A good planner keeps your schedule in check. But the right accessories? That’s what takes it to the next level.
Whether you’re mapping out your week, tracking habits, or just trying to stay on top of the daily chaos, the tools you use can make planning easier, faster, and a whole lot more fun.
In this guide, you’ll find a simple list of must-have planner accessories that are both practical and pretty. From sticky notes to those cute washi tape, we’ll cover what actually helps you stay organized and what’s just nice to have. If you’ve ever wondered what’s worth adding to your setup, this list breaks it down
Tools That Make Planning Way Easier
Let’s start with the accessories that actually help you get things done. These are the basics, the ones you’ll reach for every time you use your planner.
Smear-proof pens
You need a pen that doesn’t bleed, smudge, or take forever to dry. Look for fine-tip gel or ballpoint pens that glide easily and don’t ghost through the page.
Bonus points if they come in cute colors.
Sticky notes and page flags
For reminders that move around (i.e., date, time, location), sticky notes are lifesavers.
Use them for your personal goals, grocery lists, or anything that isn’t locked into a certain day. Page flags are great for marking important sections without flipping through every page.
Ruler or stencil
Want cleaner layouts or quick boxes without measuring everything by hand? A slim ruler or multi-shape stencil keeps your spreads neat without the effort.
Mini scissors or tape runner
Sometimes you just need to trim a sticker or tape in a straight line. Mini scissors are easy to store, and a tape runner is neater than glue sticks (and less likely to dry out when you’re not looking).
Correction tape
Mistakes happen. And if you’re picky about your pages (no shame), a quick swipe of correction tape gives you a fresh start without ripping out the whole spread.
These might seem simple, but they’re the kind of accessories that make planning smoother and way less frustrating. You don’t need every tool on the market, just the ones that keep your process clean, clear, and easy to stick with.
Accessories That Keep Your Planner from Turning into a Mess
Once you start using your planner daily, adding in sticky notes, to-do lists, appointments, and maybe a few habit trackers things can get cluttered fast.
These accessories help you stay organized without needing to always reset your pages or dig through a drawer for missing supplies.
Binder clips or planner bands
These are perfect for holding bulky planners together or keeping your pages flat while you write. If you’re meal planning for your family, budgeting, or journaling in the same notebook, binder clips can section off different areas for quicker access.
Planner bands also help if you’re carrying your planner in a bag and don’t want things falling out or getting bent.
Zipper pouches or pen loops
A slim zipper pouch or pencil case clips right into your planner or sits inside your cover.
Pen loops keep your go-to pen attached, which is super helpful if you’re updating your planner throughout the day. (It also saves you from using random receipts as bookmarks, been there.)
Divider tabs or dashboard inserts
Whether you’re using a disc-bound planner, ring binder, or even a printable system, divider tabs make a big difference.
Label tabs by month, section, or theme—like “Budget,” “Work,” or “Home.” Dashboards are usually clear or laminated sheets that sit at the front of each section and give you a place to stick notes, goals, or quick reminders without crowding your actual layout.
Sticky index tabs
These come in handy when you’re flipping back and forth between months, weeks, or project pages. Use them to mark your current week, upcoming deadlines, or a recurring list you reference often (like cleaning routines or content ideas).
They’re also easy to move around if your setup changes often.
Bookmark rulers
These do double duty: they hold your place and give you a straight edge to sketch lines or boxes when you’re setting up your pages. Some even come with pre-cut holes so you can pop them in and out of ring-bound planners without damaging anything.
The right organizational accessories don’t just make your planner look tidy, they help you save time, reduce stress, and keep your focus where it needs to be. Because when your planner is easy to navigate, you’re way more likely to use it every day.
The Fun Stuff That Makes Your Planner Yours
Once you’ve got the basics in place, it’s time to make your planner feel like YOU.
Decorative accessories don’t just make your pages look good they can also keep you motivated to use your planner consistently. And when planning feels personal, it’s way easier to stick with.
Washi tape
Think of washi tape as the duct tape of planner decor but cuter and removable.
Use it to divide sections, highlight events, or just add a pop of color. It’s perfect for marking vacations, weekends, or habit-tracking rows without having to draw or color in everything yourself.
Stickers
Whether you’re using icons to label tasks, seasonal themes to match the month, or labels for routines and reminders, stickers make everything easier to see at a glance. Plus, they save you time if you don’t want to hand-letter every heading.
(Also… it’s just fun.)
Highlighters and Mildliners
These are great for color-coding and drawing attention to priorities.
Use a specific color for appointments, another for work, and another for personal goals. Mildliners are especially popular because they’re soft, don’t bleed through, and come in a bunch of pretty tones that won’t overpower your page.
Header stamps or brush pens
If you like the look of hand-lettering but don’t want to write out headers every week, stamps are a quick solution.
Or if you’re into lettering, a brush pen gives you that polished look without needing tons of time or artistic skill.
Monthly cover pages or printable dashboards
Adding a fresh cover page at the start of each month makes your planner feel more intentional. Whether you create your own or print one out, it gives you a visual break between sections and sets the tone for your goals.
Dashboards work the same way, great for layering in mood boards, vision pages, or reminders for the month ahead.
