[5forme]

Iam thinking of changing from a binder to a box my only concern with that is where will I carry my things like scissors,calculator,pens and store ads, And such thx for any ideas.

[flcookiey]

I would never go back to a file box myself, too much t humbing through to find something, that is laid out in plain sight in my beautiful binder.

However, if you do, maybe a pencil bag to just have on the side. I don't know why all that stuff is needed once you are shopping anyway. not all of it anyway..scissors? Just my thoughts. But, just have the little pencil bag and lay it right beside your "box" in the baby seat. . Good luck with your change.

[Shashahx]

I decided to buy that extra large super sized organizer thing on eBay. I am simply not talented enough to put my own box together and it would probably cost me almost as much if I tried. My concern is how bulky it will be and awkward to carry into the store. We shall see.

iPhone user - please forgive any auto-correct errors

[cathykasi]

I went from a box to a binder. Love my binder. I do not know why I waited so long to switch. My binder holds everything from my coupons to scissors, pens, calulator you name it my binder has it. I love my binder because it has a strap on it too. Not sure how you would carry all you other things. Good Luck!

[laceynsc]

I went back to a box. I'm a full time nursing student & mom of 3. I just don't have the extra time to file in my binder anymore. Yes it is harder to find a coupon but at least I can still coupon. My kids love cutting the coupons which helps. I got my box on ebay about 4 yrs ago. It's nice. It has tabbed cards for catergories. Works for me.

[Shashahx]

If it has categories just like a binder - what makes it harder to find a coupon? I'm curious because I will be using a box em in about a week. My binder is too full and it's getting more cumbersome than I thought it would be and the plastic sheets are already starting to fall apart. I find you can only keep 3-4 of each coupon in a specific category. If they are not the right size - they tend to slip out of the pockets as I turn the pages.

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[laceynsc]

Originally Posted by Shashahx

If it has categories just like a binder - what makes it harder to find a coupon? I'm curious because I will be using a box em in about a week. My binder is too full and it's getting more cumbersome than I thought it would be and the plastic sheets are already starting to fall apart. I find you can only keep 3-4 of each coupon in a specific category. If they are not the right size - they tend to slip out of the pockets as I turn the pages.

iPhone user - please forgive any auto-correct errors

Ok it's not that much harder. I just have to look through all the coupons in that category instead of looking at my binder pages. It just takes a little extra time in the store but it's no biggie for me. I honestly think I like my box more than the binder. It doesn't take nearly as long to file the coupons.

[5cline2010]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing. Right now I carry a THIRTY-ONE bag and carry my binder in it and put my scissors, etc in the side pockets. I'm new to couponing so I thought the binder would be easier but I think a box or something would be better now!!!

[LizzyBizzy]

I finally settled on a large, saddlebag-type purse and 4 plastic accordion files. The purse has inner and outer pockets for phone, CC holder, a small scissors, car key fob, glasses, etc.

In each accordion file are business-size envelopes alphabetized by category (i.e., beverage, canned goods, dairy, frozen, household, meats, etc.). I tuck the envelope flap inside and write the category on the flap.

The accordion files make it easy to add envelopes for a new category or subcategory. One of the files contains store-specific Qs (mostly Target), shopping lists, Free Qs, Qs I've pulled for a particular trip, receipts for returns, and such like.

I can easily find the broad category envelope to rifle through to find a specific Q. The envelopes also make it very easy to pull one to purge expireds and group together those which will expire soon.

I file all inserts by date in a large legal accordion file. Each week I'll clip those new insert Qs I know I will use eventually and then file in the envelopes so I will always have a good selection of Qs for items I purchase frequently. All IPs go into the files because I only print what I know I will use.

The purse holds the accordion files upright making it easy to search through the envelopes at the store or file Qs at home. It fits into the child seat in the cart and I can use the "seat belt" to secure the purse to the cart to prevent it getting stolen.

I found the binder method to be cumbersome. It got full very quickly, the baseball card pages easily tore, Qs would fall out while open and balanced on the child seat, and it was just to big and bulky to carry around without looking like a dork. The purse is a little more stylish and "under the radar."

Sorry for the dissertation but I like to share my hard-won couponing knowledge gained over 25 years!

Best,

LizzyBizzy

[Jenn0734]

Originally Posted by LizzyBizzy

I finally settled on a large, saddlebag-type purse and 4 plastic accordion files. The purse has inner and outer pockets for phone, CC holder, a small scissors, car key fob, glasses, etc.

In each accordion file are business-size envelopes alphabetized by category (i.e., beverage, canned goods, dairy, frozen, household, meats, etc.). I tuck the envelope flap inside and write the category on the flap.

