How do you store your coupons?

[OceanAnnie]

I have a coupon holder that is like a long envelope and tabbed. It's made out of parachute type material. It's falling apart and needs to be replaced. I've heard of people using a binder and I'm interested but I want something small enough to fit in my purse. I carry a medium to large purse.

I really need a new system. Even though it's organized, it takes time to get to the ones I want because the tabs are full and sometimes I overlook some good coupons because I'm thumbing through fast. That happened to me today. Ugh.

What system works for you? TIA!

 

[Resseda]

I have a small sized index card box, with 2 sets of alphabetical tabs (using 1.5 sets at the moment) relabeled to things I actually need-laundry, kitchen, breakfast, BJ's etc. It's big enough to fit the coupons I need, and it's small enough that I just generally drop it in one of the shopping bags as I'm leaving the store.

Ress

 

[thebeesknees]

I have a small sized index card box, with 2 sets of alphabetical tabs (using 1.5 sets at the moment) relabeled to things I actually need-laundry, kitchen, breakfast, BJ's etc. It's big enough to fit the coupons I need, and it's small enough that I just generally drop it in one of the shopping bags as I'm leaving the store.

Ress

I use the exact same method. I go through it about once a month and pull out the expired coupons to make room for the new ones. It's easy to find everything and small enough to throw into one of my reusable shopping bags that I keep in the car.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Thanks. I know what you are talking about, but I really need something I can keep in my purse. If it isn't in my purse, it isn't with me. Maybe I just need to rework what the system I have.

 

[Redwitch]

I actually love the binder idea in theory, but like you want coupons in my purse. I use two of the envelopes you described - one is "grocery" and on is "drug store." I hand wrote my categories on the supplied dividers.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I actually love the binder idea in theory, but like you want coupons in my purse. I use two of the envelopes you described - one is "grocery" and on is "drug store." I hand wrote my categories on the supplied dividers.

That's a good idea! My one coupon holder was so full the sides have come apart. Two would probably do the trick. And I do need to expand my categories. I keep the misc. coupons all together in the very back (batteries, restaurants, photo coupons)

I have stopped clipping a lot of "maybe coupons". I try to stick to what I know I'll use or need. Brands and items I don't normally buy don't get clipped as often anymore. I need the space.

 

[NYCDiane]

I have a small sized index card box, with 2 sets of alphabetical tabs (using 1.5 sets at the moment) relabeled to things I actually need-laundry, kitchen, breakfast, BJ's etc. It's big enough to fit the coupons I need, and it's small enough that I just generally drop it in one of the shopping bags as I'm leaving the store.

Ress

I used this method for years and it was great. I only stopped using it recently when other ppl from this forum explained their binder method. I've been using it ever since and I love it! It's much more organized and I just slip the binder in my reusable shopping bags so it's always ready to go to the store when I am and I can put my weekly circulars in the front/back pockets of the binder.

Both methods are great though --- it just depends what works best for you.

 

[LoriNSC]

I personally use a coupon organizer box-yes it's too big for a purse but I always carry it shopping w/ me.

I have read on coupon msg boards about ladies using purse size photo albums to organize their coupons. They use labels on the pages to list their catergories such as breakfast, meats, vegs, toiletries, paper products, etc. I think it's a good idea but won't work for me because I have too many coupons. (I also keep rebates & rest. coupons in mine.) But this may work for you.

HTH

 

[OceanAnnie]

Thanks Lori, I wondered about those small photo albums too. (I use some for recipes) But I have too many coupons for that too.

For awhile I kept my coupons in our vehicle because it made my purse too heavy. But so often I'd be in a store with a cart of things and remember my coupons weren't on me. I didn't want to run out to the vehicle to get it (rain, kids, little time). So I have pared down. I just need to get a better system.