Good look at these planners!
Amy says
I like pen and paper…no Google calendar for me!
Theresa J says
I definitely need a new planner so I can get my life organized
manda says
Love the giveaway!
stephanie says
I’ve gone through 3 planners so far this year in search of the ONE. thanks for the reviews!
April Swiney says
Really liking what I see so far
Amanda says
Are the Martha Stewart planners not being made anymore?
Rachel says
Hi. They could be (I found mine at Staples). I chose to go with the Erin Condren planner again this year for 2015… 🙂