This long overdue post is to share with you my coupon binder. When I made my coupon binder last year I scoured the web to find blogs and videos on the way other people made theirs. You can see what I mean in this post when I was on the hunt for items for my binder. I like to draw inspiration from others and for a few weeks I was in the zone of all things coupon binder! Finally after much thought and over-analyzing, I created my coupon binder.
There are many different ways to organize your binder. You can do it based on store, based on how you shop in the store, or whatever way works for you. If you overthink things like me, you’ll probably change it around more than once. It’s your binder, do what works for you. Here’s what so far, has worked for me.
When you open the outer pocket you see this are for my pen, sharpie, small pair of scissors and in the clear pocket would be my handy dandy calculator that I know the kids have put their hands on because I can’t find it! And I didn’t want to put off this post any further just for the calculator. The top of the black side is a zippered pouch with little pockets that you could put your cellphone in, or other items. When I’m doing the grocer shopping I put my money in here instead of carrying a purse.
Inside the binder is an accordion file which I use to put in the weekly sales ads, inserts I need to clip and my notebook that I write down the shopping trips on.
I use these Avery pocket dividers. They’re the perfect size to write on the tabs, they’re durable, pretty inexpensive and they usually have Box Tops on them. I got mine from Walmart or Target, I’m not sure which, I got the 8 pack. I put my coupon policies in the pockets.
I have my coupon categories on the side: Groceries, Household, Personal Care, Other, CVS, Target, Eating Out, and Walgreens.
The first three sections I’ll cover below. In the Other category I put anything that doesn’t fit into another area. Items such as magazines, candle lighters, post-its, tupperware, etc.
The Eating Out section is self-explanatory. Any restaurant or fast food/coffee coupons go here.
There are tons of different types of coupon sheets that you will need in order to truly have an organized binder. I used to detest folding my coupons. If it’s a regular coupon I no longer mind, but I will not fold a printable coupon! I just won’t! The above picture is an example of a 3 pocket sleeve. These are good for catalinas because they accomadate the extra-long size. Also perfect for Target printable coupons because they too are larger.
Above is an example of your primary style sheet: the 9 pocket sleeve. When you’re just getting started, this is where you start. You can buy these at Walmart and Target. You’ll need 2-3 packs, but to get started, start with 1 pack. I recommend the ones from Target. You get a few less per pack than Walmart, but they’re of better quality. The Walmart ones can rip just as you’re separating them from each other! They’ll both run you about $5. You can find them near the baseball card and trading card aisle.
Above is the 6 pocket sleeve. It’s perfect for printable internet coupons and larger coupons. I order these and any of the other specialty sizes from ebay. I stay with same seller because they give great service and pricing, that info will be listed at the end of the post. I recommend getting 2-3 packs.
I had a feeling I was going to miss something, and I did…I also use a 4 pocket sleeve that I guess I forgot to upload. It’s also good for printables, especially those from coupon network, which print a tad larger than regular printables.
Here’s an idea of my Target section. Yes these are expired. I haven’t couponed at Target in quite awhile.
Although I don’t currently have any, this is my CVS section and I use a 4 pocket sleeve that you can get from Ebay or Staples/Office Depot,etc. I got these before I realized that everything aside from the 9 pocket sleeves I would have to order. These are designed for 4X6 photos, but they’re perfect for CVS extra care bucks and CVS coupons.
There you have it. That’s my coupon binder. I wanted to go ahead and do my post because I have a few readers who have requested it. I’ve been contemplating if I am going to change my binder set up. I have toyed around with the idea and doing a separate retail binder and move CVS, Target, Walgreens to that and also add in other stores. I’ve also thought about creating a small eating out binder that can fit in a handbag or something. I’m not sure. But this is my binder that I’ve been using since the beginning and it works for me 🙂
Now I have no connection whatsoever with the Ebay seller I’m recommending. I’m only recommending them because I have been very pleased with their service. They have a great offering. Plenty of options to choose from. They have awesome pricing and fast shipping. They’re in SC and I’m in NC so for me the shipping time is great. They always include a nice note and a sample of an insert style that I haven’t tried, and that has kept me coming back to them time and time again! The seller’s name is Piglet and Molly so go check them out!
I hope you found this post helpful! How do you organize your coupons?
Aria82 says
thank you! check out the sleeves on ebay, very inexpensive and very useful! I appreciate your comment 🙂
Unknown says
Dang your coupon binder puts mine to shame. I like your catalina sleeve my catalina coupons are everywhere. Good job