If you’d like to get into Bullet Journaling but you’re wondering how much it costs to start, the answer is simply that it can be very cheap or very expensive. You’ll have to make several decisions about what to buy vs. what you already have on-hand. And each purchase can add up quickly if you don’t pay close attention or set a budget from the start.
Starting a Bullet Journal for Free
Bullet journaling is a popular and effective way to organize your life, and it can be as cheap or expensive as you make it.
How cheaply can you start a bullet Journaling habit? You can get into bullet Journaling for FREE.
That’s right. You don’t have to spend ANY money to start, technically. If you have a pen and a notebook you have all you need. However, a lot of beginners get hung up on this because they think they need to start the ‘right’ way. I’m here to tell you bullet journaling is more about mindset than materials.
Like most people, I was a toddler, when I started creating art. It was messy. I used a lot of materials. But, most of all, it was fun. I didn’t care if I used off-brand crayons ? and the back-side of used paper (or, let’s be honest, walls, bed headboards, and toys). I was learning, and that was exactly what I needed to do.
So while it’s true that some people spend a lot of money on fancy pens, markers, stickers, and other supplies for their bullet journal, it’s not necessary to break the bank in order to get started. In fact, it’s probably MORE important that you don’t use expensive materials to start with. Otherwise overwhelm and intimidation can stop you in your tracks.
Cheap Bullet Journal Ideas
Of course, if you want to add a little bit of creativity and personality to your bullet journal, you may choose to invest in some supplies. This can include things like washi tape, stickers, stamps, or brush pens. But these are all optional and not necessary for the core functionality of a bullet journal.
Simply put, a bullet journal is just a notebook and a pen. Any notebook will do, from a cheap spiral bound one to a more expensive, leather-bound journal. And any pen will work as well, whether it’s a basic ballpoint or a fancy fountain pen.
However, your bullet journal is a personal tool that helps you keep track of your daily tasks, goals, and plans. By using quality supplies, you can make your journaling experience more enjoyable and productive.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider upgrading your supplies:
Better writing experience
Higher quality paper and pens will make writing in your journal a more pleasant experience. If you’re used to writing with cheap pens that smudge or bleed through the paper, upgrading to high-quality pens will make a big difference.
Longer-lasting journal
If you’re using a low-quality journal, it might not last long, especially if you write in it every day. Investing in a quality journal that’s built to last will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to replace your journal as often.
More creative freedom
With better supplies, you can express your creativity in new ways. For example, using different colors of pens and markers can add a pop of color to your spreads, making your journal more visually appealing.
Upgrading Your Bullet Journal Experience on a Budget
If you’re like me, you know the dollar store is great for some things, but not everything.
As I grew up, I learned how to refine my artistic techniques. I also learned there were limitations to grade-school-quality art supplies. The cheaply-made mass-produced pigments didn’t float or flow as well as professional grade materials. There were vast inconsistencies in colors that made matching designs difficult to impossible. And many times you just can’t get them to work quite right.
But better materials generally cost more money. And it can be easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of buying new supplies and gadgets to enhance your experience. So when you’re ready to upgrade your bullet journal, how can you do it without spending a fortune?
How to Upgrade Without Breaking the Bank
Shop sales and discounts
Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on bullet journaling supplies. Many retailers offer discounts on pens, markers, and journals throughout the year, so be on the lookout for a good deal.
Try alternative brands
Just because a brand is well-known doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. Experiment with alternative brands to find quality supplies that fit your budget.
Invest in a few key items
Instead of buying a whole bunch of new supplies, consider investing in a few key items that will make the biggest impact on your bullet journaling experience. For example, a high-quality journal and a set of quality pens can make a big difference.
Reuse and recycle
Don’t be afraid to reuse and recycle items you already have, such as cardboard boxes, paper, and envelopes. These items can be repurposed as dividers, pockets, and other elements in your bullet journal.
The Grid Tool: A Budget-Friendly Upgrade
Another budget-friendly way to upgrade your bullet journaling experience is to use The Grid Tool. This product is a set of reusable grid rulers that can be used to create custom spreads and layouts in your journal. With sizes available in A5, B5, Composition, US Letter, A4, and many more, The Grid Tool offers the benefits of a flexible, portable, and reusable ruler, designed to work with the spacing and size of your favorite notebook or paper.
The Grid Tool saves you time and reduces frustration by eliminating the need to count and calculate spaces for each layout. This allows you to focus on being creative and productive in your journaling, without having to worry about making mistakes.
In conclusion, upgrading your bullet journaling supplies doesn’t have to break the bank. By shopping for sales and discounts, trying alternative brands, investing in a few key items, and reusing and recycling items you already have, bullet journaling can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. It’s all up to you and your personal budget and preferences.