How I Organize My Week: Planner Tips & Tricks

If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know that I love a good planner moment. There’s just something about starting the week with a fresh page, a cup of coffee, and a clear idea of what’s ahead that makes life feel a little more manageable.

I’m definitely not someone who has a perfectly color-coded schedule every single week (I wish!), but over time I’ve found a system that works really well for me. Today I’m sharing a peek at how I organize my week, along with a few of my favorite planner tools and little tricks that keep everything running smoothly.

My Weekly Planning Routine

Every week, usually on Sunday, hubby and I sit down and map out what the next few days will look like. I like to make it a little ritual — grabbing a cozy drink, snuggling with a blanket and slippers and taking 15–20 minutes to get organized.

Here’s what my weekly planning session usually looks like:

1. Check my calendar
   I start by reviewing my digital calendar to see what appointments, events, or deadlines I already have scheduled for the week.

2. Check the weather for the week
   Because we live in Michigan, the weather is always inconsistent so we make it a point to check the weather for the week that way we have a general idea of what to expect. Especially if the weather is going to be rough and we could potentially lose power. 

3. Plan menu for the week
   Once we've reviewed the schedule and weather for the week, we typically will work to get our menu planned out. We've been working really hard to focus on cooking at home and saving some money because we ordered out SO much last year. So far this month we've been doing good cooking at home and it's exciting.

4. Add in extra tasks
   Since I spend time working on things like blog posts and other content, I like to assign specific days for those tasks so they actually get done. If I have other tasks that need to get done - errands, returns, etc. I will also add those in where I can. 

5. Review budget for the week 
   Finally, I make it a point to walk through the budget for the week. This helps me keep track of everything from a money perspective and keeps me on track as I plan groceries and other shopping throughout the week. 

Once everything is written down, I already feel more prepared for the week ahead.

My Favorite Planning Tools

Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different planning systems, and these are a few of my current favorites.

My Planner

Right now I’m using an embroidered journal from Rifle Paper Co. that I really like. As someone who is left-handed, I feel like journals are always something for which I am very picky. What I like about this one is the fact that it has nice and thick paper, lays flat and is just so cute.  

Some things I always look for in a planner are:

• Weekly spreads
• Space for notes
• Enough room for daily tasks
• A layout that isn’t too overwhelming

Sticky Notes (My Secret Weapon)

I’m a big fan of sticky notes because they make planning so much more flexible.

I usually use them for things like:

• Tasks that might move to another day
• Brain dumps when I have too many ideas at once
• Quick reminders

Plus, it’s very satisfying to peel them off once something is done.

Digital Apps I Use

While I love paper planning, I do keep some things digital for convenience.

A few apps I use regularly include:

• Google Calendar for appointments and events
• Notes App for quick lists

For me, the best system is a mix of both digital and paper.

Planner Tricks That Help Me Stay Organized

Over time I’ve picked up a few little habits that make planning a lot easier.

1. Keep a Running To-Do List

Instead of trying to remember everything, I keep a running list in my notebook and on my notes app on my phone where I can jot things down as they come to mind.

2. Plan Less Than You Think You Can Do

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was overloading my schedule. Now I try to leave breathing room so I don’t feel overwhelmed.

3. Use Theme Days

Sometimes I dedicate certain days to specific types of tasks, like:

• Chores/Errands: If there is a specific chore that I need to accomplish or errand I need to do that week I'll make a note of it so that I can make sure it gets done that week. 
• Content creation: I am trying to focus on content creation and management so I have been adding dedicated time to my week to work on that as well. 

This helps me stay focused instead of constantly switching between different things.

4. Reset Midweek

If my week starts to go off track (which happens often), I take a few minutes to reassess and adjust my plans. Planning isn’t about being perfect — it’s about staying flexible.

Final Thoughts

Planning my week doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly — life always finds ways to surprise us. But having a system in place helps me stay a little more organized and a lot less stressed.

And honestly, there’s nothing better than the feeling of checking something off your list.

If you’re someone who loves planners too, I’d love to know:

What’s your favorite way to organize your week?

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
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