On-the-Go Planner Ideas

Things to Consider When You're an A5 Planner Girl Who Loves a Small Bag! (Plus a pocket size printable)

A chunky A5 planner, great for sitting pretty on your desk, wide open with all your juicy goals and plans clearly staring up at you. However, it's not the most convenient thing to lug around, especially if, like me, you're a small bag kind of girl.

This article contains affiliate links (indicated with an *). All images by the author.

Which brings up the age old dilemma of how to have your important dates and tasks to hand when you're out and about.

So, with that in mind, in this article, we’re going to look at:

• Some options for having your plans on-the-go

• The option I decided was the best for me to try and why

• My wins and woes after a week of road-testing my choice

Moterm Luxe A5 in Cream Croc was never going to fit with my small bag obsession, (small leather bag from AliExpress).

Option 1: Carry Your Big Planner in a Tote

The first option we'll consider involves taking your hefty A5 planner with you wherever you go. This method has the advantage of keeping all your plans and tasks in one place, thus eliminating the need for transcribing information between two planners.

However, it does require you to carry a larger bag or an additional tote. This might not be an issue if you're already accustomed to carrying larger bags, but if you're a fan of smaller, more compact bags, it can be quite a shift.

PROS

1. “Single point of truth” in that you only have one place for maintain an up-to-date schedule, making sure there's no mix-up or difference in the schedule details.

2. You have everything important to hand when you need it.

CONS

1. An extra thing to carry, as well as not the most convenient size planner to take everywhere you go.

2. You’ll carry around planner sections you don’t need when you’re on the go (such as trackers, monthly/yearly goals, projects and notes).

3. You’ll need a bigger bag or an extra bag. If you choose the extra bag route then you need to remember to carry it with you at all times!

*Cream Corduroy Tote perfect for my A5 planner and *Cream and Brown Pencil Case with essential supplies.

Option 2: Go Digital

The second option to consider is going digital. This means using a digital calendar or planning system on your phone or other device. With this system, your schedule is always at your fingertips, no matter where you are or what you're doing.

This method is highly portable and can be a great solution for anyone who is comfortable with technology and prefers to keep their schedule on their device.

PROS

1. Central place for information, which is always to hand.

2. Accessible from any device connected to the internet (depending on which solution you choose to use).

3. Notifications to remind you of important meetings, appointments and to-dos.

4. Can share access to team/family so they can view your availability.

CONS

1. Adds to your screen time usage.

2. An excuse to check phone.

3. Notifications could be distracting.

4. If you go digital then do you even need a physical paper planner?

5. There might be a learning curve depending on the solution you choose.

Filofax Malden, Personal Size in the colour Stone.

Option 3: Switch to a Smaller Planner

The third option to consider is switching to a smaller, personal size planner. This approach still offers ample space compared to an A5 planner while being more compact and portable.

However, it involves setting up a new planning system and potentially needing a larger bag than you might typically carry.

PROS

1. Still a good amount of room when compared to an A5.

2. Slightly more portable due to smaller size.

CONS

1. You’ll need to setup a new planner and transfer all your current plans/goals/etc. to it.

2. You may still need a bigger bag.

3. You might end up carrying around planner pages/inserts you don’t necessarily need when you’re on the go (such as trackers, monthly/yearly goals/projects/ideas).

Alternatively a compact personal size planner is another option - here you can see the Filofax Malden Personal (right), compared to the slightly smaller *Filofax Saffiano Personal Compact in Granite (left).

Option 4: Add an Additional “On-the-Go” Mini Planner to Your Line-Up

The fourth option, and one which offers an intriguing compromise, is to add an additional "on-the-go" planner to your setup. This could take the form of a pocket size planner.

This option allows you to maintain your comprehensive A5 planner for your desk while having a compact, easy-to-carry planner for when you are out and about.

A pocket-sized planner would primarily contain your schedule and important tasks, allowing you to stay organized on the go without having to carry a large planner or bag.

PROS

1. Great for on-the-go management of schedule and tasks, as well as a handy place for notes and reminders.

2. Small, compact size options will fit into most small bags.

CONS

1. You’ll need to setup a new planner with suitable inserts for on-the-go use (note paper, to-do check lists, plain paper, diary for your schedule).

2. You'll need to find a suitable insert for managing your schedule. This might require testing out yearly, quarterly, monthly, and weekly inserts to find what works best for you.

3. The maintenance of double-entry scheduling as you’ll need to keep the yearly/monthly/weekly schedule up-to-date in 2 planners.

4. Not the best solution for those with large handwriting.

The super compact Louis Vuitton Small Ring Agenda Cover in Damier Ebene Canvas with it’s tiny 19mm rings is the perfect pocket size planner for my purse!

Working With a Pocket Size Planner

After considering all the options, I've decided to opt for the convenience of a pocket-sized planner. This option, while requiring a bit of initial setup and ongoing maintenance, offers a balance of portability and organization that suits my needs.

I won’t lie, the maintenance is a turn-off as it’s an extra habit to add to my planning routine.

However, by keeping a smaller planner for on-the-go use, I'm able to maintain my comprehensive A5 planner at my desk, where I have more space and time to plan in detail.

Meanwhile, my pocket planner serves as a condensed version of my schedule and task list, which I can easily carry with me wherever I go.

This way, I always have my essential plans and tasks at hand, without the inconvenience of lugging around a large planner or bag. It's a solution that offers flexibility, convenience, and ensures I'm always prepared, no matter where I am.

The printable planner insert I’m currently road-testing in my pocket size planner is…

This minimalist style, month on two pages has been the perfect addition to my functional setup when it comes to pocket sized plans on-the-go.

Paid members of Planning with Chloe get access to this printable at a discount (code below), just add the printable insert to your cart at Keshinomi, then pop in the code at checkout.

I’m cheering you on Planner Friend!
Chloe x

* Please note: I found these items through my own research, personally ordered them for my own use before writing this blog post, but as an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualifying purchases you may make after clicking these links.

Paid Member’s Bonus!

Your special discount code to purchase the pocket size printable for FREE is below!