Reusable Bags

[digi_diva]

I know that a lot of people use the store reusable bags. I have a couple of questions about that.

1. To save money, does your reusable bag have to be for that store? In other words, to save at WG does your bag have to be a WG bag?
2. I know when I go into some stores, I will come out with 2, 3 or 4 bags of stuff. Do you have to get 4 bags from the one store or how does people handle getting multi bags of stuff from one store.

On a seperate note, I've just been watching passion for savings extreme couponing classes and she was talking about using a box instead of a binder, because it saves her time. She also files alphabetically, instead of categorically. Basically, is it faster? I use a binder broken up into categories now and it does seem to take a lot of time. Also, there are some stuff that don't go into a definite category ( I got the categories from the Krazy Coupon Lady) so like there is not a category for bread. Sometimes I have to look because I can't find something. Do any of you use the alphabetical system and if so do you have any problems with it? (aka, is it a pain for say so many colgate coupons to be in one place and such) Hope this all makes sense!

[love2save]

I only have 2 stores that pay you to use reusable bags. Target and HyVee both pay .05 for each bag they use and they dont' care what bag you use.

[amylynne01]

Nope, the bag does not have to match the store. It's just an incentive to use any reusable bag and save the plastic bags from the landfills and oceans.

About categorizing, I use the categories from our database. Everything has a place (bread goes under grains/pasta/sides). I don't think any one way is faster than another - it's just what works for you and what makes sense for your shopping.

[$Saving!]

I know that a lot of people use the store reusable bags. I have a couple of questions about that.

1. To save money, does your reusable bag have to be for that store? In other words, to save at WG does your bag have to be a WG bag?
2. I know when I go into some stores, I will come out with 2, 3 or 4 bags of stuff. Do you have to get 4 bags from the one store or how does people handle getting multi bags of stuff from one store.

I use IKEA bags, they're blue, lightweight and have VERY strong handles that web handles (short and shoulder) that never break - the bag is made from lightweight tarp material - the plastic kind with an inner thread weave. I use them at all the stores, stores that give credit and stores that don't I get credit for use of those bags at Lowes Food and CVS and they hold a lot (come in a variety of sizes). Depending on how large your grocery runs are and how bulky some items are, I would say for every two plastic grocery bags they use, one of my bags would cover it. Hard to say - depends on your items/sizes how many bags you'll need.

On a seperate note, I've just been watching passion for savings extreme couponing classes and she was talking about using a box instead of a binder, because it saves her time. She also files alphabetically, instead of categorically. Basically, is it faster?

I've been couponing 29 years, I've never used a binder and seeing them and knowing many who do personally, I just can't invest that kind of time/money into a system that to me seems too high maintenance I'm "old school" I use two letter envelope size (and slightly deeper) leather bound check files, each has 24 categories and one is for non-food items and the other for food items.

You will eventually find what works best for you. As to filing alphabetically, that requires too much 'thought' for me I do really well with categories, once my coupons are clipped I sit and sort them on a table by categories that I know in my head (easy to keep 24 categories in my little head) and then just plop them into their slot in the accordian check files.

I use a binder broken up into categories now and it does seem to take a lot of time. Also, there are some stuff that don't go into a definite category ( I got the categories from the Krazy Coupon Lady) so like there is not a category for bread. Sometimes I have to look because I can't find something. Do any of you use the alphabetical system and if so do you have any problems with it? (aka, is it a pain for say so many colgate coupons to be in one place and such) Hope this all makes sense!

You can make your categories anything you like, whatever works for you.

For example, for me, one of my categories is labeled "meat and dairy" - odd, I know, But every one of my grocery stores has all the meat and dairy along the back wall area. It's just easy for me to think of where to find the coupons when I think of the store layout.

I have frozen broken down into three categories (breakfast items, entree and veggies, misc for desserts, breads etc)

Again, you have to personalize your system to work for you, the trouble with following anyone else in organizing your coupons is that if it doesn't make sense to you, or isn't a natural thought process that clicks with you, you will get frustrated and quit keeping it up and useful.

[jennsvs]

I agree that you have to come up with your own categories sometimes. For instance, I put bread under a Bakery/Produce category since the stores I go to have those in the same area. I personally do a binder system, then I have an accordian type envelope for my purse since taking a binder into a store nowadays is like walking in with a big red target on my butt. I leave the binder in my van and if I find a good sale, I can go out and get the coupons. I use the accordian envelope to put the coupons in that I know I will be using that day. My binder categories are organized by the Meijer store layout. I start from the front of the store and work my way back. When putting my coupons in my envelope, I put them in order of the items so I am not back tracking.

I know my way seems like it takes forever because of the coupons being taken from one thing to another. One of the main reasons I don't take my binder in is because it has been nearly stolen a few times right out of the cart. Both times I was getting something off the shelf. If you choose this method, or any method for that matter, please make sure that there is some way to hook it to the cart. My binder has a strap on it, so on the very rare occurance that I would take it in the store, I strap it to the baby belt along with my purse.

