2019 Bullet Journal Setup

It’s always nice to start the year with a fresh new notebook.

I’m using a bullet journal for the 3rd year in a row. That’s a bit of an accomplishment but it really is the best planner system I’ve found.

This year I decided to go with an Archer and Olive A5 dot grid notebook. I love how things like the pen loop and pocket are built in and that the paper is 160gsm, great for laying on colour/drawing and mixed media.

The first 2 pages are laid out as a grid spacing guide (that I’m working on) and my 2019 resolutions.

I decided that I would leave out all the suggested bullet journal pages in favour of ones that I do use.

I then followed that up with 12 spreads of monthly overviews. I used calendar stickers on one side and the other side I will be using for writing down birthdays, events and anything that I will need a quick reference for.

Of course, I need a spread for blogposts. I used film fusens and MT tape to mark out and plan them.

For the January layout, I went with the vertical overview and to do list on 2 pages. I’ve been doing that since I started bullet journaling and I’ve found it very effective so why change it if it’s not broken.

I continued with the vertical theme in the weekly layouts. At the bottom of each day is a spending tracker, I used to do it on a single page but felt that having a daily one made accounting for where my money is going easier to see at the end of the month.

Finally, at the end of each month, I use whatever leftover space is available, or if there isn’t any, I use a post it note, to write a list of things for next month. I transfer all that information to the vertical monthly overview when I set up that month’s pages.

So that was a very basic overview to my 2019 Bullet Journal. I’m adding pages as I go.

What essentials are in your bujo? I’d love to know! and if you haven’t started one yet it’s never too late!

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A5 Notebook Recommendations For Bullet Journalling

It’s that time of year! Diary/Journal buying, my favourite time of the year to be honest.
If you are not sure what a Bullet Journal is, please see this page.

1. Leuchtturm 1917 Bullet Journal

I’ve been using the Leuchtturm official bullet journal notebook as my bullet journal this year. You don’t really have to buy the official version, any of the other Leuchtturm dot grid notebooks would work, but if you’re a beginner, the official version makes navigating the system easy.

I like the Leuchtturm because of its hardcover, it also has a pocket in the back, and an elastic to hold the notebook closed when it’s in your bag. You can also pair it with a matching pen loop, which I’m a big fan of.

2. Midori MD Paper 

I started using a Bullet Journal in 2017 and that year I used a Midori A5 Blank page notebook. At the time, Midori did not do a dot grid notebook but they have recently released a limited edition range that includes dotgrid. If you can still find it, I would recommend dotgrid for Bujo.

MD paper is legendary, it’s really nice to write on and supports a wide range of writing media. My only complaint is that you will have to buy a cover because they are cream coloured soft covered notebooks. The good news is that Midori do sell a range of covers, or any standard A5 cover (Hobonichi cousin if you want extra pockets) will fit as well.

3. Filofax Clipbook

The Clipbook is one of my newer notebooks. I’m not using it for Bujo but I think it would be perfect for someone who prefers to add/remove pages.

You can also add in dividers/pockets and loose dot grid pages are easily available so that makes this system pretty flexible. It also comes in a variety of colours/materials.

However, my favourite thing about the clipbook is that opens flat comfortably, making it easy to write on all pages.

4. Muji Easy-Open Notebook with Recycled Paper 

Muji carries good quality notebooks for budget conscious bullet journal users. The paper may be recycled, but it’s very smooth and great for writing.

This is just one in a range of A5 dot grid notebooks so there are many choices, but I recommend this one because of the PP cover.

5. Transparent Clear Vinyl 6 Ring Binder 

The 6 ring format of this binder is similar to the Filofax Clipbook.

Plastic means your notes will be protected and transparent means you can customise it. Perfect for those who like to stamp their own personality on their notebooks.

Honorable Mention

Travelers Notebook

The TN, which is more of a slim A5 size is also one of the more popular options for Bullet Journalling. You can assign different notebooks to different things, making it quite a flexible system.

Have you picked a notebook for 2019? Share what it is with us in the comments! :)

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