I have a regular moterm pocket (in original leather, not veg tan) and mine also does not lay flat. None of my other moterms have this issue. I think its just at a certain size, the big back pocket doesnt work. Like the extra leather needed to accomodate that pocket affects the thr smaller sizes more. I wish they made an option that didnt have the big back pocket.
Hi! I have a moterm luxe in personal size and I think it did lay flat. I will have to see later in the year when I jump into that cover. Iw I'll keep you posted! :)
I don’t have a pocket but I have a personal and what I do is I take the rings out and really roll and massage the center of the planner and bend back and forth. I do it until the leather feels supple.
1000% Cassandra. I do that for every planner I own. I did a video once, showing me roll out a planner and someone freaked out. LOL. I crack that stiffness right out of it!!! LOL
I have the pocket luxe and it didn't lie flat at first. I worked on stretching the inside flap that holds the rings, and it is better. I have also let it rest so the center is raised to stretch it more. So much better... I also only use mine as a wallet and a minimal on-the-go 'extension' of my larger financial tracking system in my personal binder.
Makes total sense. That is something I considered too. having the pocket as my on the go and use my FC compact as a reference planner- holding all my finances and home info... but Im a 1 planner girl with all things in one planner.... we shall see how things pan out. :)
I have the personal luxe moterm as well and it lays flat. I think my pocket is defective. it feels like there is too much slack in the back pocket. more than usual. When I move into the personal I will double check...
@@MyMoxieDreams, I wonder if mine has that same thing. As much as I loved the idea of the back pocket, I don't use it that much and would probably do without it. I saw this beautiful olive/avocado-colored FC Pocket Her Point of View cover for sale, and OMG, I want it so bad, but those pages are smaller, and I think Compact is the size for me.
I have the same moterm pocket planner in the color honey. I've been using it constantly for two months. Mine lays completely flat but isn't as chunky as yours. Mine serves as my wallet as well. However, I keep it open on my desk unless I'm leaving the house. Are you leaving your planner open throughout the day or do you snap it closed around the chunk between uses??? Looks like your leather is molding around the chunky inserts, which may be causing the one side to bend and pop up. I also have a 2.0 pocket luxe in pebbled leather that lays completely flat. My inserts can all lay to the right of my planner rings. the chunk doesn't go past the middle opening mark. If that makes sense. They do go right to them. I only mention this so you have a visual reference to how many inserts I keep and therefore my planner leather doesn't warp and mold around my inserts😊 hopefully this is helpful 😅 good luck!!❤
You may be on to something, My FC compacts all lay open on my desk- always. the pocket I found I was using and then closing back up. You may be right that it is molding while closed. My pocket feels much chunkier even though it is the exact same inserts as my FCC. thanks for you input - super helpful!
I would definitely try moving the months and such to the center to see if it helps. I personally have not had the issue of my moterm not laying flat so maybe it is just that particular cover. I hope you get it worked out.
Can you put Notes at the front and then the monthlies and weeklies? That would move the whole calendar section back a little bit and it wouldn't upset your current tab layout. If you needed to do a lot of writing in notes, you could slit the pages and pull them out to write and then put them back.
The notes area is like my brain dump page. If have my planner on my lap, the first place I turn to is my notes so that I can doodle, brain dump to do's etc. so having it at the front is difficult because the writing is so important to me. Why is this suddenly so hard.... I think to your previous comment- what works for you in a normal size won't work in a personal size. :( Boo
I have the Exact same Chub-a-lard planner 📙 Keep your guts the way you love them… Buy more pocket covers they are cheap enough, used… Slit the holes of your pages and they snap back into the rings just like a happy planner😊
oh my god Crystal. I laughed my butt off at your CHUB-A-LARD planner!! LOL- I AM DYING!!! I will definitely be buying more moterm luxe 2.0 in pocket size. they are super inexpensive and I would love to have a black and maybe a blue. we shall see. I do slit the holes in my FC Compact and have done for years for inserts I take in and out. but I found doing that in my pocket seems to make the pages rip and fall out easier. So I minimized which inserts I did that too in my pocket. Thanks for making me laugh! You are AWESOME!
I use an original bullet journal style monthly log (vertical) instead of a traditional horizontal calendar and weeklies. I fill in birthdays and holidays before I print them out. Many fewer pages needed. April 1. 2. bd Callie 3. 4. 1300 Oil change 5.
Hi! I have seen others with a system like this. (I think, if I am imagining it correctly) my fear is running out of space. What if on the 4th, you have 5 appointments on the same day- how does that work? Again, I might be imagining it wrong. I tend to do all errands + appt on the same day. to eliminate the going and coming and less interruption with my work from home schedule. I would love to understand your system. Do you have a YT- I would love to watch!!! :)
I think that is why I never liked the Gillio campagna. because of that back pocket, and YET- the moterm personal luxe had one and I thought for sure I would hate it and I actually like it. I dont recall my personal luxe having issues laying flat. I will have to pay attention to that when I move into that cover in the coming months. I will keep you posted if I run into the same issues as my pocket.
I always put brain dump and list sections in the front, planner in the middle and reference in the back so the section I use most and write in most - planner is most flat. Honest question. Why are you trying to use and make this work? I know it’s cute but you love your other system and it worked. Why change? Did you need it more portable or just wanted it because it’s cute?
