• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar

Just Bright Ideas

Inspire Creativity

Home > Bullet Journal > Bullet Journal Setup Guide {Getting Started in 6 SIMPLE steps}

Bullet Journal Setup Guide {Getting Started in 6 SIMPLE steps}

We may receive a commission for purchases or clicks made through product links in this post. Disclosure policy

  • Pin
  • Share
  •  shares
This Bullet Journal setup guide will show you how you can free your mind from trying to remember all of those lists and responsibilities and focus on getting things done!


I've been wondering how to setup a bullet journal  and this guide has everything I need to get started!

What is a Bullet Journal anyway?

There isn’t usually a day that passes that I don’t hear people talking about Bullet Journals, one friend uses hers to stay on top of her teaching duties, reading logs and crochet projects, another is a lawyer and uses hers to stay organized but also has the best collection of cat name ideas mixed right in there with her work stuff!

So what is a Bullet Journal? Well the simplest explanation I can give you is that it’s a to-do list, a planner and a diary all in one book.

Sound like a crazy idea? Most people think that until they actually try it, because when it comes to Bullet Journalling the proof is in the pudding. You won’t know if it it’s the thing that’s going to rock your world until you try it.

And the best thing about using a Bullet Journal is that it’s totally custom designed for you, by you.

If you struggle using a planner because you can never find one that has the right layout, or number of boxes, for the information you need to organize your time then a Bullet Journal is what you want. You can decide whether you want to plan your time using a daily or weekly spread, and you can design it yourself right there on a blank page. And at the end of the month you take a look at what worked and what didn’t and you design a slightly different layout for the next month! It evolves with you.

If you’ve always liked the idea of journalling or keeping a diary but never really knew what to write down then a Bullet Journal can help you with that too. You can go as simple as recording events and memories right there in your “planner” lists. Or you can embrace bujo collections and have whole pages dedicated to the books you’ve read, the places you’d love to visit, or just how long it took you to complete the couch to 5k!

Keep reading to check out our super simple guide to Bullet Journal setup, because all you need to get started is a blank notebook and a pen so you have nothing to lose in trying it out for yourself!


Bullet Journal Setup and What is a Bullet Journal

Bullet Journal Setup

Now you know what a Bullet Journal is here’s your super simple guide to setup!

Step 1: Number all of your pages

Unless you have a Leuchtturm1917 notebook which comes with it’s pages already numbered you’re going to need to hand write in your own page numbers.

It’s tempting to think you’ll just do it as you go along but since the page numbers are pretty critical to how your Bullet Journal works it’s best to do it up front.

So grab a pen, switch on your favourite TV show and get it done!


Step 2: Set up your Bullet Journal index on the first two pages

This is where you are going to list out all of your weekly and monthly logs, planners, trackers and collections.

Set aside at least two pages, and then it’s up to you whether you want to have a running list of all items in your BuJo with their associated page numbers, or whether you want to break the index up into sections so your logs are separate from your collections.

Just make sure you remember that every time you start a new page you need to note down the title and page number in your index so you can find it again!

Here are a few examples to inspire you.

Chronological index

via @abulletandsomelines

Here’s an example of a chronological index

This is an example of a chronological index.

Split column index

via @pandiwords

And this one uses a different column for logs and collections etc.

And this one uses a different column for logs and collections etc.

Step 3: Set up your future log

This is where you are going to keep track of events coming up over the next year. It could be a dentist appointment, your car service or a friend’s birthday.

Your future log will extend over a number of pages depending on how much space you want to set aside for each month.

The most common practice is to split a page into three sections so that you have a four page spread to cover the whole year.

It’s up to you whether you use horizontal or vertical columns. You can also decide whether to have a dated calendar box incorporated into your future log. Some people choose to have a page with all 12 boxes on so they can see the year at a glance.

Oh and going back to the birthday thing, you might actually decide to set up a birthday spread instead because it can be more fun that way!

Here’s your future log inspiration…

Horizontal log

via @bujobeyond

Here’s a great example of a horizontal monthly log set up.

This is a great example of a horizontal future log set up.

