12 Best Planners For Working Moms

Are you searching for the best planners for working moms? Sharing the best planners that fit all planning styles to help you find the best one for your working homeschool mom life. 

I’ve always used planning methods on and off in my life. As a mom who works full-time and homeschools full-time, I know the only way I can keep track of “all the things” is by using a planner and mastering time management skills. At one time, I had seven different planners, both offline and online, to keep me on track.

As life changed, my planning systems have changed. As each season of change comes, I start hunting for a new planner.

What is The Best Planner?

What I’ve discovered is that there is no “one size fits all” planner. Mom’s lives, by nature, are busy either by choice or by circumstance.

Because my life, like yours, has many moving parts that all have to fit together, I need some sort of organization method or plan.

The best planners for working moms are the ones you will use. You can pick out the most beautiful planner in the world, but if it is sitting on a shelf collecting dust, it is the WRONG planner.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to leave you hanging. Below I’ll share questions and provide live examples to help you find the best mom planner for you!

Why I Like A Paper Planner

With to-do lists, grocery lists, appointments, work schedules, homeschooling two kids, and running a household, I need a planner that is easy to use and fits my lifestyle.

While a family calendar is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and let them know what is happening and when, an online planner really shines when I need to jot down appointments on the go.

A planner dedicated to homeschooling is a great idea, but…a paper planner for life is where it’s at.

A great planner can help you ensure you are getting what needs to be done! While helping you create goals, be organized, inspire, motivate, AND give your life a sense of purpose.

Busy working moms need a planner to handle all the little tasks on their day to-do lists and help us find our way.

How To Pick A Planner

Planners come in all shapes and sizes. Some planners are designed to track every moment of the day hour by hour. Other planners have multiple layouts, including a full day, weekly, or monthly.

6 Questions To Ask When Picking A Planner:

Use the answers to these questions to help you narrow down your choices and pick the right planner for you. A few things to keep in mind when picking out your planner are:

1. How much detail do you need to be organized?

The key to using a planner is to be as scheduled as you need to be to run your life.

Therefore, do you want a lot of pre-written lists, or do you want to fill them in as you go?

2. What have you used in the past that you hated?

Have you ever purchased a planner you did not like at all? You can cross that style off your list.

For example, I like coil planners because I can lay them flat to write on, whereas non-coil planners tend to be more difficult to lay flat unless you break the spine.

3. What features do you love?

Reflecting on your past planners that you loved, what was it about them that you loved?

Make sure your new planner has those features, or they can be added in.

4. What are your favorite colors?

Planning should be enjoyable. If you hate the color of the planner, are you going to use it?

As you will see, planners come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Don’t settle for something you hate!

5. How much work and time do you want to invest in your planner?

Some planners allow for tons of customization and take time to set up, which is great if you view it as a “creative outlet” or “self-care” project. Power to you.

But if you want a grab-and-go planner, don’t choose a multi-step planner.

6. How much money do you have to spend on a planner?

Planners can range from low cost (under $10.) to high end (over a hundred dollars).

What’s your budget? Make a maximum price and stick to it.

Grab the worksheet below with these questions to help you pick your next planner.

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Don’t forget to factor in extras, like paper clips, binder clips, stickers, special pens, and markers!

Best Planners For Working Moms:

The following planners are just a *few* of the favorites among working moms. Some I have used, and some are on my wish list.

Others are totally not what I need, but since friends and co-workers love them, I am also passing them on for you to check out.

Now, I could just drop a bunch of links to planners, but that might not be the best use of your time or much help.

Instead, I’ve broken them down by layout and style and included as much detail as possible to help you choose the perfect planner.

I’ll also be linking to Amazon when I can because I love reading the reviews and looking at the inside photos of a planner to see if it really will fit my needs.

Although you can find them locally at stores such as Michaels, Wal-Mart, and Staples if you have those. Look for coupon codes both offline and online to save even more. By the way, you can use Ebates at both Michaels and Amazon. 

Remember: There is no right or wrong planner.

There is the perfect planner for YOU. This is why you need to consider what you are using your planner for (work, life, homeschooling, everything?) and consider the purpose it will serve, such as a weekly overview, daily checklist, bird’s eye view of the month, etc.

Bullet Journals For Working Moms:

Bullet journals (also called bujo) are fantastic options for moms who love to add creativity to their planning.

