Another good tip is to get the Avec versions first (they only come in A6 and A5 sizes and Japanese versions, though). That way, you can give it a go in the 1st book, experimenting with different pens and layouts for the first six months and then start a fresh book in the second part of the year and keep it more or less consistent. In case the Hobonichi doesn’t work for you at all, just sell the 2nd book as brand new and get some money back.
So true! I don't use a Hobonichi and don't think it would suit me, but I love the individuality that Hobinichi users give when I watch their videos; totally unique systems and actual great process/system ideas on using a planner and not just same-same that other planner types have in their videos.
thanks for the tips. I'm a rapid-log type of person, a planner is a productivity tool for me. I can draw but I rarely doodle on it, i draw on a sketchbook. With respect to Erin Condren and Happy planner users, it's a happy place for people who like artsy but cannot draw. I find people take more time drawing and doodling on their planners than actually using it for what it's intended.
Very good points! Last year, I bought a Weeks and immediately hated the shape... I ordered an Original and gave the Weeks to my daughter. Fell in love with the Original but missed a weekly layout. I committed to using the Original for the rest of 2018 and am getting ready to move into a cousin for 2019. It's been so fun to work all this out because you really do develop your own style - even if you don't think you have preferences, you do! My daughter requested another Weeks for 2019...and my Cousin? It looks HUGE! LOL!
These are great tips! It also took time for me to adjust to planning in my hobonichi books. What made me Love it so much now (i only use hobonichi books) is customizing my Pages using sticker kits. I feel that it has The same feel now 😁
Thank you for this video. My first experience with Hobonichi was 4 years ago, and it traumatized me. 🙂 I’ve been using planners since my high school years. I’m now gearing towards my late 30s. And I think having to experience that “intimidation” and “clueless” feeling made me rethink the kind of planning system that works for me. I’ve been using passion planner for these past 3 years, and for 2019, I’m using the Cousin (A5) version. I know my system better now, and my schedule definitely works better with the Hobonichi layout. Lol - wish me luck!
These are great tips Sam. So true about giving the weeks a fair chance. This is my third year trying it and it wasn’t until July that your videos convinced me to really give it a try and I’ve finally found my groove with it. Thank you!!!! Also I got my great friend a cactus weeks for her birthday, I’m going to share this video with her since it sums it all up perfectly 😃
Do your homework& look at other layouts. Sometimes if you get some ideas on how others are using the grids, etc., it can stimulate some ideas. Also, I made Xerox copies of the blank pages& played with different layouts until I found one that worked for me.
It took me like 6 months to really find a way to make my first Hobonichi work... (from this year). I think I was stuck in something more like, "oh I can't do decorative planning in this!!!" and then eventually stopped caring and realized I didn't care about ghosting or anything.
Sam, I absolutely Love You for getting me back into my Hobonichi! I hated it when I got it way back in April and after your, give it a go for a month, I did! Now I have my new year 2019 mega weeks, the plastic cover, and all the goodies that I can get or really already have! I'm set! Except now I want a new CS Weeks in mockingbird... I think! Ha, I have all the other sizes why not right! Now it's time to purge all the other planners I have because I have found my Planner Peace! So Thank You for your Videos!
I'm thinking of switching from EC to Hobo. I've watched so many videos on Hobo over the past two days and this video is one of the most informative. Very helpful. Thank you. 🙂
Very helpful. I'm brand new to Hobonichi. I purchased the Cousin with the Marshmallow cover and the 5 year A5. I am excited because there is more room to write, the paper is incredible, and the minimal layout gives me flexibility. I just wish someone would do a video on what to do with the lesser known pages at the beginning and the end.
I wish I'd watched this before ordering my hobonichi. I got the techo, but the more I see the weeks, the more I like them, but my life isn't busy enough to have BOTH a weeks and a techno. I'm coming from the bujo A6 system (the simple bujo by the original creator, not the more involved ones). I'll use it in 2019, and see how it feels and then try the weeks out the next year.
I got an A6 and an A5 for writing challenges and journaling and I got a weeks for on the go planning. I’m excited for the end of the month when i can start using my weeks!
