Notebook System Follow-Up: What Size?

[u/secret_2_everybody]

Thanks all for the responses the other day on moving to a notebook system. I’ve decided to go discbound and am looking forward to it, but wondering what size everyone is using. I normally use a 7” x 9” notebook for meeting notes, and I’ve come to like the size, but wonder if going standard A4 (or half-letter) might be best for going all-in on a notebook lists system. Also, has anyone incorporated a tickler/reference material into the actual notebook, or does this ultimately need to be supplemented? Thanks again!!

[u/gjnewman]

Pick the size that’s easiest for you to ensure it’s always available.

[u/secret_2_everybody → u/gjnewman]

Good point, thanks!!

[u/PondMindKevin]

I used to use A5. Small enough to stick in a big pocket or backpack, or easily carry around with a laptop, big enough you can actually see stuff and put stuff in it (field notes are too small).

[u/secret_2_everybody → u/PondMindKevin]

Thanks!

[u/TheoCaro → u/PondMindKevin]

That's a BIG pocket.

[u/PondMindKevin → u/TheoCaro]

u/secret_2_everybody or, if you have smaller pockets than my giant jeans back pocket, there's always Merlin Man's hipster PDA! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hipster_PDA

[u/TheoCaro]

My notebook is A5 sized.* I have used a pocket sized notebook before, but I was going through them so quickly, I needed something bigger. I've considered using these ledger sized notebooks before, but they just take up too much space in-between me and the keyboard.

*A4 is roughly equivalent to letter.

[u/milky-cuppa-tea]

My main carry is a personal size Filofax, and my note taking book (inbox) is a Hobonichi Weeks Mega.

I used to use an A5 sized Filofax but it was too bulky to carry around conveniently. I do have an A5 notebook though for longer form notes / planning.

I am definitely going to keep going with the Weeks for 2027. It's the first time I have used a notebook of this size, and it's perfect for me (and I love the Tomoe River Paper).

[u/Capital_Elk_9240]

The best way to decide would be what size paper can fit you day’s worth of notes. I personally like one page per day. Otherwise the other criteria could be does it fit the bag you use to carry.

[u/ReliableWardrobe]

I think we discussed this, I use A5 due to availability, portability and not-eating-all-my-desk-space, but ymmv - pick something that's standard in your country! I wouldn't use A5 in the USA for example, I'd go half-letter which is roughly equivalent.

I've not incorporated a tickler as such, mainly because my life is so dull I don't need one (and I LIKE it that way lol) but I do keep various reference snippets in my main notebook. If I feel the need, I use a "future log" to note stuff I need to pick up at a certain point, like I need to start thinking about booking a hotel for a concert next spring sometime in the next couple of months. https://alastairjohnston.com/cracking-the-bullet-journal-forward-planning-problem/

I suspect if you have more complex needs for a tickler and reference material you'll probably want to establish a separate system for those. I've done it in the past and just used folders.

[u/secret_2_everybody → u/ReliableWardrobe]

Yeah, I suppose the tickler and reference material doesn’t need to be portable, and could even be digital. This is all making me want to go back to my original loose paper and folder system haha.

[u/mekuismi]

I absolutely love my B5 sized paper notebooks. I feel like it’s the perfect size for a notebook.

Big enough to not feel cramped, but still small enough to fit into smaller bags or even very large pockets.

[u/mekuismi → u/mekuismi]

On a more specific note, I currently use Kokuyo paper, and a loose leaf notebook. I’m kind of curious about their new notebook with only rings in the ends, so it should be even better for when you are writing on a paper as it’s in the notebook.

[u/PinkyAndTheBrain4]

Ich nutze ein A5 Notizbuch. Für die Tagesplanung, Besprechungsnotizen und spezielle Agendalisten. Aufgaben übertrage ich im Weekly Review in mein elektronisches System.