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DIY Planner: Binder?

Hi All - first time poster, long-time lurker.

I've decided to make myself a D*I*Y Planner, availing myself of the new laser printer/copier here at work. I'm having a hell of time finding a good container [binder] to keep it in, though. Here's what I'm looking for:

> 5.5" x 8.5" (half-sheet)
> Not too fat - maybe 1" at the very most - it needs to fit in my small Tom Bihn Cafe [Man]Bag
> Some sort of Trapper-Keeper/Day Planner enclosure might be nice, but not if it added a bunch of extra bulk.
> 3 hole binder would be best, although some propietary system with an easy-to-find, inexpensive paper punch that I could buy would be OK too, I guess.

I'm not really asking for much. I realize that I'd probably have better luck waiting for another few weeks for the new school year sales, but I'd love to find something now if possible. I have Target, Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, etc. at my disposal (Seattle area).

Thanks in advance -

Daniel

P.S. Any other DIY planner advice (what to print, what not to print, what kind of paper, etc) is appreciated.

TOPICS: Lofi
Stew's picture

I wonder if the Levenger...

Paul;5259 wrote:
I wonder if the Levenger Circa notebooks would work well as a DIYPlanner platform. From Emory's photos (thanks for the great reviews, Emory!), the Junior size looks maybe a little bigger than you're shooting for, but the Circa / Rollabind system would be pretty cool in DIYP mode, I think.

These are not cheap, but they're really nice products. I would think you'd be pretty impressive walking into a meeting with one of these loaded with DIY templates...

As for which templates to use, it's really dependent on what you want to do with it. I use the Hipster PDA edition, and I mainly use the Actions cards, a few Waiting For's, & I'm starting to get into using the Projects cards. The Agendas are super-handy for someone forgetful like me who wants to avoid calling the same person back 3 times in a row.

I also like printing the Notes or the untitled portrait-ruled cards, but I'd imagine that doing this on my inkjet at home is pricier than buying Levenger's preprinted cards...

Douglas Johnson of DIYPlanner.com has a great post on setting up a Circa DIY planner with templates. Concerning the cost of Levenger's products, I found the basic plastic cover notebooks more than adequate for my needs.

Daniel:
You could make your own ringed binder using plastic covers and binder rings. You'd have many of the benefits of a traditional binder without the bulk of fixed rings or a stiff cardboard cover, and you get the chance to make it your own.

 
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