What I Actually Use with My Planner System (Binder Edition!)
Let’s talk planner supplies.
If you’ve grabbed one of my planner systems (yay!), you might be wondering what else you need to get it set up and working smoothly for your homeschool and or home. Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of supplies (no really ALOT), some were total flops, some were really fun but not exactly useful long-term and others? Game changers.
My philosophy is pretty simple: if you want your planning routine to be sustainable and actually work, keep it simple. There are tons of cute, color-coded, sticker-covered options out there, and while they might be fun for a Sunday planning session, they’re usually not what holds up day-to-day. What does hold up? Practical, no-fuss tools that get the job done without overcomplicating things.
This post is a roundup of the supplies I actually use every single day and love alongside my planner system: binders, dividers, pens, folders, storage—the works. Everything here is something that’s made our homeschool flow a little easier, look a little cleaner, or feel a little more under control.
Heads up: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend things I genuinely use and love—and I’m so glad you’re here!
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I purchased the Epson EcoTank over a year ago, and honestly? I’m never going back to a traditional printer again.
Before switching, I was spending at least $50 every 4–6 months on ink—and that was with super light printing. It was frustrating and felt like such a waste. But the EcoTank? Total game changer.
The model I bought came with one bottle of each color and two bottles of black ink. I print constantly—for crafts, schoolwork, planner pages, you name it—and i still haven’t had to purchase any ink… my ink wells are currently three-quaters full!
It prints quickly, copies like a champ, and handles everything I throw at it. Reliable, efficient, a great price and genuinely cost-saving—what more could you want?
2. Refill ink for the Epson ecotank
When you finally need to refill the Epson EcoTank (and trust me, it takes a while), the ink is shockingly affordable.
You can get all four bottles—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—for under $20 total. No overpriced cartridges. No weird chip errors. Just simple, clean refills that last forever.
It’s hands-down the most budget-friendly printing setup I’ve ever used, especially if you print a lot for homeschool, planning, or creative projects.
This Astrobrights paper is hands-down my favorite to use.
It’s the perfect weight—not too thick, not too thin. It feels high quality, writes beautifully, and prints super smoothly. It’s also thick enough for double-sided printing without major bleed-through, which is a huge plus.
For the quality, the price is honestly fantastic. This specific listing includes five reams, but you can also find it in local stores like Target.
Whether you’re printing homeschool materials, planner pages, or anything you want to look extra nice, this paper is totally worth it.
4. Binder with attached clipboard
This binder made me absolutely giddy when I first got it.
It comes in multiple sizes and a variety of colors and prints, so you can really find one that fits your style and needs. The rings are smooth and sturdy, no annoying paper snagging, and it includes a few handy extras: dividers, inside pockets, a pen loop, and an elastic band closure.
But my favorite feature? The built-in clipboard right on the front cover. You can keep your to-do list, daily plan, or whatever you’re currently working on front and center, without digging through your whole planner. It’s one of those “why doesn’t every binder have this?!” features.
Truly, it’s the perfect binder for a planner system. I couldn't have designed it better myself.
5. pastel Dividers
These dividers are, first of all, beautiful. I’m obsessed with the soft pastel colors—they add such a pretty, calming touch to any planner setup.
Beyond looks, they’re surprisingly sturdy. I especially love the write-and-erase tabs, which make it easy to label your sections and switch things up anytime you reorganize. No need for sticky labels or replacing tabs every time your layout changes.
They’re durable without being bulky, and the price is honestly amazing for the quality. I personally use two packs in my planner because I like to break things down into very specific sections, and these hold up perfectly without making my binder too thick or heavy.
5. Papermate flair felt tip pens
I have the kind of processing style where I have to write things down for my brain to fully engage—so I write a lot. And because of that, I go through a ton of pens… and I have very strong opinions about them.
These are my absolute favorites.
The felt tip writes super smooth, the ink doesn’t bleed through, and the colors are vibrant without being harsh. They’re perfect for everyday use, but also ideal for color coding, which I love—they come in a great variety of shades that make organizing a breeze.
If you're a pen snob (like me), these will not disappoint.
6. Five Star 3 Hole prong folder
These folders are perfect for smaller planners, like my Holiday Planner, or for organizing printable workbooks like the Emotion Explorer.
They’re durable, hold up well with regular use, and are just the right size to keep smaller stacks of paper neat, tidy, and easy to access. A great solution when you don’t need a full binder but still want to stay organized.
7. Binder Bins
In order to stay organized, everything needs to have a home—including your organization tools.
I keep my planner and go-to supplies in one of these bins, stored in an easy-to-reach spot. That way, when inspiration strikes or I need to jot something down, I’m not scrambling or asking, “Wait… where did I put my planner?” It’s always in its place, ready to go.
I also use these bins for my kids, who each have their own planner binders. It helps them keep their materials together, and the bin doubles as storage for completed schoolwork, too. Simple, effective, and no more lost pages floating around the house.
There’s two style’s available. Either works. They can also be found at any store!
Plastic, interlock if you want more a system.
If your wanting something a little more decorative…
Finding the right planning supplies can make a huge difference in how smoothly your homeschool days run, and how much you actually enjoy the process. These are the tools I use every day with my planner system to stay organized, stay sane, and keep things simple yet effective.
Remember: planning doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy to work. It just needs to fit you and your family’s unique rhythm.
If you’re ready to level up your homeschool planning, these supplies are a great place to start. And if you want to grab any of the exact items I recommend, you’ll find affiliate links sprinkled throughout this post to make shopping easy and support this community.
Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to hear…what’s your must-have planning supply?