Organizing Your "Carry To Store" Coupons

[pwernecke]

I used to use a coupon organizer that had velcro closure and a snap so that the lid could go backwards to snap onto the back of the grocery cart seat so that I could have the organizer open while I shopped. I quickly went from 1 to 2 of those, and then added a third one - a plastic accordian file - to organize the coupons I pulled out for specific stores. Then I outgrew both and bought a wonderful larger version of that type.

Within a month I outgrew that as well and decided to try the binder system. I did a lot of research online reading different coupon blogs and what sytems people used to organize their coupons. When I was almost sure I wanted to try the binder method I looked at videos on coupon blogs and u tube where couponers demonstrated how they built and organize their binders. That was really helpful so that I had a starting place on how I wanted to do my binder, and I got some great tips such as having a zippered binder (to prevent coupons spilling everywhere if the binder is dropped), using a pencil case to store scissors, pens, grocery cards (so they are available in the store), to sort coupon inserts by date and insert name (SS 9/27, RP 9/27, etc.) which really helps me find coupons more easily, and that a binder with some accordian sections (full size) within it is helpful to store ads, newer inserts, etc.

I did a trial run with a 1 inch binder (I got free at CVS) and just put some categories into it to see if I liked organizing my coupons that way and how it worked in the store. After a few store visits I fell in love with it.

It's so easy to flip through the pages (I use the baseball card holders) to see what coupons I have and I don't have to flip through each individual coupon to find the one I want, like I did with the coupon holder and accordian file methods. I found a 2" zipper binder on sale, and tried that, but it wasn't nearly big enough. I returned that and bought a 3" zipper binder which was almost big enough, but not quite and had no room to grow.

I've been searching for a 4" zipper binder and finally found one by Case-It. And it's a D ring so the pages won't get stuck like they sometimes do in the 3" round ring I have. I hunted for a cheaper 4" zipper binder or teh case-It to be on sale, but didn't have any luck for 1 1/2 weeks. I ordered it from the Case-It site last Friday and can't wait to get it. It's more of an investment at $24.99 (3" was $18, 2" was $12), but it has all the features I want, is 4" which I need, is zippered so if I drop it coupons won't fly everywhere (I never had this happen but I could definitely see it happening), and it has some accordian files within the binder to store ads and inserts. And it's in my favorite color :)

It is a bit much to leaf through the 3" binder in the store just to have/use the coupons I already have pulled for that store, and it's pretty heavy, so I am using the 1" binder and have a section for each store so I can pull the coupons I want for that visit/week and only have to take the 1" to the store. That's very handy for Walgreens and CVS and Target since I rarely buy other things that what's on my list (mainly freebies!). I do take the entire binder to the grocery store, but still use the 1" binder for my main list. It's worked really well.

I also added a section in my 1" binder to place coupons that are expiring soon or are products that I often find freebies for such as air freshener, candles, dental products, certain food items, etc. That's been really great because those items I often find a super good deal so I have it with me in the 1" even if I don't have the 3" with me.

That's a long explanation, but this is all information that helped me figure out my binder method. There's some investment with a binder (cheaper ones are certainly available), the baseball card holders, pencil pouch. But you can get the small package of baseball card holders, use a binder you have or that's cheap and a pencil pouch isn't a necessity. Hopefully the way I tried out the binder method will help you if you decide to try it out.

I finally found a method that is easy to use (after a few hours of set-up time) and can expand as my coupons grow.

Happy Saving!!

[edje4him]

Just reorganized my coupons alphabetically. I had them by category but I think Alph. will work better. Just graduated to two boxes from Walmart. They have snap-on lids so less chance of coming off. I made the dividers out of card stock. I pull the coupons out that I'm going to use but still take the boxes inside the store just in case there's a clearance on something.

[mommas2moody]

As my coupon inventory grows I have decided it is time to organize a little bit better. I have gotten a binder and ordered so baseball card pages, now it's time to get organizing! Here is my problem, I don't know what will be the best way for me sort them.:shrug7:

Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated!

[tmsmalley]

Some people do catagories or brands, some do alphabetical. I do store aisles since I pretty much only shop at one store. You just have to find what works for you.

Tess

[rdot]

I know some people divide into sections like health and beauty, snacks, frozen, etc. but to me it was easier to buy those A-Z index tabs and just divide mine in abc order.

[missyleah]

Finally happened last week.. I purchased a 3" zip binder... and I can't close it.. I need help! Do they sell bigger ones? I have seen the Case-it binders that have a 3" and a 1.5" but I am just not sure it will be big enough either.... Would I be better off using a box? I really need advice b/c I don't want to to tote 2 binders into the store when I'm shopping with my kids...

[latte]

i found a few weeks ago at target, a DOUBLE sided zippered binder.....BOTH sides zip up, theres pockets on the outside of both sides, and pockets on the inside of both sides:)

this solved my problem of having to tote around numerous binders

[missyleah]

Thanks! Do you know if they were 1.5" on each side? I did see some like that and they just won't work..

[mommas2moody]

If you A-Z them, do you do it by brand or item. For example Crest Toothpaste, file it Crest or by toothpaste?

Store Aisle won't work for me since I do shop at multiple stores.

[AllisonL]

I organize my Qs numerically. That is, each Q gets a number (identical Qs are stapled together), which I write on the Q with a sharpie pen. I then keep track of what number corresponds to what Q using using a spreadsheet. With the spreadsheet, I can sort by Q#, product name, or expiration date. I print out a list to carry with me, sorted alphabetically by product name. So, for example, let's say I need a Colgate Q. I look at my list and see that #s 52, 86, and 108 are all Colgate Qs. I just keep numbering my Qs as I get 'em. By the time I get to 1000, most of the first couple hundred are either used or expired, so I start over at number 1.