How to Use Discbound Binders and Planners
I've now created The ULTIMATE Guide to Discbound Planning! Click here to check it out!
I’ve had a lot of you wanting to know how I use my printables, and so I want to share with you my favorite method for assembling and using the printables. After all, they won’t do you much good unless you use them.
I use a disc bound system, and I absolutely love! It works so well for me. It offers the compactness of spiral binding and the flexibility of a three ring binder all in one. The best way to explain how the system works is just to show you, so I invite you to watch the very short video below to see exactly how it works:
I purchase my discbound binders from the Arc product line at Staples. (You can purchase them online if you don't have a Staples near you or here on Amazon.) Keep in mind, when you use this system you will need a special discbound punch. I've tried various punches, and this one is by far my favorite. It's definitely worth the money! It punches both the junior and full size with a nice guide to punch the paper. The guide is also adjustable for all size in between. It will do up to 8 sheets of paper at once easily.
I print my own pages to fill the binder from the Sweet Life Society.
Also, you can find pretty dividers here on Etsy.
Disclosure: Affiliate or referral links are used in this post. Thanks so much for supporting my blog.
Lori Says
My biggest problem with printing my own planner is getting the margins right so that after I punch it, I don’t loose any information.
ALSO, how to set it up so that you can print front to back and they come out right!
Thanks so much!
LauraJane Says
Post authorAre you using a disc bound punch or a different kind? Also, are you using 8.5 by 11 or 8.5 by 5.5 size?
Sabrina Says
I also have this issue. I have the disc bound punch, and the 8.5×5.5 arc notebook.
Lori Says
8.5 x 5.5 and I use the disc bound punch.
thanks so much!
Cindy Sheffield Says
81/2 by 11 size arc
Alana Says
I have the same issue any time I try to print for the 8.5 x 5.5 size.. any tips on what the margins should be? I know that it can vary printer to printer but any advice is greatly appreciated as I really love some of your printables!!!!
Liz Says
It’s so much easier to print on a5 paper. Can you please make that option available? I can’t cut a straight line for the life of me, even with my huge fancy paper cutter (; thank you.
MicALeLa Says
I don’t know about the margins but on my Canon printer when I print both sides I have use the align on the short side option or my pages will not print out right. Took me a couple if wasted pages to figure that one out. 🙂
Love! Love! These print outs & blog
Mica (Meeka)
christine Says
Hi, did you make or buy your tabs? They look cute. Thanks so much for this series! Your work is so pretty. Really appreciate what you’re doing!!!
Kelly Says
Did you design the layout for your weekly planner that is pictured above? I absolutely LOVE it! Is there a way to get it? thanks!
LauraJane Says
Post authorYes, I did design that. You can either get it here as one of the bonuses: http://confessionsofarecoveringchocoholic.com/2014-sweet-life-printable-planner/
Or by itself here in my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/164821837
GWen Says
Could you please reposition the camera so that you are not in front of the subject? Tks
Abby Matamoras Says
I have that exact disc bound notebook/planner and I LOVE it!!! Thank you for the free printables!
Zainab Says
Where did you get your binder from?
LauraJane Says
Post authorI get the discbound binders from Staples.
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Angelica Says
I really want to start DIYing my planners as I can never find one that’s PERFECT for my use. I love the disc bound system but it’s quite costly to start of with. For those interested I’ve found a disc bound puncher but in another brand but that does the same thing on Amazon for a lot cheaper 🙂
LauraJane Says
Post authorWhich punch did you try? I’d love to find a cheaper alternative. Do you have a link to the one you use?
Angelica Says
Laura I’m yet to try it but there’s a disc bound puncher on Amazon, that’s cheaper.
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Elizabeth Beach Says
Laura – I had written you earlier that my pages did not make sense – they did not print out correctly.
I have and use the arc system and punch for several things including a calendar. For your planner a lot of pages would only have a series of numbers at the bottom of the page. I have been cut off from the planner and would like to print it again with your instructions to get a correct version. Can you help me?. Elizabeth Beach
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Nancy Jacobs Says
I’m so excited about my new I heart planner. I need to organize my many “me’s.” I’m a teacher who runs a 12-apartment complex, and I just started my own business with Younique. Help. It’s so hard to try to keep it all without clashing.
I look forward to next month’s lessons on what’s in your planner. How many of each type do you run off? I like the disc system b/c it’s not as bulky as a regular 3-ring binder.
Thanks for the freebies too!
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Angelia Pett Says
Have you ever found that papers fall out of the discbound system? That is my holdout in trying these…
LauraJane Says
Post authorI’ve never had an issue with that.
Guest Says
Yes!!! I had that problem every single time I tried a discbound system, beforeI finally went back to ringbound.
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Amelia Says
I have tried repeatedly to sign up for the printables. I have not been sent a way to confirm my subscription, so I cannot get them.
Tasha Whitsitt Says
Please send us an email at support@getorganizedhq.com and we will try to figure out what is going on!