I have always had my tabs the same and in the last 6 months things have felt weird. I am actually doing a video about this next week. I really enjoy the pocket moleskine and its portability so I wanted to see if I could make a pocket ringswork. Again, my system remained the same. nothing as change but the size. My planners are functional and have been for almost 30 years. I am not a trend follower or a deco planner. I genuinely use my ring planner to organize my life...so wanting to go smaller was a genuine attempt of trying a small footprint. I loved it but I discovered something else about my planner system - that I will share in an upcoming video. Stay tuned! :)
I had to slim down my personal size. But I also have the FQ pocket with slimline rings so I have to be extra choosy with what I put in my binders. I chucked daily and monthly inserts and now I have 8 tabs for planning. 7 are a rolling week and the 8th is for future planning. All I need is empty lined paper. A few pages in Plotter style project folders serve for taking notes. 2 more tabs for my trackers. Just in case I need a yearly calendar I use a field notes notebook that has a week to a page. It's been good for me since I've downsized. I use a second binder that is Filofax mini extra slim as my inbox. I have to cut down index cards to punch and fit that binder or use a7 pages in it.
Ivan- Your comment is super impactful to me because this is EXACTLY what I discovered testing out the pocket rings. Being CHOOSY with what you put into your planner. Trying out the pocket made me realized that I needed to get back to the basics and really place things in my planner that are essential. The goal isn't to carry around a 5lb planner. the goal is to use your planner as tool. My planner is super functional for my life, but I found that I could use 1 insert for multiple things. something I lost sight of for a while. thank you for your comment!
I’m the same. I make my own unique sizes. My personal I absolutely refuse to cut them at 3.75. Heck no! I love fcc but I can use 4” instead. So that’s what I do. My pocket I actually made tn pocket size because I could never use pocket size. Way too tiny! Could you fall in love with another pocket in Gillio since they have the croc leathers you enjoy? My Gillio a6 lays flat. Franklin cover uses a weird pocket size it’s like an a6 from leuchtterm. Can you place them both in the middle? Ok, I see you have done that. Are the rings too large? Are you used to tinier rings so you can write on the paper without them being in the way? Filofax pocket doesn’t have the big back pocket in the way.
This is why I love my rings SO MUCH. The ability to play around with paper size and experiment on what works for us- is priceless. I heard the Gillio XL wouldn't fit my inserts and honestly, as much as I love the pocket, I dont think I want to invest in a Gillio or a VDS when I am not certain A. it will fit my inserts and B. that I will stick with the size. :)
Loved this video and I appreciate your candor. I’ve had several veg tan Moterms and while they are gorgeous they never laid flat. Ever. I had a plum pocket lux and it didn’t work for me but my handwriting is large. All of my Gillios lay completely flat. 🤷🏼♀️ I put my most used/written in inserts, which for me are monthly and daily in the center of my planner so it’s always the most level. So I have the entire year of monthlies and then the current month usually of dailies in the center of my planner, it’s a chunky beast. I love her. ♥️🫶🏻😊
Thank you Nessie! I have a new moterm luxe personal size- I dont recall that one doing it but I will find out when I get the urge to change my cover again. It is so weird because I have never had issues with inserts placements - I think that the chunkier it gets- the more moving things around is necessary. lol
I just received my first moterm veg tanned leather in personal. I am having the same issue with it not laying flat. I am hoping the leather becomes more supple and it will get better. I have to push the middle down to get it from raising up. It is driving me a bit nuts, too. I guess this will happen because the pocket needs room to fit around the planner. However, I have to say the planner is gorgeous and more affordable.
Hi Kristen! It is so weird because my personal luxe doesn't have that issue. Only my darn Pocket luxe. I have a Gillio Compagna, I have my Franklin Covey leather planner and I have to say, for me, the moterm is way better than the gillio campagna. at least it is my preference. I sold my compagnas a while ago and just kept my Gillio croco amica. But I agree the quality and the price of the moterm is unmatched.
I like to change covers too-I looked at Gillio and the pocket xl only has 20mm rings-deal breaker-so Moterm pocket xl for me-and I just set mine up because of you😄and I am loving it♥️
Exactly. I have a instagram planner buddy who is a die hard pocket girl and she told me that nothing else would work for me due to my custom size inserts for the pocket. AND I am so picky. :(
I'm sorry I have all these comments separate but I'm writing them as they occur to me. I don't think the small pocket size is as forgiving as the larger sizes. I've used all of them and that's one thing I've noticed. The things that worked in the larger planners won't necessarily work in the pocket.
One last thought. Your complaints are pretty big. Maybe the pocket just isn't going to work. I admire you for trying so hard to make it work, but maybe it just isn't going to work and you and should accept defeat. You've had a planner setup and size and cover that worked brilliantly for you. Why force something to work that just doesn't.
Exactly, This is what I hate about the planner world, some big planner girls change set up to a different size and everyone follows leaving a set up that works. Why, its daft. Yes pocket is cute but not many people can get anyway with it.
