Buying a New Journal? What to Look For…
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When it comes time to buy a new journal, don’t rush the process. You might be using it for months before getting another one, so it should be something that checks off all your required boxes, from the size to how it looks. Here are some features to consider when looking for a new journal.
Size
Size matters when it comes to your journal. It can change the weight, determine whether or not you can bring it with you in your purse, and it changes how long your pages are. If you journal at home and always have it sitting on your desk, then a larger journal might be good for you. You don’t have to worry about carrying it around, and this gives you more space to write. However, if you tend to bring it with you or write while holding it on a couch or chair, you don’t want it big and heavy.
Look at the Binding
Some people like the hardcover binding because it looks more like a book, but others prefer soft binding or a spiral journal since the pages are easier to open and write in. The hardcover journals are beautiful and wonderful to have, but they aren’t easy to write in because the pages don’t always open flat on the desk or table. If this bothers you, look for either a spiral journal or a soft binding that allows you to open it and lay it flat on the surface.
Blank or Lined Pages?
Another thing to consider is on the pages themselves – do you want lines or blank pages? If you do writing only in your journal, lined pages are the way to go. It keeps everything in one place, without being frustrated that you aren’t writing straight. However, if you do lists and notes, along with pictures and doodles, the black pages might work better for you.
You Want to LOVE Using the Journal
Remember that the journal you choose should be something you love. This includes a cover that really appeals to you. This might seem trivial, but it does matter. If you have a journal that isn’t really appealing on the outside or a color you don’t love, it isn’t going to be exciting to open it every day. You want something you just have to have because you are much more likely to use it on a regular basis.
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Dominique
18 Comments
Foodie Find Home
I have been journaling since I was a child and I have never put intentionality into my thought process of picking a journal. When my newest journal is full, I will definitely put a bit more thought into the type of journal I pick the next time.
Monica
I need a new journal; I haven’t written in one in quite some time. How it looks aesthetically is always important to me!
the joyous living
i used to love to journal. i had boxes full of journals i would buy from the shops. i preferred lined journals that had quotes and drawings. what are your favorite types of journals? joy
Bill Sweeney
I think this is a great resource for people who write in journals. I know some people who write daily in journals.
Emily Fata
How fitting! I’ve been looking for a good new journal for a couple of weeks and finally found one yesterday, actually. It’s so difficult to find one that’s the right size, has a good number of thick pages, the lines are nice, etc.
Kendall
Great tips! I’m so indecisive when it comes to picking one.
Joy Della Vita
Having heard of Journals and journaling for so long on Blogs, Instagram, YouTube etc I finally want to test out what all the hype is all about, but had no clue to what exactly look for… luckily I found your article, you have helped me so much!! Thank you!! 🙂
Heather
It’s been years since I owned a journal. I would love to get one and keep a dream journal.
Matt Taylor
Great tips for buying a new journal, thanks! I have a journal I just am horrible about writing in it.
Brandy
These are some excellent tips for anyone wondering what journal will work for them during their goal to journal more and document their goals.
Leslie L Denning
I recently started journaling – about a year ago. I have just been using the black and white college notebooks – maybe I’ll give some thought to purchasing a more upgraded journal. Thanks for sharing your insights on this.
Dana Brillante-Peller
Although I love using blank pages, lined ones help me stay organized. Also, it’s a lot more cleaner.
Nina
I do not really mind the binding but I like blank pages. A4 sized journals, I prefer
Terri Steffes
I keep a total of 9 different journals and all of them are different! I love seeing your post and the things to look for in one. Typically a journal “waves” at me and I pick it up and decide it has to go home with me!
Melanie williams
There are some really good tips here for sure. Writing things down is a good way to express x
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
Aaahhh yes! The binding….very important because if it’s of poor quality, chances are high that what I am have written down in it will “go flying away” soon enough.
Scott N.
Because you mentioned the binding, I have to mention the Clear Habit Journal that I just started using. (https://amzn.to/38s5WcW)
It’s a combination of a hard cover, but has a soft binding so it opens absolutely flat, regardless of what page you open to. Makes it really easy to write and use the most of each page. It also has a subtle grid-layout, so you can use it as lines, or break up the page as you see fit. I really love it!
yana
so interesting, didn’t know that this step is so important, I know that it helps you with your self-awareness, and it also helps you to improve yourself, but that to choose the right one is very important, I’m surprised.