[chbamb2001]

I know that a lot of people use the store reusable bags. I have a couple of questions about that.

1. To save money, does your reusable bag have to be for that store? In other words, to save at WG does your bag have to be a WG bag?
2. I know when I go into some stores, I will come out with 2, 3 or 4 bags of stuff. Do you have to get 4 bags from the one store or how does people handle getting multi bags of stuff from one store.

On a seperate note, I've just been watching passion for savings extreme couponing classes and she was talking about using a box instead of a binder, because it saves her time. She also files alphabetically, instead of categorically. Basically, is it faster? I use a binder broken up into categories now and it does seem to take a lot of time. Also, there are some stuff that don't go into a definite category ( I got the categories from the Krazy Coupon Lady) so like there is not a category for bread. Sometimes I have to look because I can't find something. Do any of you use the alphabetical system and if so do you have any problems with it? (aka, is it a pain for say so many colgate coupons to be in one place and such) Hope this all makes sense!

I've tried both the binder and box, alphabetical and categories. For me, with young kids in tow, it is faster when filed alphabetically and in the binder. I say the binder, because, once I have the right page, I can go directly to the coupon and not have to flip through all my colgates or general mill cereals coupons. If they were in a box, my son would and has dump them all of the floor!

[mzbeers]

I've tried both the binder and box, alphabetical and categories. For me, with young kids in tow, it is faster when filed alphabetically and in the binder. I say the binder, because, once I have the right page, I can go directly to the coupon and not have to flip through all my colgates or general mill cereals coupons. If they were in a box, my son would and has dump them all of the floor!

When you file alphabetically, do you file it by brand name, or "type"? Example, Colgate Toothpaste, would you file under C, or T?

[Merczilla]

Only Safeway and Fred Meyer (Kroger) give credit where I am. I use anybody's bag anywhere. I have Fred's bags, Target bags, a couple of Walgreens and several miscellaneous ones.

I use the binder separated by category. I'm pretty generic with meats, dairy, food, cereal, frozen, snacks. I do break down the HBA by category...shampoo, deodorant, soap, tooth, etc. I have a paper, pet and miscellaneous. That's about it for category for me. I have a separate notebook that I have divided by store. It has plastic page thingy's that I put the printed store ad from online....my list of things I want....with a pocket to put the coupons I'm using that day. I then have pages that I put store coupons in, or catalina deals or lists on ecoupons, if that store has them.

I take the whole shebang in the store. I don't care what anyone thinks. As I've said before on many threads: I'm old, I'm scary looking, so not many people bother me. lmao

[Abbybob]

In my area the following stores give credit:

Ralph's (Kroger) 5 pts per bag toward your rewards (500 pts=$5).
Trader Joe's (5 cents per bag)
Henry's/Stumps (5 cents bag)
Target (5 cents bag)

I use a small accordion binder. It fits into my purse and I can carry it with me everywhere. I had a couponizer, but after just 7 months, it died.

I have it categorized by my favorite store's layout:
Fruit/Veg
Soup & Canned Goods
Juice & Cereal
Baking
Dairy
Meat
Frozen
Snacks, Cookies, & Crackers
Sauces and Condiments
Deli & Bread
HBA
Misc (that's where I keep cleaning coupons)

Then there is a pocket in the back that I put RR's, ECB, Entertainment book coupons, local eatery coupons.

[booklover]

Only two store near me give credit for using reusable bags: Target and CVS, and I have used all kinds of bags there.

My two favorites: a Target bag that folds up into a little packet that could almost fit in a purse. They stopped selling them. The bags are very large, and you can fit A LOT in them, and they are very sturdy.

My other favorite bag is a cloth bag my MIL made for me. I have used it for tons of groceries, and as a book bag for library stuff, and it has not one single rip or tear. I want another one!

I have a large accordian type box, the kind you find in the office/school supply section at Target.

I have my categories alphabetized:
Baby
Baking
Beauty/Hygiene
Beverages
Cleaning
Etc.

Each category has sub-categories. For example, under Beauty/Hygiene, I have these:
Bath Care
Deodorant
Feminine products
Lotion
Shaving

Notice all my sub-categories are alphabetized also.

I have one general category titled "HOT coupons" : really good coupons that don't seem to fit elsewhere. I have winetag coupons and FREE coupons in there. Easy to find for me.

I have one category just for CVS, and that's where I keep my ECBs, store coupons and rainchecks.

If I'm planning a shopping trip, I make my list, pull out coupons I need, and put them in a little cloth velcro pack thingie (yardsale for 25 cents). I still bring my big coupon box with me, in case I see something on clearance or unadvertised sale.

I thought about using a binder, but it seemed like too much work for me.