The Edit: Pocket-Sized Planner Accessories
Seven Planner Items I'm Using to Elevate my On-The-Go Setup
Are you on the hunt for the perfect blend of style and functionality for your pocket-sized planner accessories? After searching and tweaking, I've found seven items to elevate my on-the-go setup.
Not only do these items add decoration, but they also enhance the functionality of my pocket planner.
Whether you're a planner pro or just starting out, these items will add a sprinkle of joy and a ton of utility to your pocket-sized planner.
1. Top/Bottom Tab Dividers
Side-tab dividers have proven problematic in the two pocket-size planners I tested (Louis Vuitton Small Agenda and Filofax Norfolk).
This was specifically in relation to using the pen loop and being able to comfortably close the planner without buckling the inserts or dividers.
To avoid this issue, I decided to change my side-tab dividers to top/bottom tabs. In my current pocket-size planner setup, my pen sits comfortably alongside my inserts, and I can still easily access my planner sections.
From my research, I found top/bottom tab dividers come as 3 or 4 section tabs as standard. I realize this isn't many, especially if you're planning to use your pocket planner as your everyday, main planner.
However, the four section dividers worked well for my on-the-go setup. But if I wanted more sections, then I would simply layer up and utilize both the top and bottom!
I purchased my clear frosted dividers from SortStuffOut on Etsy.
2. Small Magnetic Planner Charms
Having something small and cute at the front of my planner is one of my favourite ways to add a touch of deco to my setup.
However, I’m a simple girl who likes to keep things minimal yet stylish, so a mini magnetic charm is my go-to choice for adding a little bling to my inside cover.
The Daisy Magnetic Planner Charm from Kolourcafe on Etsy was an ideal choice from my accessories stash because it’s small enough for my pocket planner, plus it includes gold to match the gold hardware in my planner.
The Cute Cup Charm is another one I’ve had my eye on from Kolourcafe, but due to it being much larger than the Daisy Charm I’ve resisted buying it!
3. Sticky Pen Loops
In both the Louis Vuitton Small Agenda and the Filofax Norfolk Pocket Size, I’ve had a problem with the pen loops.
My conclusion is that they face the wrong way, in that they face inward towards the rings, unlike a Moterm planner, where the pen loops tend to face outward towards the strap-closure.
The problem I have with an inward facing pen loop is that the pen clashes with my inserts / side tabbed dividers, which causes buckling of the pages :-(
My work-around solution is a stick-on, elasticated pen loop. I decided to stick mine to the page lifter at the back of my planner.
Leutchtturm1917 Pen Loops are a good choice if you’re after a wide selection of colours to choose from.
You can purchase them direct from the Leutchtturm1917 website here. Alternatively, you can also find them on Amazon.com here* (USA) or Amazon.co.uk here* (UK).
That said, I decided to buy a cheap, alternative pen loop from AliExpress here. The colour selection wasn’t great, but I managed to find a brown that was a good choice for my planner, plus they came as a pack of 5.
4. Custom Section Dashboards
Another decorative touch I’ve added to my pocket-sized setup are some custom dashboards for my planner sections. I placed mine just behind the section dividers.
These dashboards were created with Canva, paid members of Planning with Chloe can get access to the them for FREE here - it’s a Canva template so you can edit the wording to customise them to your section names.
5. Small, Paper Sticky Notes
For my on-the-go pocket-sized setup I wanted just one particular pen for my planner (more on that later). That meant transparent sticky notes were a no-go as I’d need an additional permanent marker / oil based pen in my planner.
With that in mind, I opted for the smart looking round, paper sticky notes from Paperian called Plan Marker Notes. They are just the right size for the compact, minimal look I’m going for.
I found mine on JournalShop.com, they have a big selection of colours, styles and shapes. My choice: Round 12 Latte and Round 10 Oat.
6. Paper Clip Planner Charms
Next up, I added some cuteness with this sweet little Bear Charm Planner Paper Clip from my Etsy shop.
Paper clips with charms are not only a cute way of adding some additional deco to your planner but they can also be functional.
I use mine to help me quickly get to the next blank meeting notes page so I can instantly start jotting down important deets when I’m in a meeting, without having to rustle through a ton of pages!
7. Gel Ink Rollerball Pen
And the final flourishing touch is a sleek looking pen. I’m a huge fan of the Sarasa Clip Pen by Zebra. My go-to is the Gray-Brown from their Vintage Collection.
However, while browsing on AliExpress I found the Sarasa Grand which I instantly fell in love with.
The gold binder clip and nib button, along with the brass barrel which gives a gorgeous amount of weight in the hand, makes this pen a luxurious upgrade from the normal Sarasa Clip range.
Whilst on AliExpress I also picked up some Zebra JF-0.5 refills to extend the use of Vintage Sarasa Clip as well as my new Sarasa Grand 😊
I hope The Edit has given you a few ideas on how to customise your pocket planner with functional yet decorative accessories.
Chloe x
* Please note: I found these items through my own research, and in most cases 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 the links indicated with an asterisk (*).