We’d all love to feel a bit more on top of things, wouldn’t we? If your notes are scattered across old envelopes, half-finished lists in your phone, and a notebook you can never find when you need it, bullet journaling might be exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s simple, it’s creative, and best of all, it costs almost nothing to start. Here’s everything you need to know about bullet journaling and how to begin your own.
What Is Bullet Journaling?
Bullet journaling — often shortened to “BuJo” — is a visual, flexible way to organise your day, your month, your future plans, or just your everyday to-do lists.
It’s an easy, customisable system that keeps everything in one place, so you can stay on top of tasks, track important dates, and note down whatever you need for daily life. All you need to get started is a notebook, a pen, and a little bit of creativity to make it your own.
Why Try Bullet Journaling?
The bullet journal method was developed by Ryder Carroll, and it works by helping you organise your notes, events, tasks and plans into neat, simple collections and logs. Some fans of the method describe it as “a mindfulness practice, disguised as a productivity system” — a nice way to think about bringing a bit more calm and structure into your routine.
If you’re not naturally the most organised person, or you simply fancy trying something new, bullet journaling is a fun and low-cost way to give it a go.
How Do I Get Started With Bullet Journaling?
Watch the video below for a simple walkthrough of the basic bullet journaling principles:
Getting started really is that simple: buy a notebook and some pens you love the look and feel of. Once you have your notebook, decide what you want to use it for. Some people use their bullet journal for day-to-day organisation, while others use it to plan a specific project or event — a house move, a wedding, a big exam year, or anything else that needs careful tracking.
There are lots of resources online and on YouTube showing different bullet journal setups and layouts, so it’s worth exploring a few styles to see what suits you. Follow the simple principles in the video above, and you’ll wonder how you managed without your bullet journal before now.
Getting Started: A Quick Summary
- Buy a notebook you like the feel of
- Treat yourself to some nice pens or pencils
- Decide what you want to use your journal for
- Learn the basic BuJo key (the simple symbols used to mark tasks, events and notes)
- Start journaling, and adjust the system as you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special equipment to start bullet journaling?
No — all you really need is a notebook and a pen. Some people prefer dotted or grid notebooks for neater layouts, and nice pens can make the process more enjoyable, but there’s no need to spend a lot to get started.
Is bullet journaling difficult to learn?
Not at all. The core method is just a simple set of symbols (or “bullets”) to mark tasks, events and notes. Most people pick up the basics within a few minutes and then adapt the system to suit their own life.
How much time does bullet journaling take each day?
This is entirely up to you. Some people spend just a few minutes a day jotting down tasks, while others enjoy spending longer creating detailed spreads. There’s no right or wrong way — the system is meant to flex around your life.
Can bullet journaling help with family organisation, not just personal tasks?
Yes, many parents use bullet journaling to track family schedules, school dates, appointments and household tasks alongside their own to-do lists, all in one place.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this, you might also like our other family organisation and family life ideas, including tips for managing busy family schedules and simple ways to bring more calm into everyday routines.
Save This for Later
Not ready to start your bullet journal today? Save this article and come back to it whenever you’re ready to get a bit more organised.
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