Hi everyone, it is Kelly here today on the Carpe Diem blog. I get asked quite often how I set up a new planner and what basic supplies I use. In this blog I will show how I have setup my new planner for 2019.

Step 1: choose a planner and monthly insert set

I love to use the A5 planner size, because this gives me enough room to have functional and creative spreads. The planners come in different colors and floral prints and you just have to choose which one you like the most. Or like me, buy multiple planners and switch them often. Carpe Diem released three new beautiful monthly insert sets, but I decided to go for the floral ‘Hello’ set for my main 2019 planner setup.

Step 2: choose weekly pages

There are different kind of insert sets available; weekly, daily and hourly sets. I love to use the horizontal and vertical weekly pages, so every other month I switch them out.

Step 3: basic supplies

In my opinion, there are a few basic supplies that you need when you are setting up a new planner: the A5 planner punch, a bookmark notepad that you can out in the back pocket of your planner and sticker tablets. Of course, you need lots of stickers! I recommend to buy at least the ‘planner basics’ and ‘numbers’ tablet, because they are useful in every spread.

Step 4: personalize your planner

The fun part of setting up a new planner is that you can create your own dashboards and extra dividers. The A5 planner punch makes it really easy to punch and add your own dashboards in your planner.

I made a fun little washitape card with some samples of my favorite washitapes. I made the card by laminating a piece of acetate and punched three holes on the left side. You can also use a piece of paper instead of the acetate.

Step 5: make a future log

For this basic planner setup, I also made a future log. A future log is a place in my planner where I can write down future appointments and to-do’s. For the basis of this future log, I used the grid pages of the basic inserts pack and the mini monthly calendar stickers. I decorated the pages with some stamps, flowers and stickers.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog, you can find more inspiration on my planner instagram. Have a nice day!