These videos explaining the reality of these planners are important. I know I will enjoy them. I already use nanami journals- so the paper of my friend. But I also ordered a weeks… it’s so small. I watched a ton of videos and it still didn’t prepare me for how small it is. I realize I hold my breath when I write anything🤣🙈. I have gigantic handwriting. BIG. I don’t think I can contain it. But I will just have to be more concise in the weeks than I’ve ever been in my life and that might turn out to be a good thing. So many people on UA-cam talk about how big the cousin is- when I received it I thought she was small. But having the weekly as well will allow me to have plenty of space. Again, this video as well as your videos specifically on the weeks are well done and useful. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I know the Cousin isn’t huge in hand, but the problem for me is the daily page. Man, that’s a lot of space for me to not have anything to say in!
Great video! I'm coming from Bullet Journals (mostly basic style!) and still dithering about the Collections component, and my assorted trackers. I will be using a standard Weeks to start, and a Taroko Enigma A5 for personal journaling. I think I can get the trackers into the Weeks (in the back pages) but the Collections will probably end up elsewhere. Other than that, adjusting to the 52gsm Tomoe River paper will be my biggest challenge. I've already figured I won't be able to use the multi pen that came with my Weeks. It makes me want to press down too hard. Yukiko Sakamura has some excellent ideas for those who want to keep a Bullet Journal-like system in various sizes of Hobonichis.
@@samplans Thanks! I really need a smaller format, so I'm hopeful. I bought the set of thin supplemental "Almost" notebooks so I may decide to move my exercise log into one of those.
I purchased a weeks mega for 2019 and I hope I love it! I’m coming from a mini happy planner. The weeks seemed to have it all... crossing my fingers! Bc I’ve been looking at them for months.
Thank you so much for this in depth guide to hobonichi planners. I have been thinking about getting this for 2020 but I was wondering if this would work for me because it's a bit pricy but watching this I'm really hoping this system will work for me. God bless!
The A5 Cousin Avecs give you plenty of space and lighten the load by half if you like to carry yours around. That Tomoe River paper took me a month to get used to - I wanted so much to quit, but I'd already spent so much money, so I persisted and soon grew to love it very much. The Uni Pin pen is perfect in the Hobo (.02) Very inexpensive by the dozen on eBay
love this video very helpful I just ordered my older daughter a a6 and now Im thinking I may get one for me and my younger daughter too thank you for the great tips
I haven’t had too many issues with smearing, but find a lot of gel pens bleed thru Tomoe River paper...but I have been using a 0.3 Pilot Juice gel pen, it’s got a very fine tip, and i think that with it depositing less ink, there is practically no bleed thru.
It really is quite a leap from the mainstream planners on the market so I really appreciate your advice. I'm using my very first A6 Hobo next year but I can't help but think about the Weeks version, too. Next time, I might try it too! Do you use your Weeks to primarily plan or do you like to journal in it as well?
Thank you for the information. I enjoy small, portable, minimal month + week layouts but have never used the hobonichi products. If you remember could you tell me who made or where you bought the page marker on your weeks? I've not seen that style before and it looks like a more attractive substitute for my usual functional go to, the binder clip.
Hi! I wish I would have seen this video weeks ago. I was intrigued with the Hobonichibecause it has the month, weeks, and the daily spreads all in one and is simple. But I was so surprised at the size and I was wondering did I order the wrong thing? I have been in it for three weeks and I do love it I am enjoying it I do wish it was slightly bigger. Thank you!! By the way do you have a recommendation for just a notebook because if I would like to write more or take notes for a podcast is there a separate notebook you recommend within the Hobonichi line?
Thank you for this video! I’m considering using the Cousin as a church planner for sermon notes and tracking events. I’m a gel pen user. Which one do you recommend?
I'm reading that the other hobonichis are in japanese. I don't understand? Are months and days in Japanese? Why would Americans buy a planner in another language? Thanks in advance
Hi, Sam! I am trying a hobo A6 as my planner this year. I don’t like writing with fountain pens--a gel user, I’m afraid. What pen do you recommend using that has the least ghosting? I like ballpoint pens, too. Thanks for this video! I have sold two Weeks, and 3 A6 hobos in the past. Love my Filofax ( Original, of course), but I really want lighten my load, and use something smaller. I want to love it, and am going to make myself use it for a period of time, too.