Calendar squares

via @craftyenginerd

I love how the calendar squares have been offset to a different side each time and then decorated!

In this spread I love how the calendar squares have been offset to a different side each time and then decorated!

Illustrated future log

via @deskgraphy

Here’s an example of how you can add some illustrations to your monthly log. Of course you could just skip the pictures and have more space for your entries!

Here’s an example of how you can add some illustrations to your future log. Of course you could just skip the pictures and have more space for your entries!

How to cope with recurring events

via @rosekjournals

Monthly Log Example

Or you can break the mould completely and try this future log spread which uses columns to show which event belongs to which month. This is useful if you have recurring events throughout the year because you don’t have to keep writing them out over and over again!

Future log on one page

via @raehaus

Future Planning Log

You can even fit the whole year on one page doing it this way!

Birthday tracker

via @thesweetpeaandlove

BuJO Birthday Tracker

Here’s a creative way to keep all your birthdays on one spread outside of your future log.

Step 4: Set up your monthly spread for the upcoming month

Now it’s time to add your monthly spread, which is usually your calendar and to do list for the month ahead.

The quick and dirty way to set this up is to write the numbers 1-31 (or 28 or 30) down the left hand side of the left page so that this becomes you calendar. And then on the facing page write out your tasks in bullet form.

Or you can be more creative with it…

Monthly spread

via @clara.bear.7

Monthly Spread

Use more traditional calendar boxes on the left, and then use the right side to track your bucket list for the month, note down highlights and remember what needs cleaning!

Use a calendar grid

via @gombujo

Monthly Spread

Use a calendar grid on the left and then on the right note down important dates, goals and tasks.

Make room for your habit tracker

via @rreow

Monthly Spread

Set out the dates in a list but make room for your habit tracker by date too.

Two page spread

via @bujo_bina

Monthly Spread

Use a two page spread for your box calendar layout.

Month at a glance

via @stylis.hhistorian

Monthyl Spread

I love this one! Set out a box calendar on the left, but turn it sideways to make use of the space, and then use the right hand page for habits, goals and a quote!

Step 5 – Set up your weekly log

And now it’s time to set up your first weekly log. This is the real meat of your BuJo, the place where you keep track of all of your daily activities as well as ideas and events, and even things you just want to remember.

You can keep it really simple and just have a list of bullets for the first day, then at the end of the day write the following day’s date with bullets for the next day and so on.

Or you can plan out a week at a time so that you have boxes prepared to write in.

Here are some spreads to inspire you…

Ongoing list

via @adagio.studies

Daily Logs

Here’s an example of an ongoing list, but there’s space on the side for events, and the spread is limited to the current week. Highlighting the dates adds a bit of colour and life to your lists.

Decorative daily log

via @adagio.studies

Daily Logs

Here’s another example of a running daily log with some decorative elements.

Planned out dailies

via @noisyghostco

Daily Logs

These dailies have been planned out in advance so that each day gets the same amount of space on the page.

A week’s worth of dailies

via @whats_up_gwen

Daily Logs

Here’s another example of how you can set your dailies up a week at a time.

A day to a page

via @lifeviasara

Daily Logs

Or you can use a whole page for each day, incorporating your bulleted task lists with some journaling about the day. Oh and keeping track of the weather!

The great thing about your Bullet Journal is that you can try any number of these spreads until you find the one that suits your life best.

We have a whole collection of Bullet Journal weekly spread ideas to inspire you, so try out a few and see what works for you!

Step 6 – Set up your collections

Collections are pages where you keep track of related information all in one place. You might want to track the movies you have watched, books you have read, your weight loss journey, your capsule wardrobe or even your mood.

For inspiration head on over to our Bullet Journal tracker collection which has been shared almost 200,000 times by our readers!

And your bullet journal is now ready to use!

Creative Ideas for Bullet Journalling

You’ve probably figured out already from all of the fabulous spreads and layouts we’ve shared that bullet journalling is a wonderful opportunity to let your creative spirit run wild.

We have some more setup ideas to help you make sure you have the basic spreads you need to make your BUJO work for you.