Hi Claire! hmmm... your comment is interesting. I have been a functional planner for almost 30 years- before there was instagram and "big planner girls" I used a FC Classic size (half letter) - that size suited me for almost 20 years in the financial industry. Then my life shifted and I found the FC Compact size. I realized that I didn't need the larger classic size anymore. most recently, I was trying the pocket rings, not because of some trend but because as I am truly evolving and needing something even smaller than my FC Compact. Also, I mention often in all my videos- my planner system (what I call my planner guts) works and hasn't changed at all. The covers change and in this instance for the 1st time in almost a decade- i tried a smaller size. If you follow me, you know I don't do trends. I encourage everyone to DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU- I am a firm believer that you shouldn't copy someone's planner system because what matters to them in their planner may not be what you value in yours. I understand where you are coming from- it reminds me of the STANLEY CUP craziness. I have had a YEDI for decades. Just because some blogger says a Stanley cup is the "in" thing doesn't make me want to go buy that cup. My yeti works- why would I change?? That being said, everyone is allowed to try and experiment. If you have been with me for a while you know I am not a planner hopper. my system is crucial to my life and my mental health. Trying a different size is a big deal for me because I hate change... LOL. . Clearly I hate change so much that I was focusing on these non negotiable so that I could go crawling back to my compact size. LOL. All this to say- DO YOU AND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. I strongly believe this for all my followers. :) Hope this makes sense.
I think I had a Gillio Compagna XL ostrich with a back pocket and I honestly can't remember. I feel like if it didnt lay flat, I would have remembered. I have a moterm personal luxe and I will see if it lays flat for me. I will keep you posted.
I would move all of the months behind that tab then the calendar tab would make more sense to me and still keep things in the comfortable writing space.
Thanks for the feedback Tracy. It is so weird that I am having issues with placement. I haven't had this kind of unbalance in my planner before---- I am guessing it is a pocket problem for me.
I've been working on setting up my pocket since January. For ten years I had taken care of my ex-husband until he passed away last year. Now I have a lot less to carry around since it is just my youngest daughter and myself. We homeschool and are generally homebodies except when we get the urge to people for a while, but peopling is exhausting for both of us. My previous system was no longer working and I am currently in an A5 Slim Jibun Techo to keep up with things and not get lost, but I don't have all the things I need with me which is why it is taking forever to set up this pocket. I've also become a major paper snob and am setting it up with Tomoe River Paper. Trying different things here and there to find a new system that works for this stage of life. I tend to stuff my rings to near bursting capacity so I am trying to keep things to the "correct" amount for the rings...I keep failing and starting over again. I do love the smaller sizes now and try to stick with a pocket or A6. I do often get the urge to jump back into my FCC since it was my first planner size for so many years. Sometimes we just need a change or change things up and other times we just need to stick with what we know is working.
First, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine. 2nd- YOU ARE NOT FAILING. remember, as we evolve, so does our needs and our planners. I think trying out things is great. You can play around with what works and what doesn't. I am working on a video about what I discovered about myself and my system after trying the pocket rings. a gentlemen shared a comment about sliming down his planner. often times we think we needs stuff that we dont. my suggestion is start with the bare minimum - just a calendar (for when you people lol- ps we are the same way) what do you notice you need. then slowly build. that is my recommendation but YOU and only you will find what works. I think you might be overwhelmed with all the choices. either way- I hope you find your sweet spot. Big hugs to you and your daughter as you navigate your new normal. @@fiftyplusplans
I think bc the rings are so big in FC that everything lays flat. My classic is so stuffed, but the big rings still allows the front planner pages to lay flat
YES!! Oh man- the classic was perfection. I remember I had so much room when I was in that size. and YES, my rings are always 1.25-1.5 inch rings. ( I secretly feel ashamed saying that out loud!! LOL)
I would suggest looking into Vanderspek. They have a brown croco leather and are customizable. You can make them the exact dimensions you want, ring size and can be made without a big back pocket (so it lies flat)! As for the insert order, just play with them until your current month is in the middle. I like the “currently” tab idea!
Thanks Brandi- Everyone is recommending Nayapaperie & VDS. I have to really be committed to the size to get a custom done. I did check the VDS and the brown crocs seems a little too shiny for my liking. if and when I decide to give pocket another try- I will definitely look into a custom. :)
I think all the Moterm covers have the “not laying flat” issue; it’s not a default in your cover, it’s a characteristic of the moterm covers. I don’t like them because of it! You can have custom covers made for you from Nayapaperie, from VDS, or from Collin, why not?
Thanks so much for your feedback. I am learning that It is indeed a moterm thing. If I was 10000% committed to changing to a pocket rings, I wouldn't mind having a custom made one. I love Colin and I have seen the gorgeous deliciousness of the Nayapaperie and VDS. ... but I have 3 PERFECT FC compact size leather covers that I could never replicate with any other vendor. So it is hard for me to reconcile a custom order. Maybe one of these days, I will try. :)
Any planner with a back pocket has issues with lying flat. It makes sense when think about the need to have that space flex with adding things. Personally for me, it's a non issue. I value the pocket. As a Franklin Covey pocket user, your inserts will fit. The size insert they make is 3.5x6, the size of a check. But I've used field note sized inserts (just a hair larger than yours (3.5x5.5) with no problem and I've also used A6 in them. The problem with them is, there is nothing in the FC line that fits what you prefer and they don't support their own size well. You also like leather. It's hard getting a good pocket size binder from them in leather. And the rings are tiny...usually less than 1" these days (.5" to .75"). I've had to swap out from some of my older binders when they had larger rings to get 1". I feel like your are more comfortable in the compact. These seem to be big issues for you and honestly, a pocket planner seems an uncomfortably tight fit for how you use your system. I'm team ditch the pocket in the name of a good experiment. Maybe planner insert (vendors) would be an equally good experiment?
