Using the Simplified Planner for more than nine years has truly been a game changer. From meal planning to keeping my schedule on track, it keeps everything in one place. I’m obsessed—here’s why.
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I’m a pen-and-paper person at heart, and I’ve used paper planners for over two decades. In 2015 I began hunting for a planner that would actually work with my busy life. I tried many popular brands, but the one that stuck—and that I’ve used every year for the past nine years—is the Simplified Planner by Emily Ley.
What I appreciate most is the simplicity. The layout isn’t cluttered with boxes and checklists, so you can use it in whatever way suits you. If you prefer more structure, you can always add stickers or notes—but the minimal design is the key feature that keeps me coming back.
New covers are released each year—academic planners appear in early spring and calendar-year planners usually arrive in September. In 2025 I switched to the Savannah Blooms weekly planner to try the spiral-bound weekly format and to see my entire week at a glance. I may switch back to a daily planner later, but for now the weekly option is a refreshing change.
Daily Edition Simplified Planner Details
Simplified Planner Specifications
- Calendar year: January–December; Academic year: August–July
- Cover size: 7″ x 9.25″ (about 1.25″ thick)
- Interior pages: approx. 6″ x 8.75″ on thick, 80 lb. pure white paper
- Daily layout: one day per page with shared weekend pages (hourly schedule 6am–9pm)
- Includes schedule space, to-dos, notes, and meal planning
- Full month views, monthly simplicity tips, and prep-work pages
- Superior ink-bleed resistance and high-quality printing
Packaging, Cover and Binding
- Sturdy wire-o (or spiral for some weekly versions)
- Hard cover with foil accents and protective corners
- Interior pockets, colorful mylar tabs, and a keepsake box for some editions
- Comes with an informational insert and a sticker sheet in a slim pocket
I love the generous white space for jotting notes, doodles, or meal plans. Extra note pages allow for more brainstorming or lists when needed.
Prep Work & Simplicity Challenge
The front of the planner includes introductory pages that walk you through a yearly prep process. These pages guide planning and reflection and typically include:
- The process of simplifying and how to use your planner
- Year-at-a-glance and holidays
- Ideas for new routines and preparing for a new year
- The Simplicity Challenge checklist and a yearly bucket list
- Extra notes pages
Simplified Planner: Monthly Spread
The monthly spread is a full two-page layout with a small notes column. I fill in the month’s events on the first day of each month to visualize busy weeks, plan meals, and prepare for upcoming occasions. The simplicity tips at the top of each monthly spread are a helpful reminder to keep things practical.
Simplified Planner: Daily Pages
Weekday Pages
Weekday pages typically have an hourly left column (6am–9pm) and a right-column to-do list, with a roomy notes section at the bottom. That layout gives structure without feeling restrictive—perfect for writing down top priorities, appointments, and dinner plans.
Weekend Pages
Weekend pages share a single spread and now give Saturday and Sunday equal columns. The format is flexible—perfect for varying weekend routines and projects.
How I Use the Daily Pages
Every month I transfer events to specific days, noting busy periods and meal planning needs. Each night I write my schedule and top to-dos for the next day. That routine calms my anxiety, helps me sleep, and lets me start work with a clear plan.
One tip that works for me: limit your daily priorities to your top three tasks. Keeping the list short makes the day feel achievable and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you finish those essentials.
Favorite Pens
I prefer a smooth navy rolling-ball pen for daily use—simple tools that make writing enjoyable matter when you use a planner every day.
What I Don’t Do with My Simplified Planner
- Document every routine step: I block out time for “work” rather than listing every small task. Detailed project lists live in tools like Asana or in my notes app.
- Over-color-code: I avoid elaborate color systems; I use stickers for fun, but not for strict color coding.
- Keep it pristine: My planner is a working tool—I write in margins, use old pages for conference notes, and cross things out as needed.
Purchasing Options
The flagship daily planner is available through Emily Ley and is a premium option; the quality—paper, binding, and overall design—is exceptional. If the flagship planner is outside your budget, there are more affordable options: some retailers offer weekly/monthly Simplified Planner variations, and Office Depot sometimes carries related binders and accessories. Etsy is also a great source for extra planner accessories if you want to personalize your setup.
My Daily Planner Checklist Hack
I created a reusable, laminated checklist that fits in the planner to avoid rewriting routine tasks daily. It acts as a bookmark and a wipe-clean daily checklist. What you’ll need:
- Daily task sheet (printed)
- Self-laminating sheets
- Coil snap-ins or another attachment that fits your planner
- Wet-erase marker (won’t smear)
- Write your daily must-dos on a printed sheet.
- Laminate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Trim with about ½” lamination margin.
- Attach it to a coil snap-in or other bookmark solution.
- Place it in your planner as a bookmark and reusable checklist.
- Use a wet-erase marker to check items and a damp cloth to wipe clean each night.
Final Thoughts on the Emily Ley Simplified Planner
If you want a planner that lasts all year, uses high-quality materials, and helps you live with less overwhelm, the Simplified Planner is an excellent choice. Its clean layout offers flexibility, and the community around it is an added bonus for many users. While these planners can be an investment, the durability, smooth paper, and thoughtful design make them worth it for people who rely on a paper system every day.
Tell me: which cover style do you prefer—classic stripes or floral? And what feature matters most to you in a planner?
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