And then why not take a look at these collections of flower doodles and banners and headers to help you bring your layouts to life.

If you like the idea of switching up the look and feel of your spreads and layouts each month check out our collection of monthly bullet journal themes.

And if you really want a creative looking journal but you just don’t have the time or the patience to draw everything out you can just cheat a little and use bullet journal printables instead! No one will think any less of you for it!

Bullet Journal Setup Videos

If you want to watch someone else set up their BuJo before you take the leap into yours check out some of these bullet journal set up videos.

I love how she set up her birthday and special events page. It’s called a spiraldex and they’re super easy to set up with a stencil like this one!

It was also good to see someone mess up while setting up their bullet journal and how they fixed it! This definitely helped me when I got started because I admit for the first few days I was scared to write in my brand new journal in case I messed up and made it look terrible!

What a genius idea to use washi tape to make sure her design was nice and straight around her annual calendar! I really like how she set up her monthly log with the calendar at the top of each column.

Here’s a neat trick… go through your blank journal and use post its to plan out what you want to track on each page before you start drawing out your spreads!

I love her Trip Down Memory Lane tracker page for noting things she wants to remember throughout the year.

This video isn’t about setting up for 2019, it’s a flip through of her 2017 journal and it’s a really good example of how you can use your BuJo as a “journal” rather than just a task tracker.

I like how she sets up her monthly log using horizontal boxes but offsetting the calendar date box each time.

Check out this video if (like me) you’re a little intimidated by all the creativeness you seen Instagram. This is a minimalistic set up.

Pin these ideas! Hit the button to save these ideas for later.

Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more great stuff!

How to Set Up Your Bullet Journal - Who knew it was so easy to get started with a BuJo! Just 6 simple steps and you're on your way. So grab a notebook and pen and get started today! #BuJo #BulletJournal #Planner

& 


  • Pin
  • Share
  •  shares

Contents

  • What is a Bullet Journal anyway?
  • Bullet Journal Setup
    • Step 1: Number all of your pages
    • Step 2: Set up your Bullet Journal index on the first two pages
    • Step 3: Set up your future log
    • Step 4: Set up your monthly spread for the upcoming month
    • Step 5 – Set up your weekly log
    • Step 6 – Set up your collections
  • Creative Ideas for Bullet Journalling
  • Bullet Journal Setup Videos

Filed Under: Bullet Journal Tagged With: Bullet Journal Setup

Primary Sidebar

Loving these handmade BUJO notebooks!

Reader’s Favorite

So many great February bullet journal cover page ideas to inspire!

February Bullet Journal Cover Page Ideas {It’s not all hearts and flowers!}

Secondary Sidebar

Bullet Journal

  • Craft Project Tracker Bullet Journal Ideas {For your creative side!}
  • Bullet Journal Pen Test Spreads You’ll Want to Try for Yourself!
  • Bullet Journal Hacks {You won’t want to miss!}

Categories

  • Bullet Journal
  • Celebrate
  • Crafts for Kids
  • Crochet
  • Disney Hacks
  • DIY Projects
  • Kid's Activities
  • Life Hacks
  • Quick & Easy Recipes

What’s Hot

Bullet Journal Tracker Ideas 2019 {The ULTIMATE list of layouts!}

44 Insanely Useful Things to Pack for Your Disney Vacation

Disney Dining Plan Hacks {Things you must know before you eat!}

  • Store
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

© 2019 · Just Bright Ideas · We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Popular posts

  • Bullet journal tracker ideas and layouts you need to try in 2019 and beyond!
    Bullet Journal Tracker Ideas 2019 {The ULTIMATE list of layouts!} 252.7Kshares
  • Bullet Journal Setup and What is a Bullet Journal
    Bullet Journal Setup Guide {Getting Started in 6 SIMPLE steps} 71.2Kshares
  • Bullet Journal Weekly Layouts You'll Love
    41 Amazing Bullet Journal Weekly Spread Ideas You’ll Lose Your Mind Over 59.1Kshares
  • Mood Tracker Bullet Journal
    Mood Tracker Bullet Journal Ideas {Track your emotions each day!} 47.3Kshares