Hi there. Thanks for watching and for the great feedback! I am very much more comfortable in my compact. I love the portability of the pocket but with me needing readers all the time, the squinting to see my inserts is not fun. LOL. A'las I have indeed ditched the pocket and happily back into my beautiful FC chocolate aurora. :)
@MyMoxieDreams I get it. I love the pocket size. I really want to love in it, even the FC pocket suits me fine. But it's just a tad small and I am so much more productive in a little bit larger size.
I'm sure there are more covers out there but it will probably take some effort to find them. You could always go custom. That might be what you have to do.
I agree- if I jump back into the pocket again, it would be valuable to get a custom made. However, I really need to commit to that size if I am going to spend a few hundred dollars on a custom. AND with so many options- I would go insane trying to create the perfect pocket layout. lol
I think you should move your planner the way you said. Change the tabs and move weeks and monthly to the center. Have you tried to custom order your pocket from Vander Sp VDS? I have always tried to stay in a pocket but I haven't found my sweet spot there. I think I could live in a pocket if those issues were the only issues I had. 😅 I moved into a True A6 (a lot less variety than pocket) and that works for me. My original love was FCC NOT Personal size. I know you want leathers and I like faux leathers due the variety. Just a thought
Thanks so much for your feedback. I agree and moved tabs accordingly. I have thought about custom order planner but I am not committed enough to Pocket rings to justify a custom. But, if I decide to try again- I think that will be the route I take. To have a custom pocket made with VDS. We shall see.... I told myself I would not buy another planner after finding my unicorn and here I am drawing out planner dimensions for a custom pocket rings. LOL
I think you have to put stuff in the front that doesn't require a lot of attention. I currently have my tasks in the front and that isn't working at all. It's extremely unpleasant to work in that area so I'm going to have to move it. I'll put something there that I look out but don't write it.
I am beginning to understand the planners who have a whole 1st section of decoration. layer upon layer of beautiful decoration before they reach the center. They may be on to something, however, it is still valuable space- and I can't imagine having something in my planner that wasn't essential and that I didnt utilize. I think this is why I keep all 12 months up front. I can reference it when I need to but it isn't a daily active section I use. Hopefully my recent layout video sticks.
Franklin Covey Pocket = True A6 …… my absolute favorite planner from Franklin Covey is a Franklin quest vintage black leather pocket. I have supremos I have a black supreme. I have a tan supreme in classic. Both are unicorn planners and I always go back to my Franklin quest leather black squishy pocket it is the perfect planner. It’s not as big as a personal. It’s not quite as big as a true AI and it’s not as small as an A7
I’m gonna say this Ms N! let’s go back into Personal pleaseeeeeeeeeee. Keep the pocket planner for history keeping but let’s not mess with perfection in the personal. You know where to put your hand to find item placement WEEEEEEEE 😂 can change our covers monthly. We can create beautiful covers because it brings you JOY!!!!!!!🎉. My selfish reasons because I’ve found planner peace in my EDC using the FC size because of you - it is PERFECT!❤
..... well you must be ecstatic!! I loved the pocket but I felt like I was missing something... or rather forcing something.... There is nothing....NOTHING like my FC Compact. she is my one true love.
I almost always take my insert out to write on it. That being said, I think you’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Aside from it being super adorbs, why are you trying so hard to make pocket work for you?
I mentioned this in another comment... I have been a functional planner for almost 30 years. 20 of those were in a Franklin Covey Classic (half letter size) that size worked for me in the day to day grind in the financial industry. when I left the industry I knew I didnt need that size anymore- I evolved into a small size - the FC Compact. I have found that as I get older- my needs are changing - and so my planner evolves. I was trying the pocket rings to see if this was the next evolutionary step. My planner system (the guts) dont change. Yes, the pocket is cute---but that was not a factor in trying the new size. what I found is I am not ready for a pocket. my sweet spot is my compact. :) I simply love it too much to leave her. lol
You completely repeated me with my planner. 1. The size issue-It's not the problem of the moterm, it's the problem of other planbers. That's why I didn't buy a pocket gillio. You could solve the issue buy buying more of the moterm pocket luxe in different colors.2. My pocket moterms lay flat, but I heard about this flatability issue many times. 3. Move tabs as: 1.to do. 2. months and weeks.4. I move my calendar in the middle too. But I don't carry thatvmuch anymore as I don't like the weight. I have several planners and divide the necessary with me pages and unnecessary with me pages that I could leave at home.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Kat. I have a moterm personal plus and she lies flat too. my pocket just doesn't want to cooperate. lol. I am really being challenged with my placement in my planner... I have never felt this uneasy about placement. Hopefully it will resolve. Thanks for watching!!! :)
I have a regular moterm pocket (in original leather, not veg tan) and mine also does not lay flat. None of my other moterms have this issue. I think its just at a certain size, the big back pocket doesnt work. Like the extra leather needed to accomodate that pocket affects the thr smaller sizes more. I wish they made an option that didnt have the big back pocket.
Hi! I have a moterm luxe in personal size and I think it did lay flat. I will have to see later in the year when I jump into that cover. Iw I'll keep you posted! :)
I don’t have a pocket but I have a personal and what I do is I take the rings out and really roll and massage the center of the planner and bend back and forth. I do it until the leather feels supple.
