What Are Planner Inserts? (And How To Use Them Without Overthinking It)
Ever open your planner and think… why does this still not feel like enough?
Like… everything is written down.
And yet?? your brain is still running a full background tab situation.
When did I last water my plants?
Am I ever going to declutter that closet?
Why does this one project suddenly have 47 steps??
It’s a lot.
And sometimes you don’t need another planner.
You just need… one more place to put things.
So… what are planner inserts?
If you’ve ever wished your planner had:
- a little more space
- one extra section
- or just… one more page for this one specific thing
That’s where inserts come in.
You can explore all insert options here →
What are planner inserts (the simple version)
Planner inserts are extra pages you can add into your planner.
They snap right into your binding and give you more space or structure, without starting over.
You can move them. Remove them. Ignore them for a week and come back later.
How to put planner inserts in
This is the part people overthink.
You don’t need to.
Line up the holes with your binding, then press them in.
One at a time. A few at a time. Whatever feels right.
And if you need a visual…
oh em g, the bend and snap… works every time.
They stay in place, but you can move them anytime.
Why people love inserts
Your planner works… until life gets a little chaotic.
Instead of starting over (again), inserts let you adjust.
They help you:
- see everything at once
- stay organized
- manage multiple roles like work, kids, and life
- give things a place so your brain can chill for a second (hahaha)
It’s still your planner.
It just feels easier.
What makes Laurel Denise inserts different
You’re not breaking your system.
You’re building on it.
You can still see everything at once.
No flipping pages. No losing your place.
Inserts fit right into your flow and work with your brain.
Real-life ways to use them
Busy week → add a daily breakdown
Try an appointments insert so you can map things out without cramming your weekly spread.
Work + home → separate things so your brain can breathe
Use checklist inserts or project planning pages to keep work tasks, home tasks, and everything in between from blending together.
Mental clutter → write it down somewhere that exists outside your head
Go for the 4-columns insert or swirling thoughts plastic insert. This is your “get it out of my brain immediately” space.
Shop All Laurel Denise Planner Inserts
Watch: What are planner inserts (and how do they work?)
Curious how this actually looks in real life?
In this video, Laurel and Nancy walk through exactly how inserts work and show how to put them in step by step.
They cover:
- what planner inserts are and why you’d use them
- how to snap them in and move them around
- when to use paper vs. plastic inserts
- real-life ways to customize your planner without starting over
If you’ve ever wondered “am I doing this right?”, this will make it click (pun absolutely intended).
Do you actually need inserts?
Not always.
But if you’ve ever thought:
“i just need a little more space”
“i wish this had one extra section”
“why am i rewriting the same thing again”
…yeah. You might.
A simple place to start
Start with one insert.
Pick something that solves a real problem right now.
Use it for a week.
That’s it.
No overhaul. No perfect system.
If you want more flexibility
If you love the idea of customizing your planner over time, inserts pair especially well with layouts like The Rose Planner.
You can experiment with different short pages, try new planning styles, and adjust month to month.
It keeps your planner feeling useful instead of rigid.
The bottom line
You don’t need a perfect planner.
You need one that works on a random Tuesday when everything is happening at once.
Planner inserts help you stay organized, reduce overwhelm, and feel more in control, without starting over.
Ready to try it?
Start simple.
Adjust as you go.
And if you’re curious, explore inserts that fit your planner and your life.
Because the goal isn’t perfect planning.
It’s… slightly less chaos.
