Organizing Your "Carry To Store" Coupons

[kenniccoopermaggie]

i use a very large coupon binder, it is busting at the seams. nicole

[mom2lillian]

Currently mine are just in a small expanding foler--newbie ! I have read about 1/2 this thread--wow:hectic1:! Here is what I *think* I will start with, help me think of ways to tweak the system or potential problems you see. I stole bits pieces from all over (I think) I didnt specifically see any one persons that was exactly what I thought I would do.

ok for NOW I will clip, most everything, I will have a notebook on my desk to record deals I plan to pursue by store (since right now I am relying on you all to 'find' them for me, then I can pull the Q's etc right then (currently I have scrap paper everywhere!). I will file anything I dont clip by date unless it seems that I am clipping almost everything then Iwill just clip it all LOL---I guess I have to do it a few weeks first.

I will get a binder, I already have tons from college so I will just pull a regular 3 ring binder for now and depending on if I like the system look for a good clearance case later. I am going to look for the larger photo pages as all my current stores take IP's and I dont want to fold. I will use tab system for the major division sections but will have minor divisions as well marked by note in upper right hand corner perhaps (have to try this out too). I will also have page protectors in the back for each stores coupon policy manager names etc so I can be a successful PITA when needed ! Additional page protectors will store the current and upcoming ads and a section for rebates that I am tracking (until I start doing alot--then maybe another system). Somehow I want to fit in the binder a section for 3 envelopes that will hold the coupons for my main stores that I plan to redeem that week, right now I just see plain evelopes shoved in the front pocket and binder clipped to the side so there is no chance spillage.

I have tried to thoroughly think this through so less 'rework' though I know there will be some I like to be ORGANIZED but am short on time.
Here are my sections I am thinking (since I will have less slots per page I will have ot do some flipping thorugh of coupons or get a REALLY large book---will have to experminet here as well)

Major
COLD
dairy
non-dairy

FROZEN
meat
veggies
frozen dinners (by mfr)
other

FRESH
veggies
fruit

ROOM TEMP
cans
cereal
boxes
jars
spices/condiments
beverages
snacks/candy
misc

CLEANING

MEDS/VITAMINS

PET

HBA
face
hair
body
shave
other (I think I will have to break this down more but not sure what)

[kween022]

I am a complete newbie to this forum and to couponing in general. This thread gave me so much inspiration for what I will use to sort my coupons. Thanks for all the great tips, they are invaluable!

[Earth_Girl]

Wow at the coupons. I'm new to this and only have a few in my checkbook. Thanks for the ideas about the baseball card inserts!

[cashqueen]

I used the binder method but once I got a good stack of coupons in each pocket, they would start sliding out. Now I use a box with dividers, but I'd like to find a way to make the binder method work as it's easier to carry.

[keeline]

i love all of these great ideas!

[Leah2004]

Thanks for the great ideas!

[mom2phil]

Newbie question. Do the stores ever give you a hard time bringing in big binders and toolboxes? I would love to be so organized but have to learn to overcome people looking at me...

[Onward]

My cashier at CVS last weekend complimented me on being so organized.

I open my binder & spread it across the shopping cart's child seat so I can flip pages easily. The first few times I felt conspicuous doing it, but after getting big savings on a few trips I don't even think about it now.

[onehotbev]

Originally Posted by mom2lillian I will also have page protectors in the back for each stores coupon policy manager names etc so I can be a successful PITA when needed !

This is a FABULOUS idea I will incorporate ASAP! Especially after my CVS rainchecks ordeal...

Thanks & I repped ya!