Decorative doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. A few well-placed extras can turn a blank page into something that feels inspiring and custom without needing an art degree or 12 rolls of washi. Use what feels good, skip what doesn’t.
(Simple as that)
Keep It Together
If your planner tools are scattered across drawers, bags, or every flat surface in your house, you’re not alone. A few smart storage and travel-friendly add-ons can save you from constantly losing pens or digging for stickers when you’re already short on time.
Planner tote or pouch
A soft zip pouch or small tote makes it easy to carry your planner and the essentials in one grab-and-go bundle. Perfect if you move between your home office, the couch, or the kitchen table.
If you’re someone who likes to plan during quiet moments throughout the day (like during nap time or waiting at pickup), having everything in one bag saves time and mental energy.
Compact storage box or caddy
At home, a small organizer can be your best friend. A collection box for all your supplies like pens, sticky notes, washi tape, scissors, even a mini ruler. Choose a box with compartments or a small rolling cart if you want to keep things mobile.
Set it on your desk, a shelf, or wherever you usually sit down to plan, it’s one less excuse to not work through.
On-the-go folios or zippered planner cases
For anyone who brings their planner outside the house (commuting, school pickup, errands), a folio or zippered case makes life easier. It keeps everything safe and contains your planner, a few pens, stickers, maybe even a snack if we’re being real.
You’ll also avoid bent pages, lost pens, or your planner getting smushed in your tote bag.
Refillable pen cases
If you color-code, use different pens for different categories, or just like options, a refillable pen case keeps your stash organized. It also makes it easier to pack up and move your planning session without losing track of your tools.
You can even get one with elastic loops so each pen has its own spot no digging required.
Setting up a storage solution doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Even a small zip pouch and a dollar-store bin can do the job. What matters is having a consistent spot to keep your tools so planning feels easy to start, and even easier to keep up with.
Start with the Essentials, Then Add the Fun Stuff
When you’re first getting into planner accessories, it’s easy to go overboard (especially after one late-night Pinterest scroll).
But before filling your cart with 12 washi rolls and a pack of stickers you’ll never use, start with what you’ll actually reach for.
What to prioritize if you’re just starting
Begin with the tools that help you plan, not just decorate.
A good pen, some sticky notes, and a ruler or stencil are more than enough to get going. If you don’t want to design layouts from scratch, divider tabs and a bookmark ruler can save you a ton of time.
How to avoid overbuying and still stay creative
It’s tempting to grab every cute thing you see, but here’s the trick: choose accessories that can be reused often and across different spreads.
Instead of buying a full sticker book, pick a small sheet of icons you’ll use every week (like groceries, appointments, or workouts). One or two washi tapes in neutral tones can go with any layout.
Quick checklist: core essentials vs. “fun extras”
Here’s a simple way to break it down:
✅ Core essentials
- Smear-proof pens
- Sticky notes or tabs
- Ruler or stencil
- Correction tape
- Bookmark or tab for your current page
✨ Fun extras (add once you’ve got your groove)
- Washi tape
- Decorative stickers
- Brush pens or header stamps
- Printable dashboards
- Monthly cover pages
The goal isn’t to build a perfect planner in one day. It’s to create a setup that makes your life easier and still feels like you.
Start simple, use what you have, and add more only when it supports how you actually plan. (And if you’re not using it, it’s just taking up space.)
Build a Planner Setup That Would Make It Easier For You To Use
The right planner accessories do more than fill space; they help you stay focused, work through your goals, and make your daily routine more manageable. Whether it’s a good pen, a sticky note, or a pop of washi tape, the little things can make a big difference in how you plan (and how long you stick with it).
You don’t need to choose between practical and pretty. Mixing function with style keeps your planner useful and fun without adding pressure to make every page perfect.
Start with what makes your planning easier. Then slowly add the extras that bring you joy or help you stay motivated. The goal isn’t to collect tools, it’s to build a setup that works for you, in this season of life, with the time and energy you have.
Because when your planner fits your day, you’re more likely to keep showing up to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the basic must-haves for a beginner planner?
Start simple: a solid pen, sticky notes, and something to mark your current page (like a tab or bookmark ruler). Add a ruler or stencil if you want clean lines, and maybe a correction tape for the oops moments. That’s more than enough to get started.
2. Are decorative accessories really necessary?
Nope. But if they keep you coming back to your planner, they’re worth it. Some people plan better when their pages feel inspiring. Others skip the stickers and stick to clean lists. Do what helps you stay consistent even if that means zero washi tape.
3. How do I organize my planner supplies?
Use a small caddy, storage box, or zip pouch whatever keeps everything in one spot. Group similar items together (pens in one section, stickers in another). The goal is to grab what you need quickly without turning your workspace upside down.
4. What’s the best way to carry planner tools on the go?
A zippered planner case or on-the-go folio works great. It keeps your planner, pens, and extras from floating around your bag. If you only need a pen and some sticky notes, a slim pouch does the trick.
5. Can I use school or office supplies for my planner?
Yes, 100%. You don’t need fancy tools to start planning. Highlighters, Post-its, and a basic pen can go a long way. Upgrade later if you want but it’s totally okay to use what you already have.