1000% Cassandra. I do that for every planner I own. I did a video once, showing me roll out a planner and someone freaked out. LOL. I crack that stiffness right out of it!!! LOL
I have the pocket luxe and it didn't lie flat at first. I worked on stretching the inside flap that holds the rings, and it is better. I have also let it rest so the center is raised to stretch it more. So much better...
I also only use mine as a wallet and a minimal on-the-go 'extension' of my larger financial tracking system in my personal binder.
Makes total sense. That is something I considered too. having the pocket as my on the go and use my FC compact as a reference planner- holding all my finances and home info... but Im a 1 planner girl with all things in one planner.... we shall see how things pan out. :)
I noticed that my Moterm does that corner thing too I think it's because I have a lot of inserts in it. I have the Personal size Moterm Luxe 2.0.
I have the personal luxe moterm as well and it lays flat. I think my pocket is defective. it feels like there is too much slack in the back pocket. more than usual. When I move into the personal I will double check...
@@MyMoxieDreams, I wonder if mine has that same thing. As much as I loved the idea of the back pocket, I don't use it that much and would probably do without it. I saw this beautiful olive/avocado-colored FC Pocket Her Point of View cover for sale, and OMG, I want it so bad, but those pages are smaller, and I think Compact is the size for me.
I have the same moterm pocket planner in the color honey. I've been using it constantly for two months. Mine lays completely flat but isn't as chunky as yours. Mine serves as my wallet as well. However, I keep it open on my desk unless I'm leaving the house. Are you leaving your planner open throughout the day or do you snap it closed around the chunk between uses??? Looks like your
leather is molding around the chunky inserts, which may be causing the one side to bend and pop up. I also have a 2.0 pocket luxe in pebbled leather that lays completely flat. My inserts can all lay to the right of my planner rings. the chunk doesn't go past the middle opening mark. If that makes sense. They do go right to them. I only mention this so you have a visual reference to how many inserts I keep and therefore my planner leather doesn't warp and mold around my inserts😊 hopefully this is helpful 😅 good luck!!❤
You may be on to something, My FC compacts all lay open on my desk- always. the pocket I found I was using and then closing back up. You may be right that it is molding while closed. My pocket feels much chunkier even though it is the exact same inserts as my FCC. thanks for you input - super helpful!
I would definitely try moving the months and such to the center to see if it helps. I personally have not had the issue of my moterm not laying flat so maybe it is just that particular cover. I hope you get it worked out.
I have a moterm personal luxe and I dont recall it not laying flat. But I will check and keep everyone posted.
Can you put Notes at the front and then the monthlies and weeklies? That would move the whole calendar section back a little bit and it wouldn't upset your current tab layout. If you needed to do a lot of writing in notes, you could slit the pages and pull them out to write and then put them back.
The notes area is like my brain dump page. If have my planner on my lap, the first place I turn to is my notes so that I can doodle, brain dump to do's etc. so having it at the front is difficult because the writing is so important to me. Why is this suddenly so hard.... I think to your previous comment- what works for you in a normal size won't work in a personal size. :( Boo
I have the Exact same
Chub-a-lard planner 📙
Keep your guts the way you love them…
Buy more pocket covers they are cheap enough, used…
Slit the holes of your pages and they snap back into the rings just like a happy planner😊
oh my god Crystal. I laughed my butt off at your CHUB-A-LARD planner!! LOL- I AM DYING!!! I will definitely be buying more moterm luxe 2.0 in pocket size. they are super inexpensive and I would love to have a black and maybe a blue. we shall see. I do slit the holes in my FC Compact and have done for years for inserts I take in and out. but I found doing that in my pocket seems to make the pages rip and fall out easier. So I minimized which inserts I did that too in my pocket. Thanks for making me laugh! You are AWESOME!
I use an original bullet journal style monthly log (vertical) instead of a traditional horizontal calendar and weeklies. I fill in birthdays and holidays before I print them out. Many fewer pages needed.
April
1.
2. bd Callie
3.
4. 1300 Oil change
5.
Hi! I have seen others with a system like this. (I think, if I am imagining it correctly) my fear is running out of space. What if on the 4th, you have 5 appointments on the same day- how does that work? Again, I might be imagining it wrong. I tend to do all errands + appt on the same day. to eliminate the going and coming and less interruption with my work from home schedule. I would love to understand your system. Do you have a YT- I would love to watch!!! :)
I have the same questions as Noelia.
A lot of moterms and other brands with back pockets don’t lay flat. It’s mostly the back pocket and partly the hide.
I had the same problem with my pocket moterm. I just didn't like that
I think that is why I never liked the Gillio campagna. because of that back pocket, and YET- the moterm personal luxe had one and I thought for sure I would hate it and I actually like it. I dont recall my personal luxe having issues laying flat. I will have to pay attention to that when I move into that cover in the coming months. I will keep you posted if I run into the same issues as my pocket.
I always put brain dump and list sections in the front, planner in the middle and reference in the back so the section I use most and write in most - planner is most flat.
Honest question. Why are you trying to use and make this work? I know it’s cute but you love your other system and it worked. Why change? Did you need it more portable or just wanted it because it’s cute?
I have always had my tabs the same and in the last 6 months things have felt weird. I am actually doing a video about this next week.