Sam Plans , thanks! I LOVE frixion pens. I do live in the Deep South, but have never had a problem with frixion, since my I carry my planner in my purse. I read that if the heat makes the ink disappear, that putting the journal in the freezer a few minutes will make it reappear!
Hi Sam! Love your videos. Loved your Siren so much that I bought one and am so happy with it. I am using Weeks, for 2018 and will be using it again for 2019. I have always used a wide Chic Sparrow in Crete Brûlée for journaling, but I think I would love to go total Hobonichi for 2019. I'm not versed on the styles, I know there is an Avec and a Cousin, and maybe more, but I'm confused with which one is which. I would like to use the one that you are in. Can you tell me which one you are using? Thank you for your help! 🤗
I've seen people use the hobo weeks vertically, but down the columns. So by rotating the planner 90 degrees and plan the day vertically that way.
Another good tip is to get the Avec versions first (they only come in A6 and A5 sizes and Japanese versions, though). That way, you can give it a go in the 1st book, experimenting with different pens and layouts for the first six months and then start a fresh book in the second part of the year and keep it more or less consistent. In case the Hobonichi doesn’t work for you at all, just sell the 2nd book as brand new and get some money back.
Sam Plans so am I, but for a trial i didn’t want to mess up and carry the “trial and error” with me for the rest of the year :-)
Why Thank You ‼ 🙏👏 👏🍃
I think this is my favorite video you’ve ever done. Full of such useful information!
So true! I don't use a Hobonichi and don't think it would suit me, but I love the individuality that Hobinichi users give when I watch their videos; totally unique systems and actual great process/system ideas on using a planner and not just same-same that other planner types have in their videos.
thanks for the tips. I'm a rapid-log type of person, a planner is a productivity tool for me. I can draw but I rarely doodle on it, i draw on a sketchbook. With respect to Erin Condren and Happy planner users, it's a happy place for people who like artsy but cannot draw. I find people take more time drawing and doodling on their planners than actually using it for what it's intended.
Very good points! Last year, I bought a Weeks and immediately hated the shape... I ordered an Original and gave the Weeks to my daughter. Fell in love with the Original but missed a weekly layout. I committed to using the Original for the rest of 2018 and am getting ready to move into a cousin for 2019. It's been so fun to work all this out because you really do develop your own style - even if you don't think you have preferences, you do! My daughter requested another Weeks for 2019...and my Cousin? It looks HUGE! LOL!
These are great tips! It also took time for me to adjust to planning in my hobonichi books. What made me Love it so much now (i only use hobonichi books) is customizing my Pages using sticker kits. I feel that it has The same feel now 😁
Thank you for this video. My first experience with Hobonichi was 4 years ago, and it traumatized me. 🙂 I’ve been using planners since my high school years. I’m now gearing towards my late 30s. And I think having to experience that “intimidation” and “clueless” feeling made me rethink the kind of planning system that works for me. I’ve been using passion planner for these past 3 years, and for 2019, I’m using the Cousin (A5) version. I know my system better now, and my schedule definitely works better with the Hobonichi layout. Lol - wish me luck!
These are great tips Sam. So true about giving the weeks a fair chance. This is my third year trying it and it wasn’t until July that your videos convinced me to really give it a try and I’ve finally found my groove with it. Thank you!!!! Also I got my great friend a cactus weeks for her birthday, I’m going to share this video with her since it sums it all up perfectly 😃
I’m coming from no planner! Thanks for making videos like this so I know what to expect.
Do your homework& look at other layouts. Sometimes if you get some ideas on how others are using the grids, etc., it can stimulate some ideas. Also, I made Xerox copies of the blank pages& played with different layouts until I found one that worked for me.
@@samplans That's part of the fun! 😁
It took me like 6 months to really find a way to make my first Hobonichi work... (from this year). I think I was stuck in something more like, "oh I can't do decorative planning in this!!!" and then eventually stopped caring and realized I didn't care about ghosting or anything.
