Dated or Undated? How to Choose the Perfect Planner for You

July 22, 2025

Dated or Undated? How to Choose the Perfect Planner for You

I used to head to the shops whenever I needed a way to revamp my organisation. Buying a new planner was a way to refresh and keep track of life’s events, chores and holidays better.

Flicking through my new page-a-day diary, I’d feel a pang of guilt when I spotted the weeks I’d already missed. A thick chunk of pages, headed straight for the recycling. Then I discovered the undated planner. Game changer.

The undated diary offered no shame of waste when I skipped blank printed pages. I’d just pick up where I left off on the next page, no matter what the time had been in between. It gave me breathing space, and actually made me more consistent.

But of course, that’s not the case for everyone.

Some people, including yourself, may need the structure and accountability. A dated planner can act like a gentle nudge. The formality of set dates gives shape to your week. It helps you stay on track, plan ahead with clarity and get that sweet dopamine hit of ticking things off.

So what’s the answer? It depends on how your brain works, what kind of planner you’ll actually use, and how you like to map your time.

This guide runs through the benefits of both so you can find your perfect match. Whether it’s a daily diary, an undated weekly planner, or an A4 page-a-day diary for 2025.

The Case for an Undated Planner

Pros

Start whenever. January, July or on a random Tuesday.
No pressure to use it every day. Dip in and out.
Great for habit-building, or re-building at your own pace.
Often more minimal layouts, so they feel less rigid.

Cons

No set structure, which can make it easier to forget.
Can require more effort to set up each week or day.
You’ll need to number or date the pages yourself.

The Case for a Dated Planner

Pros

Ready to go. No need to add dates.
A built-in routine. Each day is there, waiting.
Encourages consistency – even on those foggy Mondays.
Easier to plan ahead or look back on past weeks.

Cons

If you miss days, you might waste pages.
Can feel a bit rigid for free-form thinkers.
Some designs leave little space for creative notes or journaling.

Which One’s for You?

If you're the type to write detailed to-do lists, colour-code your calendar and love the rhythm of routine, a dated diary might be your dream match.

Prefer a more fluid approach? Maybe you use your planner more like a gratitude journal, scribble in bursts or dip in only when you need clarity – then an undated daily planner will give you the space to do your thing, your way.

Still Not Sure? A Few Final Things to Consider

Are you starting your planning mid-year? An undated weekly planner is more flexible.
Do you like a full page per day? Try a page-a-day diary.
Want something more personal or reflective? A hybrid layout with journals and planning in one could be ideal.

The best planner is the one you’ll actually use. Whether you’re a structured scheduler or a spontaneous scribbler, there’s a format to suit your flow.

And if you’re still torn? Drop us your questions via email at online@papersmiths.co.uk. We're full of ideas.

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Undated Planner - Wisteria Purple

Dated or Undated? How to Choose the Perfect Planner for You

The Case for an Undated Planner

Pros

Cons

The Case for a Dated Planner

Pros

Cons

Which One’s for You?

Still Not Sure? A Few Final Things to Consider

Shop our undated planning collection:

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