The accordion files make it easy to add envelopes for a new category or subcategory. One of the files contains store-specific Qs (mostly Target), shopping lists, Free Qs, Qs I've pulled for a particular trip, receipts for returns, and such like.

I can easily find the broad category envelope to rifle through to find a specific Q. The envelopes also make it very easy to pull one to purge expireds and group together those which will expire soon.

I file all inserts by date in a large legal accordion file. Each week I'll clip those new insert Qs I know I will use eventually and then file in the envelopes so I will always have a good selection of Qs for items I purchase frequently. All IPs go into the files because I only print what I know I will use.

The purse holds the accordion files upright making it easy to search through the envelopes at the store or file Qs at home. It fits into the child seat in the cart and I can use the "seat belt" to secure the purse to the cart to prevent it getting stolen.

I found the binder method to be cumbersome. It got full very quickly, the baseball card pages easily tore, Qs would fall out while open and balanced on the child seat, and it was just to big and bulky to carry around without looking like a dork. The purse is a little more stylish and "under the radar."

Sorry for the dissertation but I like to share my hard-won couponing knowledge gained over 25 years!

Best,

LizzyBizzy

Two thumbs up!

[klc92201]

Originally Posted by Jenn0734

A box rocks, IF you have enough categories and subcategories. That's the key. I used to have to flip through my binder to the refrigerated section then find my butter etc. What a pain!! Now with my Extra Large Coupon Organizer I go straight to the refrigerated section, and flip to butter. SO much easier. I can find any coupon I want quickly because I have 26 subcategories (alphabatized) and 150 subcategories. That's the key. If you only have a refrigerated section, of course you'll never find a coupon when you need it. :-)

Is your extra large coupon organizer something you bought or made? Do you Mind sharing your categories? If it is something you bought I would love to know where?

[Jenn0734]

Originally Posted by klc92201

Is your extra large coupon organizer something you bought or made? Do you Mind sharing your categories? If it is something you bought I would love to know where?

LOL. Nice try. :-)

[5forme]

Originally Posted by flcookiey

I would never go back to a file box myself, too much t humbing through to find something, that is laid out in plain sight in my beautiful binder.

However, if you do, maybe a pencil bag to just have on the side. I don't know why all that stuff is needed once you are shopping anyway. not all of it anyway..scissors? Just my thoughts. But, just have the little pencil bag and lay it right beside your "box" in the baby seat. . Good luck with your change.

I use scissors for any extra Q's I might need to clip because along with my binder/box I also carry some extra inserts just in case.

[5forme]

Originally Posted by Jenn0734

A box rocks, IF you have enough categories and subcategories. That's the key. I used to have to flip through my binder to the refrigerated section then find my butter etc. What a pain!! Now with my Extra Large Coupon Organizer I go straight to the refrigerated section, and flip to butter. SO much easier. I can find any coupon I want quickly because I have 26 subcategories (alphabatized) and 150 subcategories. That's the key. If you only have a refrigerated section, of course you'll never find a coupon when you need it. :-)

I have to say I have only been using it for a couple days now. And I did almost like you and I do already love the change

[alp421]

I bought a coupon organizer wallet online and I would never go back to a binder. Mine fits into my purse and I carry it with me always for shopping on the fly. It has a calculator, scissors, pen, it's divided by categories and I ordered about 10 extra category dividers, so it's really easy to flip to find what I need. It takes me WAY less time to sort and put away my coupons. The binder used to take me way too long. I find that flipping through the Q's in the store to find what I need is so easy now that I have so many categories.

I read on here so often that people go shopping and don't have their binder with them when they found a great FREE deal if they only had their binder. That was how I felt when I used the binder ALL of the time. Now I have everything with me always and It's not as cumbersome as a binder.

I also have small plastic zip folders that I organize shopping lists, ECB's or UP's, loyalty cards and MQ's or store Q's into for the weekly sales. They are supposed to be small pencil cases, but are much stronger plastic. I LOVE them. When I read on here about a clearance deal for a certain store I put the Q's in their folders in case I see the deal. They are color coordinated and I have them organized by stores that I frequent. So I never forget anything anymore. I never really know when I'm going to pop into a store while I'm out and about.

My biggest issue with starting to coupon was EASY organization since I don't have lots of extra time to devote to couponing. I now have a coupon basket at home with all of my supplies together. If I don't have time on Sunday to clip or organize my trips I put the sales circulars and inserts in the basket. I also keep extra coupons in the basket, if I've purchased extra circulars or whatever.

