Coupon Organization: Now With Pictures!

went through several coupon organization systems before I finally found one that worked. I started with a little file folder I go at a dollar store. This worked for me for quite awhile, because I generally did not use many coupons. I figured that generic items were *always* cheaper, and I did not live in a place that doubled coupons.

When I became more serious about couponing, I did the binder system. This system works very well for a lot of people, but I hated it. I hated the binder system so much. I am not even sure why, but I was always, always annoyed with it. However, lots of people love it, so here's directions on how to do the binder system. I bought my baseball card separators at a dollar store. I used this system for quite awhile, until I discovered Crystal's system.

I cannot describe it as well as Crystal already has, so I shall point you to her directions. When I can get my camera working, I will post a picture of my coupon box. My husband lovingly refers to it as my "coupon suitcase." I always take it with me when I shop. It felt a little silly when I first started taking it to the store, but nobody has ever said anything about it. :) You never know when you'll hit manager markdowns. By combining coupons with markdowns, I often get items for next to nothing, and sometimes even free!

Here's my coupon box. I keep an extra box of envelopes and index cards in it. (The index cards are in the envelope box. There is also a small stapler to staple the index cards to the envelope, and a pen. I need to add a pair of scissors to it, and I'll be done. On the other side of the lid to my box, I have my name, phone number, and e-mail address in case the box is ever left behind at the store. Hopefully somebody will return it if that happens. The handle makes it easy to carry. The box fits in the front seat of the cart. I got the box at Big Lots when I was teaching in graduate school to help organize my side of the office. I don't remember what it cost. I do see these at yard sales and thrift stores from time to time.

Here's a close up view of my coupon box. I just use index cards that I staple into the envelopes. I arrange the items alphabetically, and it makes it easy for me to flip through.