This planner is perfect for those who like lots of space for creative planning. Because it is basically a blank notebook, you can customize it to suit your life.

You need a journal or notebook. You also need a pen. That’s it.

The 3 most common bullet journal layouts are:

• Dot-to-Dot: This Leuchtturn1917 has 249 numbered pages, 8 perforated pages, 5.75″ x 8.25″

• Blank Page: This Minimalism Art Classic Notebook Journal has 192 pages Size: 5″X8.3″; A5,

• Grid Pages: Leuchtturm1917 has 249 numbered pages, lays flat and includes a table of contents. The notebook measures 5.75 by 8.25 inches.

LEUCHTTURM1917 – 120G Special Edition – Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Port Red) – 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm PaperMinimalism Art, Premium Hard Cover Notebook Journal, Large Size, Composition B5 7.6LEUCHTTURM1917 – Change Journal (Anthracite)

 

Of course, you can let your creativity flow with all kinds of fun add-ins, but those are the “needed” supplies.

You can customize it to make it work for you and your life.

Many find using pens of different colors to keep track of each section of their life is the best way. Others add inspirational quotes, calendars, to-do lists, and grocery lists.

And these 24 fineline pens are one of my favorite pens for sketching, drawing or writing.

TWOHANDS Journal Pens,Colored Planner Pens,Fine Tip Pens,Fineliner,Fine Point Markers for Journaling,Writing,Coloring,Drawing,24 Colors 902171iBayam Colored Pens for Journaling Note Taking, 36 Vibrant Colors Fineliner Pens for Office School Teacher Student Classroom Supplies, Journal Planner Writing Back to School Supplies, Fine Tip MarkersStaedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens 6 Color in Case, 0.3mm, Metal Clad Tip, AssortedSHARPIE 37600PP Permanent Markers, Ultra Fine Point, Classic Colors, 8 Count

 

Another great thing about bullet journals vs. a traditional planner is that you take as many pages as you need for each task or time period.  So you can feel free to devote more pages and space wherever you need it or less when you don’t.

You can learn more about how to get started with a bullet journal for working moms.

Daily & Monthly Planners For Working Moms:

How a planner is designed is important for you to know before you buy because different layouts appeal to different people.

These planners come in 3 basic layouts:

• Vertical Layout:  When your planner has lists, boxes, and places vertically down the page for you to plan in.
• Horizontal Layout:  When your planner has lists, boxes, and places horizontally across the page for you to plan in.
• Hourly Planner:  Each hour is assigned a line or slot for each day. These can be vertical or horizontal.

I prefer to move down the page as I work because I feel more motivated to get to the bottom of the page. However, I am trying a horizontal layout because I forgot to look before I ordered my planner. Yay! for trying new things? Lol! 

Here are two examples of day/monthly planners that come highly recommended. 

2023 Day Designer Blue Sky:

This 5” x 8” coil planner has daily view pages that contain an hourly schedule in 30-minute increments. It also includes pages of top 3 priority items, a to-do list, a notes section, and an inspirational quote.

The great thing about a coil planner is they flip all the way around, giving you a flat surface for writing.

Day Designer for Blue Sky 2022-2023 Academic Year Daily & Monthly Planner, 8Day Designer for Blue Sky 2023 Weekly and Monthly Planner, 8.5

 

This planner is separated into a monthly calendar view per two-page spread. A full yearly reference calendar, major holidays page, and full notes pages are also included.

I really like the 4-step getting started pages that include morning routine and evening routine schedules already in place for you.

This planner also allows you to view your to-do list and appointment list side by side.

Tools4Wisdom Daily Hardcover Planner:

This company makes beautiful dated planners.

This planner is more of a all in one style because it includes:

• Daily & Weekly Planner (2 pages per week)
• Monthly Goals Planner (2 pages per month)
• Calendar (2 pages per month)
• Goals & Projects Planner (+10 sections)
• Yearly Goals Calendar (2 page macro view)
• Notes Journal (blank pages)
• Areas of Focus Ideas Journal

Tools4Wisdom 2024 Planner 2024 Calendar – 8.5Tools4Wisdom 2024 Planner 2024 Calendar – 8.5Tools4Wisdom 2024 Planner 2024 Calendar – 8.5Tools4Wisdom 2024 Planner 2024 Calendar – 8.5

 

The weekly layouts have daily hourly planning in a vertical layout and top 3 tasks for each day. 

