OK. So we’ve talked about what a Bullet Journal is, and now you’re ready to give bullet journaling a try! But before you get started on your first bullet journal, you need to decide on the type of journal you want to use. In this post, I’ll give you a quick overview over the three main styles of bullet journals in use. This should make your decision easier. Most importantly just start, get your feet wet and if needed switch to a different type of journal until you find the one that’s right for you.
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A Plain Notebook
The easiest way to get started is with any notebook that you have lying around, thats what I did! Of course you can also pick up an inexpensive one at the store if you need too. If you just want to give this a try, it doesn’t matter if it’s ruled, lined, or has blank pages. Any type of notebook will work.
The advantage of a bullet journal is that it’s easy and inexpensive to find something to play around with. The disadvantage is that inexpensive notebooks tend to fall apart after a lot of use, aren’t very customizable, and you have number the pages yourself. But when you’re getting started, a few extra minutes to number your own pages isn’t that big of a deal. That being said, I suggest that this is where you start. Give it a try and see if bullet journaling will work for you. If so, you can move on to one of the other types of notebooks.
A Moleskin or Leuchtturm Notebook
When you’re ready to upgrade to a journal you’ll enjoy writing in and are proud to display, consider spending a few dollars on a Moleskin or Leuchtturm notebook. You’ll end up with a nice sturdy book that you can carry around with you or keep by your desk.
In addition to making your bullet journaling a nicer experience, a quality notebook has some added benefits. The paper will be nicer to write on, it usually has quite a few pages, so you may be able to fit an entire year’s worth of notes and journaling in one notebook.
Bullet journaling requires you to use numbered pages in your journal for indexing. There are a few editions available that include numbered pages including some of the Leuchtturm journals.
A Travel Journal or Midori
A third option is a travel journal or midori. This consists of a piece of leather used as a cover and a series of replaceable inserts held in place by elastic bands. The big advantage of using a Midori style journal for your bullet journaling is that it’s highly customizable. Instead of using an index and having your collections or lists randomly spread throughout your journal, you can keep a dedicated insert for collections.
If you’re missing a more traditional calendar layout for your monthly pages, you can use a more traditional monthly and weekly calendar in your bullet journal.
The other main reason people love this option for their bullet journal, is that by having the essential parts of your bullet journal (monthly spreads, daily sections, and collections) separated, you can replace only the parts you need to replace. That means when your daily journaling notebook is full, you simply start a new one! There’s no need to go back and copy over any essential collections in a new journal. You keep your collections until you’re ready to replace it and start a new journal for those.
No matter what format or notebook type you chose, I hope you give bullet journaling a try! Its best to just jump in with both feet and find what works best for you with a little trial!
Out of the 3 journals you mentioned, my favorite is the travel journal (midori). I love that you can replace only the parts that need to be replaced. Seems like the better of the 3 options mentioned.
For sure! And thats the style (or something similar) that I’ll be moving too once I’ve filled my first note book! I just used one I had kicking around to get started 🙂
The travel journal is more my style! I never thought of the different options though – I have taken my journals for granted, it seems! 🙂
Great post!!!
This is such great advice! I have been using a bullet journal for work the past two months but have been interested in having a more personal travelers journal in addition. It is such a great way to keep organized!
I’m pretty sure that I might need an intervention when it comes to my love for journals, notebooks, paper and planners. I just can’t seem to get enough of them! I love journals that allow you to customize them best.
I’m not one for journaling, but I’ve been hearing so much about bullet journals that my curiosity is piqued! Thank you so much for breaking this down and explaining in your previous post what the heck bullet journaling is, then offering awesome choices for when I decide to take the plunge. Pinned 🙂
Bullet journaling is a catchy concept. I did it for awhile until I found a system that worked better for me as a left-hander. I will suggest that you start bullet journaling with a blank slate, like the above mentioned.
Loving the concept of bullet journaling, Jennifer! And a couple of years ago, we happened upon a Moleskine store and bought a few since we heard so much about their journals. They did not disappoint and are still are faves!
I love your article. Very important when starting to write your thoughts on paper.I am a journal addict. I have so may journal systems in place. I will confess I use them all. Thanks for posting.
I’ve heard a lot about bullet journals and it surely makes me miss the days that I actually kept a journal. Which reminds me, that now might be the day to start 😉 Thank you for sharing this!
I have to say that I love bullet journaling and it is really the only time mgt system that works for me.
I am fascinated by bullet journaling and can’t wait to learn more about. Thank you for your basic posts about getting started. Pinned and sharing. Thank you for linking up to Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party this week.