I really enjoy the pocket moleskine and its portability so I wanted to see if I could make a pocket ringswork. Again, my system remained the same. nothing as change but the size. My planners are functional and have been for almost 30 years. I am not a trend follower or a deco planner. I genuinely use my ring planner to organize my life...so wanting to go smaller was a genuine attempt of trying a small footprint. I loved it but I discovered something else about my planner system - that I will share in an upcoming video. Stay tuned! :)
I had to slim down my personal size. But I also have the FQ pocket with slimline rings so I have to be extra choosy with what I put in my binders. I chucked daily and monthly inserts and now I have 8 tabs for planning. 7 are a rolling week and the 8th is for future planning. All I need is empty lined paper. A few pages in Plotter style project folders serve for taking notes. 2 more tabs for my trackers. Just in case I need a yearly calendar I use a field notes notebook that has a week to a page. It's been good for me since I've downsized. I use a second binder that is Filofax mini extra slim as my inbox. I have to cut down index cards to punch and fit that binder or use a7 pages in it.
Ivan- Your comment is super impactful to me because this is EXACTLY what I discovered testing out the pocket rings. Being CHOOSY with what you put into your planner. Trying out the pocket made me realized that I needed to get back to the basics and really place things in my planner that are essential. The goal isn't to carry around a 5lb planner. the goal is to use your planner as tool. My planner is super functional for my life, but I found that I could use 1 insert for multiple things. something I lost sight of for a while. thank you for your comment!
I’m the same. I make my own unique sizes. My personal I absolutely refuse to cut them at 3.75. Heck no! I love fcc but I can use 4” instead. So that’s what I do. My pocket I actually made tn pocket size because I could never use pocket size. Way too tiny! Could you fall in love with another pocket in Gillio since they have the croc leathers you enjoy? My Gillio a6 lays flat. Franklin cover uses a weird pocket size it’s like an a6 from leuchtterm. Can you place them both in the middle? Ok, I see you have done that. Are the rings too large? Are you used to tinier rings so you can write on the paper without them being in the way? Filofax pocket doesn’t have the big back pocket in the way.
This is why I love my rings SO MUCH. The ability to play around with paper size and experiment on what works for us- is priceless. I heard the Gillio XL wouldn't fit my inserts and honestly, as much as I love the pocket, I dont think I want to invest in a Gillio or a VDS when I am not certain A. it will fit my inserts and B. that I will stick with the size. :)
Loved this video and I appreciate your candor. I’ve had several veg tan Moterms and while they are gorgeous they never laid flat. Ever. I had a plum pocket lux and it didn’t work for me but my handwriting is large. All of my Gillios lay completely flat. 🤷🏼♀️
I put my most used/written in inserts, which for me are monthly and daily in the center of my planner so it’s always the most level. So I have the entire year of monthlies and then the current month usually of dailies in the center of my planner, it’s a chunky beast. I love her. ♥️🫶🏻😊
Thank you Nessie! I have a new moterm luxe personal size- I dont recall that one doing it but I will find out when I get the urge to change my cover again. It is so weird because I have never had issues with inserts placements - I think that the chunkier it gets- the more moving things around is necessary. lol
I just received my first moterm veg tanned leather in personal. I am having the same issue with it not laying flat. I am hoping the leather becomes more supple and it will get better. I have to push the middle down to get it from raising up. It is driving me a bit nuts, too. I guess this will happen because the pocket needs room to fit around the planner. However, I have to say the planner is gorgeous and more affordable.
Hi Kristen! It is so weird because my personal luxe doesn't have that issue. Only my darn Pocket luxe. I have a Gillio Compagna, I have my Franklin Covey leather planner and I have to say, for me, the moterm is way better than the gillio campagna. at least it is my preference. I sold my compagnas a while ago and just kept my Gillio croco amica. But I agree the quality and the price of the moterm is unmatched.
I like to change covers too-I looked at Gillio and the pocket xl only has 20mm rings-deal breaker-so Moterm pocket xl for me-and I just set mine up because of you😄and I am loving it♥️
Exactly. I have a instagram planner buddy who is a die hard pocket girl and she told me that nothing else would work for me due to my custom size inserts for the pocket. AND I am so picky. :(
I'm sorry I have all these comments separate but I'm writing them as they occur to me. I don't think the small pocket size is as forgiving as the larger sizes. I've used all of them and that's one thing I've noticed. The things that worked in the larger planners won't necessarily work in the pocket.
100000000% agree.
One last thought. Your complaints are pretty big. Maybe the pocket just isn't going to work. I admire you for trying so hard to make it work, but maybe it just isn't going to work and you and should accept defeat. You've had a planner setup and size and cover that worked brilliantly for you. Why force something to work that just doesn't.
Exactly, This is what I hate about the planner world, some big planner girls change set up to a different size and everyone follows leaving a set up that works. Why, its daft. Yes pocket is cute but not many people can get anyway with it.
