Organizing Your "Carry To Store" Coupons

[paulahohl]

I just got a binder and got two packs of photo inserts. This works great because there is a slot on the side to put a description of the pocket. I was able to break down the coupon categories (hair products: shampoo/cond, hair color, etc) and this helps a lot.

The great plus is the is is easy to get to coupons and is clear so I can easily see coupons that I forget I have. I think when you first start you use simple measures to stay organized but as you progress you find what works for you.

I also have inserts in the front for the stores I use and in the back there is this great clear pocket for index cards attached to the binder that I am going to use to put the coupons as I go through the store and get each item.

I tried using envelopes labeled before I went to each store but it got confusing and too much stuff...so I think this will work better and help me find coupons quickly. Also the pockets in the front and back allow me to hold the ads and rebate catalogs for the stores.

Happy organizing.

[DamianMom]

I started couponing about very end of May, so basically started couponing in June. I bought a 1 1/2 in cheap binder to store my q's in, and I use baseball holders and page protectors. Also have some big clear pockets that go in there as well that I love for storing loose q's, etc. I've slowly been progressing, and added some categories, but really need to go and re-organize. Now I'm wanting to go buy the nice zippered binder with possibly a strap and update it! lol I'm very excited and hoping to find a good one for a good price! Now that I've been getting some extra inserts too, I had bought another small, cheap binder just for storing extra inserts that I don't cut yet. (My hand would be way too tired to cut them ALL out! LOL) But I also use a small coupon accordian that I bought at Walmart. But I'm finding I'm having a lot more categories that I do spots to put them! I still am waiting to score that "big" deal. The one where I have to post a picture and share! LOL One day! lol I'm just hoping to find some more baseball holders cheap soon as my friend needs some as well, as she is slowly warming up to the idea of couponing. lol

[vampireskiss_]

thanks, it sounds smart!

Originally Posted by mama22qts I personally have been using the Refundcents coupon box pictured here: But I think I'm outgrowing it and will be moving to a 4 to 5 inch binder pretty soon. I have heard that Office Depot has some great binders for couponing, so I think I'll check there first. I know of someone who has a 5-inch binder that sounds great!

[O.C.]

I tried just keeping the inserts too, but since I live in a rural area most of my food stops are not listed like the big grocery sites. I also forgot what I had, and lost several good deals. I want my coupons with me when I leave the house so if I happen to stop somewhere I will have them. That works the best for me.

Have a great day!

[sawlac]

It is kind of overwhelming trying to organize these coupons! I want them with me in the stores when I need them but really don't want to take a big container in shopping. I've just purchased a 13 slot small binder that I hope with help. I have my coupons in legal size envelopes seperated by catagories (shavers, clothes washing, etc.) in the binder.

[byteme6960]

Hi, I'm trying to organize my coupons
What is the easiest way to categorize/separate them?? I know I'm asking a lot here.
What I got is a 4X6 index card holder & index cards to write the names on. There are so many different things.. I'm just at a loss.
Thanks so much for any input.

[isis]

check out this thread for some ideas ~
What are your Category Labels?

[CANXLR8]

I use a zippered double 3 ring binder and currency pages (I use both 3 and 4 slot pages) plus a full page protector in the B and L section for BBB and LnT coupons since they feel the need to print them on an 8" postcard.

I basically have 2 identical sections (the front 3 rings and the back 3 rings). A-Z dividers in each. The front half is coupons for stuff I get at the grocery. Back half is what I buy elsewhere and random coupons (places to eat, non-food stores, etc). I don't have categories. I file by how I think of the item.

Example - coupon for brownie mix - goes under B in the front (grocery) section. The "B" stuff is not in alpha order within the section. Too much work - if it's something new it goes in whatever pocket is empty in that section. Some people would sort it further - B for Betty Crocker Brownies and D for Duncan Hines Brownies - again - too much work for me.

My binder weighs a ton, but I couldn't deal with shuffling the plastic coupon organizers. I had 3 red ones (for drug store purchases - red / CVS), 4 green ones for grocery (Publix has a green logo), and 2 blue ones for the non food stuff. I had labels on the front of each as to what section of the store it was for. It worked until I had too many coupons to flip thru. The binder lays flat in the cart seat on top of my purse, easy to flip thru, has my shopping list, my ads, a place to hold my coupons that I pull as I go, place to hold my pens and calculator...

I get lots of comments on it and I've made and sold a couple to people that saw it at the store while I was using it. I gave my SIL one at her 2nd bridal shower that I went to and her friends were like "A trapper keeper?" (LOL) she flipped "OMG I know what this is!!" aside from the maribu stipper shoes, it was the hit of the shower LOL. They all wanted one.

[mama22qts]

Op,there is a lot of information on this topic here.

[TsPlace]

It's whatever works best for you. Right now I have an index card box with tabs (A-Z). I have everything organized alphabetically and it works great for me right now. Whatever you decide - just make it simple!