12 Minimal Monthly Layout Ideas (for diy planners & bullet journaling)

In this video I experimented with 12 simple yet functional layouts for my 2025 planner system! Some were inspired by Hobonichi, Take a Note, and the classic Bullet Journal method. These are all variations of calendars, monthly logs, and monthly views that I wanted to practice making in order to get a sense of what I prefer. Feel free to recreate them in your own bujo or DIY planner, or use them as a starting point to design your own version. I used a traveler’s notebook, but these can all be adapted to any size notebook of your choice (A6, A5, passport size, B6, B5—the options are endless). I do recommend using grid or dot grid to make counting the spaces easier, but it is totally possible with a blank or lined notebook as well. That’s the beauty of making your own planner system—you can customize it to your exact needs. Which one is your favorite layout? Let me know in the comments!

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Lily Tomoe River Paper Notebook (3.5mm grid):

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[sam_inthestudio]

The fake events are so good. I can't wait until Sept 10 for the Vibes Only Pet Tournament.

[shannonbuck]

I would love to see a weeks version for a few different ideas!

[chelseadelo]

I actually really like the one for April. Lots of writing room while still being able to see the calendar clearly.

[SheilaCainSample]

Sarica, you might like the Copic multiliner 01. It comes in a warm grey, looks just like pencil and won’t erase. It’s my go-to for drawing and sketching. Love your layouts, one of my fav and relaxing things to do is draw calendars. ❤

[jazzjane]

Every layout is so pretty and functional! Thanks for sharing! 🤎

[glyph-dove]

My favorite event reminder is definitely "comb cats." 😂

[OldWhistler]

I’ve done something similar with a grid insert and I love it. I’ve got two years of monthly planning 😀

[jordanruth]

I enjoyed every bit of this video ❤ talk about personal, detailed, custom and the hiccups, I love tit!!! I knew this could be done and also all of it look digitally done!!! Girl God anointed you to design with precision, hand control and patience.

[wellergurl]

FANTASTIC VIDEO SARICA ! ❤🎉💯👍Sooo creative, yet a practical idea. GREAT way to experiment with spread layouts. Thanks sooo much. 👍❤️

[brigidmariemcdermott]

I like November, December, and September is great as an add on for important stuff.

[mellorin]

Using mechanical pencil for the structures has been a game changer but i still don't know how to make titles that i like lol

[coco_plans]

Such a beautiful and creative video, Sarica! I loved following each monthly setup and your thoughts about each one. You made me giggle about the fake events😅😅 Most of all, your beautiful creative is such a joy to watch! Can’t wait for more❤️❤️

[haeshahdavis]

This was so much fun to watch! I wish I had the patience to keep it up for more than a few months. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us!

[YuliDnevnik]

I love the May, July and November month layout ❤️ October calendar is spacious 😍

[debpereira]

I loved seeing all these different layout ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!

[fireflynebula]

These are all so inspiring! I immediately fell in love with the December one and used it for my November calendar. Can't wait to experiment more in future months.

[christadavidart]

Loved the layouts and definitely will be trying a couple. I want to move into my 2025 planner sooner and since I have hundreds of blank pages in my b6 SI common planner, I think I can move in early and draw out a couple monthlies to hold me until December when the actual planner starts. Thanks for sharing!!

[ireneroland]

Thank you for this, I like a few of those definitely going to do them for November and December.

[sunshinegv]

What a great video! I enjoyed it a lot! The small tweaks is what we are all about. Finding just the right size of everything on your spreads, so they would serve you best, can take a lot of trial and error. Seeing all of these ideas laid out was quite helpful. ❤

[NalaShore]

I love this so much! I’m using a travel size notebook next year so this is perfect! 📖🖋️