Hi Patty! Just wanted to chime in and say I miss seeing YOUR videos. 🙂
Hi Claire! hmmm... your comment is interesting. I have been a functional planner for almost 30 years- before there was instagram and "big planner girls" I used a FC Classic size (half letter) - that size suited me for almost 20 years in the financial industry. Then my life shifted and I found the FC Compact size. I realized that I didn't need the larger classic size anymore. most recently, I was trying the pocket rings, not because of some trend but because as I am truly evolving and needing something even smaller than my FC Compact. Also, I mention often in all my videos- my planner system (what I call my planner guts) works and hasn't changed at all. The covers change and in this instance for the 1st time in almost a decade- i tried a smaller size. If you follow me, you know I don't do trends. I encourage everyone to DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU- I am a firm believer that you shouldn't copy someone's planner system because what matters to them in their planner may not be what you value in yours. I understand where you are coming from- it reminds me of the STANLEY CUP craziness. I have had a YEDI for decades. Just because some blogger says a Stanley cup is the "in" thing doesn't make me want to go buy that cup. My yeti works- why would I change?? That being said, everyone is allowed to try and experiment. If you have been with me for a while you know I am not a planner hopper. my system is crucial to my life and my mental health. Trying a different size is a big deal for me because I hate change... LOL. . Clearly I hate change so much that I was focusing on these non negotiable so that I could go crawling back to my compact size. LOL. All this to say- DO YOU AND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. I strongly believe this for all my followers. :) Hope this makes sense.
agreed. I think I know what my true love is.
@@TracysPlansAw, thanks. One of these days I’ll do another one.
I haven't ever had a planner with the big back pocket that laid flat. The planners you've used that laid flat didn't have the big back pocket. Right?
I think I had a Gillio Compagna XL ostrich with a back pocket and I honestly can't remember. I feel like if it didnt lay flat, I would have remembered. I have a moterm personal luxe and I will see if it lays flat for me. I will keep you posted.
I would move all of the months behind that tab then the calendar tab would make more sense to me and still keep things in the comfortable writing space.
Thanks for the feedback Tracy. It is so weird that I am having issues with placement. I haven't had this kind of unbalance in my planner before---- I am guessing it is a pocket problem for me.
I've been working on setting up my pocket since January. For ten years I had taken care of my ex-husband until he passed away last year. Now I have a lot less to carry around since it is just my youngest daughter and myself. We homeschool and are generally homebodies except when we get the urge to people for a while, but peopling is exhausting for both of us.
My previous system was no longer working and I am currently in an A5 Slim Jibun Techo to keep up with things and not get lost, but I don't have all the things I need with me which is why it is taking forever to set up this pocket. I've also become a major paper snob and am setting it up with Tomoe River Paper. Trying different things here and there to find a new system that works for this stage of life.
I tend to stuff my rings to near bursting capacity so I am trying to keep things to the "correct" amount for the rings...I keep failing and starting over again. I do love the smaller sizes now and try to stick with a pocket or A6. I do often get the urge to jump back into my FCC since it was my first planner size for so many years. Sometimes we just need a change or change things up and other times we just need to stick with what we know is working.
First, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine. 2nd- YOU ARE NOT FAILING. remember, as we evolve, so does our needs and our planners. I think trying out things is great. You can play around with what works and what doesn't. I am working on a video about what I discovered about myself and my system after trying the pocket rings. a gentlemen shared a comment about sliming down his planner. often times we think we needs stuff that we dont. my suggestion is start with the bare minimum - just a calendar (for when you people lol- ps we are the same way) what do you notice you need. then slowly build. that is my recommendation but YOU and only you will find what works. I think you might be overwhelmed with all the choices. either way- I hope you find your sweet spot. Big hugs to you and your daughter as you navigate your new normal. @@fiftyplusplans
I think bc the rings are so big in FC that everything lays flat. My classic is so stuffed, but the big rings still allows the front planner pages to lay flat
YES!! Oh man- the classic was perfection. I remember I had so much room when I was in that size. and YES, my rings are always 1.25-1.5 inch rings. ( I secretly feel ashamed saying that out loud!! LOL)
I would suggest looking into Vanderspek. They have a brown croco leather and are customizable. You can make them the exact dimensions you want, ring size and can be made without a big back pocket (so it lies flat)!
As for the insert order, just play with them until your current month is in the middle. I like the “currently” tab idea!
Thanks Brandi- Everyone is recommending Nayapaperie & VDS. I have to really be committed to the size to get a custom done. I did check the VDS and the brown crocs seems a little too shiny for my liking. if and when I decide to give pocket another try- I will definitely look into a custom. :)
I think all the Moterm covers have the “not laying flat” issue; it’s not a default in your cover, it’s a characteristic of the moterm covers. I don’t like them because of it! You can have custom covers made for you from Nayapaperie, from VDS, or from Collin, why not?
Totally agree!! I suggested custom made as well.
Thanks so much for your feedback. I am learning that It is indeed a moterm thing. If I was 10000% committed to changing to a pocket rings, I wouldn't mind having a custom made one. I love Colin and I have seen the gorgeous deliciousness of the Nayapaperie and VDS. ... but I have 3 PERFECT FC compact size leather covers that I could never replicate with any other vendor. So it is hard for me to reconcile a custom order. Maybe one of these days, I will try. :)
I have a vds it doesn’t lay flat i dont care for Krause rings either
Any planner with a back pocket has issues with lying flat. It makes sense when think about the need to have that space flex with adding things. Personally for me, it's a non issue. I value the pocket.
As a Franklin Covey pocket user, your inserts will fit. The size insert they make is 3.5x6, the size of a check. But I've used field note sized inserts (just a hair larger than yours (3.5x5.5) with no problem and I've also used A6 in them. The problem with them is, there is nothing in the FC line that fits what you prefer and they don't support their own size well. You also like leather. It's hard getting a good pocket size binder from them in leather. And the rings are tiny...usually less than 1" these days (.5" to .75"). I've had to swap out from some of my older binders when they had larger rings to get 1".