Monthly/ Weekly Planner For Working Moms:

One thing you want to take into consideration is the size of your planner.

Smaller planners are great for planning on the go, whereas large sizes are great for desktop planning. Just make sure it fits in your purse or bag!

Below you will find planners perfect for tucking in your purse, messenger bag, or briefcase.

The Clever Fox Undated Planner

I love planners, and I was so excited when Clever Fox Planners reached out and asked me to check out their undated planner to help you set and reach your goals plus focus on your productivity.

I unboxed mine live here on Facebook.

Here are a few of my favorite features:

• It comes with a “how to use this planner” perfect as there is so much in this planner it can be overwhelming.
• Multiple bookmarks, don’t overlook this great feature!
• High-quality paper
• Larger spaces to jot down notes and thoughts
• Bonus stickers!!

Clever Fox Planner Premium Edition – Undated Luxurious Weekly & Monthly Planner to Increase Productivity and Hit Your Goals – Organizer – Start Anytime, A5, Lasts 1 Year, Black (Weekly)Clever Fox Budget Book – Financial Planner Organizer & Expense Tracker Notebook. Money Planner Account Book for Household Monthly Budgeting and Personal Finance. Compact Size (5.3Clever Fox Budget Book 2.0 – Financial Planner Organizer & Expense Tracker Notebook. Money Planner for Monthly Budgeting and Personal Finance. Colored Edition, Compact Size (5.3Clever Fox Bi Weekly Budget Planner – Undated Financial Planner Organizer Budget Book – Expense Tracker Notebook, Budgeting Planner, Bill Planner, Finance Planner to Manage Your Money, A5–Mint Green

 

They have a ton of designs, AND I’ve heard amazing things about their budget planner. I am thinking it might be a perfect gift for my son, who is now working.

Erin Condren Planners

These planners come highly recommended by working moms who homeschool.

Erin Condren Designer Petite Planner – Budget Book Edition 4. Includes Spending Habit Summary, Income and Saving Tracking, and Bill Tracking. Functional StickersErin Condren Monthly Customizable Undated 12 Month Agenda Petite Planner – Perfect for Tracking Monthly To-Dos or Monthly Project Goals. 140 Stickers IncludedErin Condren 7×9 Coiled Life Planner (January 2024 – December 2024) – Abstract Circles classic cover, vertical layout, Inspire theme, platinum coilErin Condren 7×9 Coiled Monthly Planner (January 2024 – December 2024) – In the Moment classic cover, Inspire theme, platinum coil

 

Week-per-spread is divided into spaces to organize by task, time or day or track schedules; charming quotes start each week off in an upbeat fashion in a vertical layout.

Sarah’s Scribbles 16-Month 2023

Of course, I couldn’t leave off the one I actually bought to use from the list. I bought mine in 2019 before I started creating my own printable planner.

I picked this planner because it looks FUN! That is why I didn’t notice it has a horizontal layout.

Sarah’s Scribbles 16-Month 2023-2024 Weekly/Monthly Planner Calendar: Get It Together!

 

A 16-month coil planner with monthly grids and weekly planning pages featuring space for things like appointments, to-dos, and fun social stuff. There’s also a convenient pocket and a sheet of cool stickers.

It has pages in the back for goal setting, contacts, memories, and “stuff” on lined paper.

Update: I have loved using this planner for the past year. It is fun and easy to use. You’ll see it in 2019 on my Instagram and Facebook Page.

In the front, you’ll find calendar layouts for each month in advance. I think it will be perfect for that birds-eye overview.

Sarah’s Scribbles makes me laugh. I can’t wait to put it in action. My daughter and I ended up getting the same planner. We hit Micheals for a few fun add-ons like the stickers you see above and paper clips.

I also picked up the Staedtler colored pens and then was informed I wasn’t allowed to keep them on my desk. This means I get to pick new ones up *just* for me.

Happy Planner (Me & My Big Ideas – Create 365)

This planner is wildly popular for its customization options.

I’m going, to be honest, I picked this planner up at Micheals and put it down. I was instantly overwhelmed.

Since then, I’ve been asking those who use it. And both my daughter and I have decided to give it a shot in 2020. This was the beginning of my journey into disk planners, which is what I base all my printable planners on because of how flexible they are over coil or bound planners.