[qrazy]

I went from a binder back to photo storage boxes (I already had on hand). I have 1 for food (alphabetical by brand name) and 2 non-food boxes by category. I love it. I switched because I get 10 or so of each coupon and the binder was not working for me anymore. I have a small cancelled check holder I take to the stores with a slot for each store I frequent. When I see a good deal posted I pull the coupons and put it in that small binder. Since I am near the stores I frequent more than once a week, it works out well for me. If I lived far from stores, I would want to have all my coupons with me.

[mom23boyz]

Originally Posted by Shashahx

I decided to buy that extra large super sized organizer thing on eBay. I am simply not talented enough to put my own box together and it would probably cost me almost as much if I tried. My concern is how bulky it will be and awkward to carry into the store. We shall see.

iPhone user - please forgive any auto-correct errors

What is the extra large super sized organizer thing on eBay? just curious....I am a box user, always have been. Tried the binder yrs ago and hated it!

[Shashahx]

Originally Posted by mom23boyz

What is the extra large super sized organizer thing on eBay? just curious....I am a box user, always have been. Tried the binder yrs ago and hated it!

Yes. It's in eBay. I searched for "extra large coupon" and it came right up. Goes for about $30 starting bid and $10 shipping. I thought it was worth it cuz I don't have time or creativity to make my own. Lol

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[Shashahx]

Omg! I'm so excited! My organizer and shipped. Should be here tuesday or Wednesday! I am sooooo excited!!

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[AngBuck]

I had the accordion file thing first hard to find coupons. I went to a binder. I have it tabbed and if my coupons try to slide out I put them in the top row with paper clips . Now I just need a bigger binder . A box would be too hard for me since it would be heavy and take up cart space.
You could get a pencil box for your pens,scissors or someone said they had a small pair of keychain scissors they use

[couponclipper]

I use a box at home to organize all my coupons in different catagories...example beverages,dairy frozen cleaners etc. I bought a extra large coupon accordion wallet to carry in my purse instead of worrying about carrying the big binder. It works for me!

[brook6]

I use a box with categories and in each one, the items are sorted alphabetically by brand name

...I can find things pretty quickly

[Shashahx]

I got my box today!! I am so happy - it smaller than I thought so it won't be nearly as bulky as I was fearing. I am happy with the size - its perfect. It will hold a ton of Q's though. If you don't have a lot - this box is not for you because the sections will not stand up cometely if each side is not full. I think it's going to work perfect got me and allow me to keep so many more coupons on me! Very happy!

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[islandgecko]

Originally Posted by Shashahx

I got my box today!! I am so happy - it smaller than I thought so it won't be nearly as bulky as I was fearing. I am happy with the size - its perfect. It will hold a ton of Q's though. If you don't have a lot - this box is not for you because the sections will not stand up cometely if each side is not full. I think it's going to work perfect got me and allow me to keep so many more coupons on me! Very happy!

iPhone user - please forgive any auto-correct errors

I used the binder system when I first started qponing, then like many of the other folks who've posted, it did get to full too quickly, so, I bought the plastic shoe box containers from wallyworld, and started a file system...today, I don't lug anything but an envelope with the Q'Z I will use for my shopping trip...I still use a file system, and my categories are basic: ie, breakfast (all cereals and breakfast bars by brand; GM, Kelloggs, Kashi etc), Frozen foods; Entrees, Veggies, Pizza, snacks/pockets/baked goods, etc...

My shopping trips go smoothly when I have less to carry, and it keeps me from impulse buying as well...I plan ahead pretty well, so, I almost never miss a good deal...if there's a price I find while shopping, I snap a pic of the price and item, and include it on my next shopping trip...

[Shashahx]

Originally Posted by islandgecko

I used the binder system when I first started qponing, then like many of the other folks who've posted, it did get to full too quickly, so, I bought the plastic shoe box containers from wallyworld, and started a file system...today, I don't lug anything but an envelope with the Q'Z I will use for my shopping trip...I still use a file system, and my categories are basic: ie, breakfast (all cereals and breakfast bars by brand; GM, Kelloggs, Kashi etc), Frozen foods; Entrees, Veggies, Pizza, snacks/pockets/baked goods, etc...

My shopping trips go smoothly when I have less to carry, and it keeps me from impulse buying as well...I plan ahead pretty well, so, I almost never miss a good deal...if there's a price I find while shopping, I snap a pic of the price and item, and include it on my next shopping trip...

I do that sometimes too - the plane trip. The hard part is sometimes finding the time to plan. Lol - I often have to do that for wags or I will spend way too much there

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