I feel like your are more comfortable in the compact. These seem to be big issues for you and honestly, a pocket planner seems an uncomfortably tight fit for how you use your system.
I'm team ditch the pocket in the name of a good experiment. Maybe planner insert (vendors) would be an equally good experiment?
Hi there. Thanks for watching and for the great feedback! I am very much more comfortable in my compact. I love the portability of the pocket but with me needing readers all the time, the squinting to see my inserts is not fun. LOL. A'las I have indeed ditched the pocket and happily back into my beautiful FC chocolate aurora. :)
@MyMoxieDreams I get it. I love the pocket size. I really want to love in it, even the FC pocket suits me fine. But it's just a tad small and I am so much more productive in a little bit larger size.
I'm sure there are more covers out there but it will probably take some effort to find them. You could always go custom. That might be what you have to do.
I agree- if I jump back into the pocket again, it would be valuable to get a custom made. However, I really need to commit to that size if I am going to spend a few hundred dollars on a custom. AND with so many options- I would go insane trying to create the perfect pocket layout. lol
I think you should move your planner the way you said. Change the tabs and move weeks and monthly to the center.
Have you tried to custom order your pocket from Vander Sp VDS?
I have always tried to stay in a pocket but I haven't found my sweet spot there. I think I could live in a pocket if those issues were the only issues I had. 😅 I moved into a True A6 (a lot less variety than pocket) and that works for me. My original love was FCC NOT Personal size. I know you want leathers and I like faux leathers due the variety. Just a thought
Thanks so much for your feedback. I agree and moved tabs accordingly. I have thought about custom order planner but I am not committed enough to Pocket rings to justify a custom. But, if I decide to try again- I think that will be the route I take. To have a custom pocket made with VDS. We shall see.... I told myself I would not buy another planner after finding my unicorn and here I am drawing out planner dimensions for a custom pocket rings. LOL
My pocket luxe doesn't lay flat.
this seems to be the consensus! I really love the size but I feel my chunkiness can not be contained in a pocket. ;)
I think you have to put stuff in the front that doesn't require a lot of attention. I currently have my tasks in the front and that isn't working at all. It's extremely unpleasant to work in that area so I'm going to have to move it. I'll put something there that I look out but don't write it.
I am beginning to understand the planners who have a whole 1st section of decoration. layer upon layer of beautiful decoration before they reach the center. They may be on to something, however, it is still valuable space- and I can't imagine having something in my planner that wasn't essential and that I didnt utilize. I think this is why I keep all 12 months up front. I can reference it when I need to but it isn't a daily active section I use. Hopefully my recent layout video sticks.
You have too much stuff crammed into this planner. I love chunky too but….
Hi Linda... everything in my planner is essential. the planner has to conform to my needs, not me to the planner. Happy Planning!
Franklin Covey Pocket = True A6 …… my absolute favorite planner from Franklin Covey is a Franklin quest vintage black leather pocket. I have supremos I have a black supreme. I have a tan supreme in classic. Both are unicorn planners and I always go back to my Franklin quest leather black squishy pocket it is the perfect planner. It’s not as big as a personal. It’s not quite as big as a true AI and it’s not as small as an A7
isn't it funny what sizes just work for us and how we always find our way back?! :)
I’m gonna say this Ms N! let’s go back into Personal pleaseeeeeeeeeee. Keep the pocket planner for history keeping but let’s not mess with perfection in the personal. You know where to put your hand to find item placement WEEEEEEEE 😂 can change our covers monthly. We can create beautiful covers because it brings you JOY!!!!!!!🎉.
My selfish reasons because I’ve found planner peace in my EDC using the FC size because of you - it is PERFECT!❤
Agree! Same here! 😊
..... well you must be ecstatic!! I loved the pocket but I felt like I was missing something... or rather forcing something.... There is nothing....NOTHING like my FC Compact. she is my one true love.
Your wish is my command! LOL. ;)
I almost always take my insert out to write on it. That being said, I think you’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Aside from it being super adorbs, why are you trying so hard to make pocket work for you?
I mentioned this in another comment... I have been a functional planner for almost 30 years. 20 of those were in a Franklin Covey Classic (half letter size) that size worked for me in the day to day grind in the financial industry. when I left the industry I knew I didnt need that size anymore- I evolved into a small size - the FC Compact. I have found that as I get older- my needs are changing - and so my planner evolves. I was trying the pocket rings to see if this was the next evolutionary step. My planner system (the guts) dont change. Yes, the pocket is cute---but that was not a factor in trying the new size. what I found is I am not ready for a pocket. my sweet spot is my compact. :) I simply love it too much to leave her. lol
You completely repeated me with my planner. 1. The size issue-It's not the problem of the moterm, it's the problem of other planbers. That's why I didn't buy a pocket gillio. You could solve the issue buy buying more of the moterm pocket luxe in different colors.2. My pocket moterms lay flat, but I heard about this flatability issue many times. 3. Move tabs as: 1.to do. 2. months and weeks.4. I move my calendar in the middle too. But I don't carry thatvmuch anymore as I don't like the weight. I have several planners and divide the necessary with me pages and unnecessary with me pages that I could leave at home.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Kat. I have a moterm personal plus and she lies flat too. my pocket just doesn't want to cooperate. lol. I am really being challenged with my placement in my planner... I have never felt this uneasy about placement. Hopefully it will resolve. Thanks for watching!!! :)