Organizing Coupons: What Works for You?

When I first started couponing, ages ago, I just used one of the small, accordion-type coupon organizers. This worked fine until it filled up and was basically ready to explode at any second.



I switched and used the binder system for a long time. The binder system is just what it sounds like: a 3 ring binder similar to this one.



I like the kind that zips all the way around so nothing can fall out. The coupons are sorted using baseball card sleeves and/or picture sleeves. I loved the system but was so bulky and I really hated when I would go somewhere that I didn't usually coupon and find a deal and not have my binder with me.

I really wanted a Couponizer (and still do really), but I didn't have the extra money to spend while I was having my coupon identity crisis, so after a lot of thought and a little creativity, I used some things I already had laying around the house to make my own coupon organizer.

I took an old DayRunner I had sitting in the drawer from when I used to be organized (read: before kids). Then I took some standard envelopes (from a box that I got on clearance at Wal-mart for 66 cents), sealed them and cut part of the front off to make a pocket. I punched holes in them so they fit the rings in the planner. I used my $4.98 clearance Dymo labeler from Target to label the envies with categories. I already had some credit card pouches for the DayRunner so I used those for my store cards and it also already had a calculator in it and a zippered pouch in the front. It's about 5x8, so it fits in my purse.


It was all fine and dandy until I added billions of coupons and now I have to hold it closed with a rubber band. So...I'm still searching for the right system for me.

What works for you? Envelopes? File boxes? Binders? How do you stay organized?!