The 10 Best Planners for the New Year—Plus, Expert Tips on How to Most Effectively Use Them

The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here, but we're not talking about the holiday season.  Instead, we're referring to the end of one year and the beginning of the next. If you ask us, there's nothing quite like a fresh start, which is why we're partial to January. Part of the month's appeal? Pulling out a crisp, blank planner and starting off the year on calm, collected, and organized note. We've learned, however, that not all agendas are created equal; oftentimes, you need to understand how you need or want your planner to function (Are you looking for a weekly view? Or do you want to see your entire month all at once?) so you can select the correct one.

Part of choosing a planner involves taking the time to consider the aforementioned point—running into your local office supply store last-minute and pulling a random option off the shelf isn't the best approach. So, get organized and purchase your planner now. With our help, that's easier than ever: We've pulled together some of the best options—both book- and app-based—out there, all of which are available right now.

But before you choose from the variety ahead, do a quick self-assessment. Do you prefer keeping appointments and your to-do list on your phone or do you prefer writing it all out in one place? Are you managing schedules for just you, or for an entire family? Do have any organizational preferences you'd like to see reflected in your planner? If so, you're in luck—one of the most exciting features of modern planners is customizability; you can create your own book to reflect your needs, lifestyle, or overarching preferences. If a regular monthly- or weekly-based calendar is all you need, know that there are plenty of ready-made options that should cover all your bases. Ultimately, checking in about your preferences will help you find a planner you love—and even better, one you'll actually use.

Sans frills, this Moleskine agenda's simple design is perfect for someone looking for a no-nonsense planner to help them keep appointments straight. The weekly planner works best if you have just a few things going on per day or per week; the daily variety, on the other hand, is much more comprehensive. The hardcover holds up to wear and tear, too.

Shop Now: Moleskine 12 Month Large Weekly Planner in Ripe Yellow, $22.95, amazon.com.

A match for a DIY enthusiast who enjoys making her own rules, Lemome's notebook is the definition of high quality. Thick paper helps prevent ink bleeding, lay-flat binding makes for easy writing, and pockets tuck away notes or reminders—everything else is up to you. Write with a variety of color-coded fine point markers to make the most of this open-ended agenda type; or if this is your first foray into bullet journaling, invest in an erasable pen (just in case).

Shop Now: Lemome Classic Notebook with Pen Loop, $13.99, amazon.com.

Think of The Happy Planner's agendas as your to-do list cheerleaders: Not only do they all have the standard-issue planner details, but you can also choose versions that speak to personality. One of the best parts? The colorful stickers, which you can place throughout the book.

Shop Now: The Happy Planner 2020 Classic Happy Planner in Biz Babe, $16.79, michaels.com.

While some people prefer fabric-bound planners, others like a spiral spine—but with Sugar Paper you don't have to choose. You won't tire of their subtle patterned covers, either, and the style of each page feels understated and classic. The weekly breakdown covers different elements of your to-do list, from a simple task run-through to who you need to email this week.

Shop Now: Sugar Paper Planners, from $24, anthropologie.com.

Looking for a planner that's as pretty as it is functional? You'll find it at Rifle Paper Co. Their planners offer a monthly view, followed by a week-by-week breakdown. With simple checkable to-do list boxes, you can narrow down your day by appointment or task—whatever works best for you. The beautiful illustrations make it a joy to carry around.

Shop Now: Rifle Paper Co. 2020 "Cornflower" Hardcover Agenda, $30, barnesandnoble.com.

A force to be reckoned with in the organizational sphere, Erin Condren (and namely, her planners) is well-known for a reason. Her agendas account for even the most granular of details: For example, they're designed for both left- and right-handed individuals. You can also choose between a horizontal and vertical layout, monthly or weekly planning spreads, and additional note pages.

Shop Now: Erin Condren LifePlanner, from $38.50, erincondren.com.

Pre-order this planner that feels more like a life coach or guided meditation than a daily calendar. Its pointed questions and prompts help you to set goals and intentions to plan out the next 90 days (the books are broken up by quarters or seasons, which means you'll need a new one every three months). The latest version has an added self-care component as well.

Shop Now: Savor Life Beauty Planner, $29.95, savorlifeplanner.com.

Even the world's best planner wouldn't be able to resist the charms of a Golden Coil agenda. Completely customizable, from the cover to its interior quotes, it's made for someone who takes organization seriously.

Shop Now: Golden Coil Customizable Planner, from $64, goldencoil.com.

For families big and small, there are so many benefits to the Cozi app. A little more comprehensive than a planner, this smartphone add-on allows you to sync with and see multiple family members' schedules while also keeping track of your running grocery and to-do lists. It also updates in real time, so if something changes, it's reflected on everyone's app.

This award-winning app syncs with all of your devices so you're never without your to-do list. It keeps your lists, tasks, and reminders all in one place so you can easily track what needs to be done each and every day. Beyond highlighting what you actually have on your plate, it pushes upcoming events, too.