I think we all agree with the title to this post. One of the wonderful things about necessity is that it forces us to look at things from a different perspective as to solve a problem or create something we need that doesn't already exist. 
That is where this list comes in – hacks. Many of these hacks you probably already know if you are an old buffalo in the TN world but maybe some of you are new and these will help you hack your TN. I pieced together, from my own ideas to many wonderful blogs out there, a selection that may make your planner world happier place.
- Double up your elastics for a tighter closure on your TN. Need more elastics? Check out this shop on Etsy. There are dozens of other shops and many TN shops also sell it.
- Cover a binder clip with washi, add leather and create a movable pen clip that can be a placeholder as well. I use one of mine to hold my place in my weekly calendar.
- Cut the large post-its tablet in to a TN size pad. I used an exacto knife and straight edge and made sure I purchased the super sticky notes. Now you have movable pages in your TN.
- Fold a clear document sleeve in half for a clear pocket.
- Loop leather or cord through top strand elastic for a place marker, tie the ends with charms.
- Always check your favorite planner/supply shops and see if they have blogs or Instagram accounts. Often they will have specials and giveaways that they will only advertise on them but not on their shop site. Don't have an Instagram account? It is very easy to set one up here.
- Use graph paper to make inserts, cut to size and use card stock for cover to make it more durable.
- Don’t have graph paper? Go to incompetech.com/graphpaper and print your own for free.
- Use templates and file folders to make TN folders. I like double stick tape as my adhesive.
- Cut file folders to use as covers for inserts, they are durable and come in a zillion designs.
- Make an ArtDori with Peerless watercolor sheets, water brush pens and watercolor paper.
- Take #10 size envelopes, cut various lengths and stack, using double stick tape for adhesive. Trim the base envelope to 8.5". You have instant storage. Use double stick tape to stick to the back inside of an insert.
- Use washi tape to section off Hobo style insert pages.
- Use a passport wallet for portable supply storage. Want a cute, inexpensive way to carry supplies? Check out Forever 21’s makeup bags and brush wallets.
- Color code pages by edging them with different color washi’s.
- Try using a bullet or symbol system in your TN for your calendar, notes, to-do list. Linked is Ray Blake's FREEBIE!
- Put a note in the beginning of your book that you will give a reward if your TN is found and the way you would want someone to contact you if they found it.
- Create a mindmap when you need to brainstorm. They are fun to do, beautiful and function and functional.
- Create and keep a list of abbreviations in an insert that are specific to your family, life and work. Soon you will have your own shorthand.
- Use a binder clip as a pen holder this way. Take off the wire parts to make it more streamline.
- Need tear-out sheets for some reason? Get a rotary perforator like this to make tear-out pages. You can perforate the pages on the long edge, then in smaller sections horizontally.
If you have your own hacks...please share them in comments for everyone!
this, there are plenty of free printables out there for every kind of planner. I've compiled a list of 29 sites for printables - calendars, various inserts/pages, stickers - you name it. Not all of these have TN specific printables but not everyone shares the love of elastics, some folks are hardcore ring fans and there are plenty of printables for ring planners too. Have fun checking them all out!
amazing TN accessories pouch with exacting construction. Pictured is a green one with yellow trim. These fit a standard Dori. Well, Julia, appreciative of the shout out, sent me one of her lovely FabDoris. I have three leather Dori's currently and was excited to get it and see how a cloth Dori measures up.
I have to say I am very impressed. Aside from the meticulous and beautiful construction, the FabDori is light as a feather. My leather Dori's do get heavy when crammed full. The one she sent me had two strands and I easily put four inserts in it with no over-hang and it is still light. 
The pen loop is stretchy elastic and fit my fat Cocoiro Letter Pen. This is the Dori I will carry in my purse every day because it is so light, so adorable and colorful and so sturdy. I am keeping my grocery list, household lists and an insert for my family stuff. Another thing that I REALLY love is that somehow, Julia has gotten the elastic around the Dori SUPER sturdy and secure, way more secure than my three others...haven't quite figured that one out but I LOVE it 
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out for myself how it works since it was only ten dollars on Quirky. I received it this morning. After the first staple attempts right out of the box sucked, I was a little anxious. Once I got the hang of how it works I love it. The device is very light, so gives the impression of being kind of cheap. When you staple, you don't get that satisfying thunk that you do with a conventional stapler. If you can get past that, the stapler works very well. In the
We are on the countdown to Sunday morning's (that is the the 29th) giveaway of a Nomadic Flap Type Pencil Case (picture from JetPens as well as the pencil case) giveaway. It will be crammed with items for your portable planner needs. All you need to do to be eligible to win is follow my blog and my Instagram account...that's it!!!! By following my blog you will get notification of AMAZING, FANTASTIC posts on using your Traveler's Notebook to add joy, happiness, peace, focus, and fun to your life....for free - that is a great deal...don't you think? If you know of someone who might like to be entered please share this post with them...
you can staple anything! Shipping is dirt cheap. I don't want to sew inserts together and stapling can be a pain, what a perfect solution. You can find it 
trying to promote their work. If you are a vendor or have a shop and would like your Instagram account listed on a post I am putting together about top 100 Instagram accounts for planner/office supply/midori lovers/addicts please send me a contact me with your info about your shop and your Instagram account name. I would love to include your shop and promote it for you! If you know of someone who doesn't read my blog but has a shop they would like included let them know and ask if they would like to be included in the list.
orks great. You can find one 
goodies you need to take with you on the road. It has a cool light blue interior and it is an excellent size, just right at appx 13 x 11 x 4. You can access supplies without going in to the actual main compartment which is nice. It has a cross shoulder strap and handles as well. The bag comes in gray, black and tan. At $80 it isn't cheap but the quality and workmanship ensures you are going to get the most bang for your buck! You can find it right 
Notebooks there are two kinds of people, those who like simplicity and minimalism and those who like color, busy, lots of details….and may cram ten inserts in to a cover with two elastics….you know the type…I’m the second type and one thing I LOVE is washi tape. Washi tape is essentially rice paper with adhesive on the back and the tape is repositionable which I like. It is an easy, fun way to add color and detail to insert pages, covers, etc.
40,768, that is the number of hits if you search washi tape on Etsy…my go-to place for it. I decided to search for my pick of top ten shops that sell washi samplers (and other things)…more on that in a minute. It is problematic to carry around washi tape in spools or rolls. I have two cardboard pieces with my favorite washi’s rolled on them and I keep them in my bag. I think most people who like to have portable supplies go this route. Washi can be expensive when you start adding it up, so a really convenient way to accumulate different tapes is to purchase samplers. I searched the Etsy shops. The shops that made the list have nice variations of samplers, and shipping charges aren’t how they are trying to make their money (you know what I mean). There are lots and lots of shops that sell washi, I barely scratched the surface and I know this. If you have a favorite please list it in the comments..share your favorite with everyone else! There are also three honorable mentions..so ok I guess this is top 13, but 13 is my lucky number. :-)