Sam, I absolutely Love You for getting me back into my Hobonichi! I hated it when I got it way back in April and after your, give it a go for a month, I did! Now I have my new year 2019 mega weeks, the plastic cover, and all the goodies that I can get or really already have! I'm set! Except now I want a new CS Weeks in mockingbird... I think! Ha, I have all the other sizes why not right! Now it's time to purge all the other planners I have because I have found my Planner Peace! So Thank You for your Videos!
I'm thinking of switching from EC to Hobo. I've watched so many videos on Hobo over the past two days and this video is one of the most informative. Very helpful. Thank you. 🙂
Very helpful. I'm brand new to Hobonichi. I purchased the Cousin with the Marshmallow cover and the 5 year A5. I am excited because there is more room to write, the paper is incredible, and the minimal layout gives me flexibility. I just wish someone would do a video on what to do with the lesser known pages at the beginning and the end.
I wish I'd watched this before ordering my hobonichi. I got the techo, but the more I see the weeks, the more I like them, but my life isn't busy enough to have BOTH a weeks and a techno. I'm coming from the bujo A6 system (the simple bujo by the original creator, not the more involved ones). I'll use it in 2019, and see how it feels and then try the weeks out the next year.
I got an A6 and an A5 for writing challenges and journaling and I got a weeks for on the go planning. I’m excited for the end of the month when i can start using my weeks!
Manda B me too! Glad it starts end of this month. I’ve got my Chic Sparrow sitting ready :)
You could also turn it sideways for vertical planning 😉
These videos explaining the reality of these planners are important. I know I will enjoy them. I already use nanami journals- so the paper of my friend. But I also ordered a weeks… it’s so small. I watched a ton of videos and it still didn’t prepare me for how small it is. I realize I hold my breath when I write anything🤣🙈. I have gigantic handwriting. BIG. I don’t think I can contain it. But I will just have to be more concise in the weeks than I’ve ever been in my life and that might turn out to be a good thing. So many people on UA-cam talk about how big the cousin is- when I received it I thought she was small. But having the weekly as well will allow me to have plenty of space. Again, this video as well as your videos specifically on the weeks are well done and useful. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I know the Cousin isn’t huge in hand, but the problem for me is the daily page. Man, that’s a lot of space for me to not have anything to say in!
Great video! I'm coming from Bullet Journals (mostly basic style!) and still dithering about the Collections component, and my assorted trackers. I will be using a standard Weeks to start, and a Taroko Enigma A5 for personal journaling. I think I can get the trackers into the Weeks (in the back pages) but the Collections will probably end up elsewhere. Other than that, adjusting to the 52gsm Tomoe River paper will be my biggest challenge. I've already figured I won't be able to use the multi pen that came with my Weeks. It makes me want to press down too hard.
Yukiko Sakamura has some excellent ideas for those who want to keep a Bullet Journal-like system in various sizes of Hobonichis.
@@samplans Thanks! I really need a smaller format, so I'm hopeful. I bought the set of thin supplemental "Almost" notebooks so I may decide to move my exercise log into one of those.
Your ring on your left hand is beautiful and simple!
Thank you so much for the great advise 😊
Excellent tips for first time users👍
Soooo happy I made the switch to hobonichi
I purchased a weeks mega for 2019 and I hope I love it! I’m coming from a mini happy planner.
The weeks seemed to have it all... crossing my fingers! Bc I’ve been looking at them for months.
Thank you so much for this in depth guide to hobonichi planners. I have been thinking about getting this for 2020 but I was wondering if this would work for me because it's a bit pricy but watching this I'm really hoping this system will work for me. God bless!
The A5 Cousin Avecs give you plenty of space and lighten the load by half if you like to carry yours around. That Tomoe River paper took me a month to get used to - I wanted so much to quit, but I'd already spent so much money, so I persisted and soon grew to love it very much. The Uni Pin pen is perfect in the Hobo (.02) Very inexpensive by the dozen on eBay
love this video very helpful I just ordered my older daughter a a6 and now Im thinking I may get one for me and my younger daughter too thank you for the great tips
These are such good tips! Thank you for sharing!
