Is This Planner/Notebook Stack Excessive?
Exploring whether we really need to simplify our planners and notebooks—or if using more than one can actually help us stay focused.
Recently I found myself reflecting on my planner stack—and asking a very honest question:
Is this... excessive?
I counted six separate notebooks, journals and planners that I’m using in some way. That’s a lot. But before I spiraled into planner guilt, I took a moment to pause, look at what each one actually does for me.
I also wondered if combining them into a single binder would really serve me better.
Spoiler: I don’t think it would.
A Quick Look at My Stack
I’ll start with the full line-up:
Work planner – The one I use for my part-time job. Functional and separate from everything else so I can mentally switch off when I’m done.
Life organizer– All things Chloe and Family.
Gratitude & faith journal – A Traveler's Journal Weekly 'Free Diary' I use just for small wins, gratitude, and good moments. And a Traveler's Journal lined note book for sermon and life group notes.
On-the-go notebook – This one is where I scribble messy, unfiltered thoughts and ideas that don’t have a home yet.
Pour it out journal – The place where I riff, unfiltered.
A small binder for storing planner stickers and clips.
At first glance, it looks like a lot. But when I started walking through the purpose of each one, I realized:
They all have a role. They all earn their place.
Why I Don’t Combine Them
I was inspired to reflect on this after watching a video by Jennifer From Chic Sparrow where she simplified everything into one planner. And honestly? It was beautiful.
But I kept asking myself: Would that work for me?
And the answer, right now, is no.
For me, separating my planning tools allows for better mental boundaries. It helps me switch off from work when I'm with my kids. It lets me stay focused when I’m thinking about my side hustle. And it gives me space for joy, gratitude, and creativity that isn't tangled up in my to-do list.
Combining it all might look simple. But for me, it might actually feel cluttered.
The “Planner Friends” Metaphor
I joked in my video that my planners are like six good friends.
Each one brings out a different part of me. They don’t need to be merged into one mega-friend. They can just… exist. Separately. And that’s okay.
So if you're looking at your own planner stack and feeling guilty, ask yourself:
Do they all serve a purpose?
Are they helping you function or just adding noise?
Would combining them really improve things—or just create new friction?
Your answer might be different from mine. That’s the beauty of paper planning: it’s deeply personal.
Let’s Talk About It
Would you ever combine all your planners into one?
Have you already done it? Did it work for you—or did you go back to a stack?
Let me know in the comments or reply back—I love hearing how others make their planner systems work in real life!