Happy Planner Disney 2023 Daily Planner for July 2023 to June 2024, 12-Month Daily, Weekly, Monthly Planner, Vertical Layout, Tinkerbell Find Your Wings Theme, Classic Size, 7 Inches by 9 3/4 InchesHappy Planner 2024 Daily Planner, Disc-Bound 12-Month Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Planner, January–December 2024, Big Planner, Stress Management Layout, Calm Life Theme, 8 1/2 Inches by 11 InchesHappy Planner Disney Disc-Bound 12-Month Planner, January 2024–December 2024 Daily, Weekly, Monthly Planner, Classic Size, Horizontal Layout, Happy Faces Theme, 7 Inches by 9 1/4 InchesHappy Planner Disc-Bound 12-Month Planner, January 2024–December 2024 Daily, Weekly, Monthly Planner, Classic Size, Vertical Layout, La Fleur Theme, 7 Inches by 9 3/4 Inches

 

Here are a few features of the Happy Planner that working moms love about this planner:

• Disc-bound.  This means you can move pages around and add pages as you see fit. The Happy Planner comes in 3 sizes (Mini, Classic, Big).
• Layout: I’ve seen mostly a vertical layout but you can also get a horizontal layout. 
• Customization: You build the planner you want. Adding the pages you need or desire. You can add extension packs or sticker packs for your planning needs.

Here is an example of the wellness 13-month pack.

• Punch: Using an arc punch, you can add pages, legal papers, schedules, or anything else you need to keep into your happy planner.  (Arc punches are used for disc planners.)

Regarding a great punch, I was told this Me & My Big Ideas MAMPUNB.1 PLN  is the best and the one I use to create my planners. I like this size because I can print off regular 9 x 11 pages. However, if you want the smaller-sized planner, you’ll need the smaller punch.

Me & My Big Ideas MAMBI Create 365 HP Big Punch PLN The Happy Plannerme & my BIG ideas Punch – The Happy Planner Scrapbooking Supplies – 9 Hole Paper Punch For Disc-Bound Planners – Punch Your Own Paper To Include In Your Planner – Classic Sizeme & my BIG ideas Plastic Expander Discs, Black – The Happy Planner Scrapbooking Supplies – Add Extra Pages, Notes & Artwork – Create More Space for Notebooks, Planners & Journals – Expander Sizeme & my BIG ideas Metal Expander Discs, Gold – The Happy Planner Scrapbooking Supplies – Add Extra Pages, Notes & Artwork – Create More Space for Notebooks, Planners & Journals – Expander Size

 

Don’t forget the Happy Planner Brand comes in various sizes and styles as well as dated or undated.You can find out more about how to get started with a Happy Planner here.

Time Management Planners For Working Moms:

Are you in need of daily motivation? Or help to figure out what your goals are and how they will fit into your life?

Time management planners might be just what you need.

InnerGuide 2024 Goal & Life Planner:

I have had this planner on my wish list forever because a friend uses and LOVES this planner.

She uses it for both life and business but admits it is better for helping you make decisions each day and then taking action on getting them done!

The InnerGuide planner helps you find your purpose and then take daily and weekly action to see you reach those goals.

InnerGuide 2024 Planner (Jan – Dec) Weekly Monthly Organizer – 8” x 9” – Dated HardcoverInnerGuide 2024 Planner (Jan – Dec) Weekly Monthly Organizer – 8” x 9” – Dated HardcoverInnerGuide 2024 Planner (Jan – Dec) Weekly Monthly Organizer – 8” x 9” – Dated HardcoverInnerGuide 2024 Planner (Jan – Dec) Weekly Monthly Organizer – 8” x 9” – Dated Hardcover

 

I’m happy to see they have returned to the coil-bound pages. It also has a vertical layout for the weekly two-page spread. Page size: 8″ x 9″ 

Please note this planner is dated and comes in various colors.

Freedom Planner Pro: 

Not your typical planner but great for those who need time management help and a motivational life coach in one.

This planner makes me geek out a little. Below I’ll share what you get in it, but one of my favorite features is that it has a vertical layout by time, but the top is blank, so you can customize it as needed. It is undated and size 10 x 7 inches.

Life and Goal Planner – Undated Daily, Weekly & Monthly Planner for Passion, Organizer, Increase Productivity, Purpose, Success & Happiness, Journal, Agenda, To Do List, Business Planner, Notes, Appointment Book, Undated Planner Start Anytime

 

This planner includes:

• a gratitude journal section
• the daily habit creating reminders
• 2-page spread per Week including room for tasks to execute goals and coordinating daily appointments/schedules
• 2-page spread BEFORE each month to help you plan ahead and a 2-page spread AFTER each month to help you evaluate the quality of your month
• 2-page vision board
• 2-page goal journal & motivating
• and inspiring quotes.

