Starting a journal always sounds like a good idea… until you open a blank page and suddenly forget how thoughts work.
The truth is, it’s not about having more supplies. It’s about having a few things that feel nice enough to use that you’ll actually...
Sections
7
The Basics (Start Here, Don’t Overthink It)
Make It Feel Less Boring (This Is Where People Stay Consistent)
Tools That Make Things Easier (Not Fancy, Just Helpful)
If You Want to Get a Bit More Creative (Still Beginner-Friendly)
Keep It Organized (So You Actually Use It Again)
Low-Effort Digital Add-Ons (Optional, Not Required)
The Basics (Start Here, Don’t Overthink It)
You don’t need a perfect system. You just need something you won’t avoid using.
A5 is the sweet spot. Not too big, not too intimidating. Dotted or lined works fine, just pick one and stop over-researching it.
Simple A5 Notebook
Smooth, reliable, and cheap enough that you won’t panic if one disappears into the void.
Gel Pens
Soft colors > neon chaos. Makes your pages look calm instead of like a school textbook meltdown.
Mild Highlighters
For when you want to think before committing ink. Happens more than people admit.
Basic Mechanical Pencil
Make It Feel Less Boring (This Is Where People Stay Consistent)
You don’t need aesthetics… but they help more than anyone wants to admit
Low effort way to make pages look intentional. Also removable, which is great for commitment issues.
Washi Tape (Any simple neutral or pastel set)
No one needs stickers. Everyone enjoys them anyway.
Sticker Packs (Planner or random aesthetic ones)
Receipts, packaging, random paper bits. Suddenly your journal feels more like a memory space than a task.
Scrap Paper
Cleaner than liquid glue. Less chaos, fewer regrets.
Glue Tape
Tools That Make Things Easier (Not Fancy, Just Helpful)
These are the “why didn’t I get this earlier” items.
Cuts cleanly. Doesn’t fight you. That’s all we’re asking for.
Good Scissors
For when you want lines that don’t look like you were on a moving bus.
Small Ruler or Stencil
Fix small mistakes without destroying the entire page. Quietly underrated.
Precision Eraser
Sounds unnecessary until you try placing tiny stickers without it.
Tweezers for Stickers
If You Want to Get a Bit More Creative (Still Beginner-Friendly)
No pressure to be “good” at this.
Good for trying lettering without committing to full calligraphy mode.
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
Clean outlines, no smudging. Great if you like simple sketches.
Fineliners
You don’t need 100 colors. But having a few makes things feel less flat.
Basic Color Markers
Keep It Organized (So You Actually Use It Again)
Because digging through chaos kills motivation fast.
Keeps your “go-to” tools in one place. No treasure hunt required.
Simple Pencil Case or Pouch
Good if you’re mixing journaling with school notes or random life planning.
Folder or Divider
Low-Effort Digital Add-Ons (Optional, Not Required)
For people who like a hybrid setup.
Printing small photos makes journaling feel more alive without needing art skills.
Photo Printer
Adds structure fast. Also weirdly satisfying.
Label Maker
The Part No One Talks About (But Matters Most)
If you wait for a perfect page, you won’t start. Slightly messy pages are usually the ones people come back to.
The “Messy Is Fine” Rule
You don’t need a full routine. Just sit down, write something small, and leave. That’s enough.
Start With 5 Minutes
If it starts feeling like something you’d post instead of something you’d keep, it gets exhausting fast.
