How to Create Extra Writing Space in a Planner Using an Overflow Page

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I know lots of my Loyal Readers use huge planners filled with daily pages and lots of writing space. But my old bones just can't carry that much.

What's a plannerd to do when your planner just doesn't have enough space to write the things that are happening today?

Instead of cramming everything on your weekly spread or carrying mounds of heavy daily pages around, try some of these tricks!

USE A SEPARATE PROJECTS SECTION

I use my Projects section to deal with ongoing, big planning. 

Using a Projects section frees up space on the weekly spread. Say I need to work on a Valentine's Day party. I might have a project with all the tasks in it. Deadlines, like sending out invites two weeks in advance, go on the weekly spread. But other, lesser tasks just go in the Projects section.

TIP: If necessary, put a reminder to check on Project tasks (like "P - Valentine's") on your weekly spread.

In a different sort of example, I use a daily goals chart to in my Projects section to list daily goals that might or might not happen, like doing the laundry. Unless there is a special need (like a karate uniform that must be washed by tomorrow), normal household chores can go in your Projects instead of crowding your weekly spread.

USE DAILY DOCKETS

Daily dockets are great for busy days. I use them as needed.

If you want to find out how I use them, read Features of a Successful Daily Plan.

USE OVERFLOW PAGES

Sometimes, I don't need a fancy, fully-prepped daily docket. Instead, I really just need some extra space to write.

In those cases, I create an overflow page.

An overflow page is different than a daily docket in several ways.

1. I don't move EVERYTHING from my weekly spread for the day to an overflow page, like I would on my daily docket. 

I only use the overflow page to ADD to the weekly spread daily entry.

2. The overflow page is quicker to create. 

When the weekly spread gets full, I just pop in a blank overflow page for anything else that pops up. Boom...I'm done!

3. The overflow page does not have a standard set-up, like my daily docket does. Instead, it is completely just a dumping ground.

A daily docket is a more specific PLAN.

TIP: Keep several overflow pages in the back of your planner. 

Giftie's Planner Inserts

I use a Franklin Covey compact planner.

My weekly spread is created from the Paris Is Always a Good Idea 2016 Weekly Planner.

I make my daily dockets using Quo Vadis 2016 Planner Refill.

I made my overflow page and daily goals chart shown in the picture using AT-A-GLANCE Planning Note Cards.

I love weekly spreads and daily dockets. But, sometimes, there needs to be a compromise in between. Overflow pages are that compromise.

Etcetera.

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