I haven’t had too many issues with smearing, but find a lot of gel pens bleed thru Tomoe River paper...but I have been using a 0.3 Pilot Juice gel pen, it’s got a very fine tip, and i think that with it depositing less ink, there is practically no bleed thru.
It really is quite a leap from the mainstream planners on the market so I really appreciate your advice. I'm using my very first A6 Hobo next year but I can't help but think about the Weeks version, too. Next time, I might try it too! Do you use your Weeks to primarily plan or do you like to journal in it as well?
I might try the A6 first before the A5
Thank you so much for this video Sam! Hugs from Italy!
Thank you for the information. I enjoy small, portable, minimal month + week layouts but have never used the hobonichi products. If you remember could you tell me who made or where you bought the page marker on your weeks? I've not seen that style before and it looks like a more attractive substitute for my usual functional go to, the binder clip.
A new maverick color is out on chic sparrow!!!!
Sorry, I have no manners. I forgot to say 'thank you' for this video. So, thank you!
random comment, but i love your ring!
I think I really want to try hobonichi techno next year. I already got marks planner this year.
Hi! I wish I would have seen this video weeks ago. I was intrigued with the Hobonichibecause it has the month, weeks, and the daily spreads all in one and is simple. But I was so surprised at the size and I was wondering did I order the wrong thing? I have been in it for three weeks and I do love it I am enjoying it I do wish it was slightly bigger. Thank you!!
By the way do you have a recommendation for just a notebook because if I would like to write more or take notes for a podcast is there a separate notebook you recommend within the Hobonichi line?
Where did you get that tear drop book Mark on the weeks
I need to grab me one of these
this was really helpful, thanks!!
I just bought the weeks mega and need a cover that’s cheap cheap like less than $20 for 2023!!
That’s going to be a clear cover with a rigged closure probably. 🤓
@@samplans thank you so much for giving me that information and responding fast despite it being an older video 😻
@@samplans also tempted by traveler notebooks and DIY one for weeks mega
@@samplans lol took the plunge and spent about 60 total for a traveler notebook cover, some accessories, and a clear cover for my mega weeks 😄😄
I like the weeks but i wish it was in the larger size
What is the pretty clip that you have on the weeks? Where did u purchase that? Love it
Is there a store where one can go in to see and compare the different sizes and styles of Hobonichi planners?? I’d like to check them out in person!
Great information!! Thanks Sam! I have my first weeks on the way!
I am trying my first hobo. I was wondering what are your favorite pens to use for journaling.
Thank you for this video! I’m considering using the Cousin as a church planner for sermon notes and tracking events. I’m a gel pen user. Which one do you recommend?
@@samplans Thank you so much! The Sarasa Dry is my favorite. Have a great day!!!!
I'm reading that the other hobonichis are in japanese. I don't understand? Are months and days in Japanese? Why would Americans buy a planner in another language? Thanks in advance
Hi, Sam! I am trying a hobo A6 as my planner this year. I don’t like writing with fountain pens--a gel user, I’m afraid. What pen do you recommend using that has the least ghosting? I like ballpoint pens, too. Thanks for this video! I have sold two Weeks, and 3 A6 hobos in the past. Love my Filofax ( Original, of course), but I really want lighten my load, and use something smaller. I want to love it, and am going to make myself use it for a period of time, too.
Sam Plans , thanks! I LOVE frixion pens. I do live in the Deep South, but have never had a problem with frixion, since my I carry my planner in my purse. I read that if the heat makes the ink disappear, that putting the journal in the freezer a few minutes will make it reappear!
Hi Sam! Love your videos. Loved your Siren so much that I bought one and am so happy with it. I am using Weeks, for 2018 and will be using it again for 2019. I have always used a wide Chic Sparrow in Crete Brûlée for journaling, but I think I would love to go total Hobonichi for 2019. I'm not versed on the styles, I know there is an Avec and a Cousin, and maybe more, but I'm confused with which one is which. I would like to use the one that you are in. Can you tell me which one you are using? Thank you for your help! 🤗
Thank you for your quick response!!!
I wish they would make an A5 1/2 with cream colored paper . 🙏🏼
😎👍🇦🇺