Law of Attraction Life Planner – Academic planner to Increase Productivity & Happiness – Weekly Planner, Organizer & Gratitude Journal

This all-in-one planner looks perfect for a working homeschool mom with sections for weekly to-do lists, feel-good lists, and gratitude lists just to name a few.

Law of Attraction Planner 2024 – Deluxe Weekly, Monthly Planner, a 12 Month Journey to Increase Productivity & Happiness – Life Organizer, Gratitude Journal, and StickersLaw of Attraction Planner 2024 – Deluxe Weekly, Monthly Planner, a 12 Month Journey to Increase Productivity & Happiness, Life Organizer, Gratitude Journal, Stickers, Gift BoxLaw of Attraction Life & Goal Planner – A 90 Day Journey Creating Your Dream Life – Personal Gratitude Journal, Week Success Planner, Vision Board & Organizer + Planner Stickers, Undated

 

With this planner, you will set goals for all parts of your life business, health, love, finance, personal, and spiritual. Includes bonus stickers as well as weekly/monthly reflections.

 This planner includes:

• a foldable vision board to stay focused
• morning & evening power questions
• mind maps
• reflection pages
• habit trackers
• back pocket
• and gratitude journal

This planner has a vertical layout, a bound spine, and a size 10 x 7 inches. 

Printable Planners For Working Moms:

Printable planners are the one planner that seems to get overlooked. Perfect for those who like the simple print-and-go set up or those who prefer to DIY their planning systems.

1. Homeschool Planner For Working Moms

Let’s start with my favorite homeschool printable planner. This is a planner I created based on the needs of myself and other working moms who are homeschooling.

Printable planners are affordable, flexible, and simple to use. I recommend the Homeschool Planner For Working Moms for those exact reasons.

I love how customizable and simple this planner is. You just print off the pages you need, pop them into a binder and go!

It’s also undated, you purchase it ONCE, and you are set.

Here are a few of the pages included:

• Get Instant Access to the 57 page PDF file
• Year At A Glance Pages 
• 12 Undated Monthly Planning Pages
• Weekly Planner (4 Different styles)
• Homeschool Subject Planning Pages
• Hourly Tracking Sheet
• High School Planning & Credits pages
• Undated pages – reuse it every year!
• Print it out instantly and create your planner!

You can check out all the pages available here. 

2. Deluxe Homeschool Planner:

Don’t let the name fool you this planner has the flexibility to handle your life. I love and use this planner all the time and I have a special discount code for you. Keep reading.

My favorite part is that you can print off the pages you need, as many as you need, and go!

A few of my favorite pages are shown below.

• Plan For Today is a day planner page, divided into time slots and includes a To Do section, Assignments, and Chores sections (printable page 19)

• Daily Planner For Parent includes inspiration for the day, top priority, a schedule spot, menu, to-do, chores, exercise, water tracker, and important box.

• Planning/To-Do List is probably one of my favorites because it is blank, with checkboxes. (Printable page 18)

• Daily Routine is divided by Morning, Afternoon and Evening (printable page 19) and a month at a glance is great for a birds-eye view of your month.

Special Discount For You: 

Jennifer knows how much I love her planner and has given us a discount code off everything in her shop: USE the code jenn25 to save 25% off anything in Jennifer Bly’s store. Click here to shop!

3. The Dated Work & Homeschool Harmony Planner 2024

Eveyone asks what planner I am currently using and it is the Dated Work & Homeschool Harmony Planner 2024.

This planner is included in the Coffee Club Membership because having a planner is so important! Right after community.

Click here to see a quick video inside the planner.

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Like many busy moms, we need a system to make our life a little less chaotic. Thankfully planners come in all shapes and sizes.

Personally, I find planners are the best way to keep me on track. I hope these suggestions help you find focus, set goals, and help you find balance in your life.

• Remember as great as planners are. You want to make them work for you not against you. If you need help, be sure to read: Simple Scheduling for Your Crazy Working Homeschool Life
• Looking for more planners? Best Paper Planners For The Working Homeschool Mom
• 12 Best Planners For Working Moms

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