My New Coupon Organizer!
I have a lot of coupons - and not a lot of time. So I've been looking for a *cute* and functional change from the typical coupon binder. I've found that it takes me too much time to fold the coupons to fit into the clear plastic holders, and I don't have the patience!!!
I've seen several ideas online for coupon boxes using everything from recipe boxes to tackle boxes to briefcases! But yesterday while shopping in Michaels, I found the perfect solution:
Ta-daaah! Using this box, I'll be able to quickly clip and file coupons each week without wanting to *ahem* throw them across the room. Here's how I made it:
This week, Michaels has the Recollections Photo Boxes for 3/$5 or $1.66 each. The Martha Stewart Punch Pad cost $6.29 and contains 30 decorative sheets of card stock that are just about the perfect size for making dividers! Total purchase price: $7.95
Inside the box, I was thrilled to find some pre-made dividers that I used as templates. Here's what mine look like:
Next, I printed my titles on regular copy paper,
cut them out, and glued them on. Voila!
If you're really creative, you could even decorate the box!
Here are my divider titles:
Divider Titles
22 comments:
Thanks so much for this. I have recently been tempted to create a coupon binder but I really wanted something that was easy to navigate and organize. I'm definitely copying this. Oh and you saved me money with this idea.
I quickly discovered that a coupon binder doesnt work for me either. I currently have a bigger version of what you've done for the entire inserts (monthly system), but I'm starting to get overwelmed w/ the coupons that I actually cut, get in the mail, or pick up in the store, so I think I'll have to do what you've done also. Maybe using the pretty paper will make me keep it organized.
I love it! I have tried the coupon binder using baseball card inserts and found it to be too tedious. This may be great. I have a question....do you take this to the store with you?
~ Lacie
Hi - I do take this to the store on my *big* shopping days. I plan my list and take out the coupons I intend to use. But bringing in the box allows me to take advantage of unadvertised sales and clearances
Thanks! I've been wanting to create one too.
Let me start by saying I love your box! It's so pretty and creative.
But I'm curious on how you are going to prevent accidentally dropping it and spilling the contents. That's a major concern of mine. I also do the filing method and I use a tackle box that I threw on the floor a few times to make sure it wouldn't burst open. It is no where near as pretty as yours.
:)
Kristin
great, cute idea!! don't forget the michael's coupons!!!
Wonderful! I can't see what all the tabs have on them. Could you post a list...I can only see what you have on the first page.
Thanks so much!
Hi Kristin! I have a wide ribbon I wrap around the top and velcro to the bottom. You could also use a small craft store latch on each side of the box lid.
I don't have any matching fabric but if I did, I'd stitch a 2" wide strip that would wrap around the box and attach to itself with velcro. I think that would be cute - for now though I was just concerned with quick and functional!
This is a really cute idea - I love how you made the box "fun" by adding the pretty paper!
I've linked to you over at my blog! Thanks for sharing!
www.domesticcontessa.blogspot.com
You've inspired me so much that I'm going to make one for myself & I've also linked to you on my blog.
http://cariescoins.blogspot.com/2009/11/organizing-those-coupons.html
I am soooooooo going to do this project THIS WEEK! I have done every kind of coupon organization I can think of and NOTHING has worked for me and my needs yet. I am going to try this.
I am also going to put in a section for FREE and one for EXPIRING THIS WEEK. Thanks for the Scribd document too.
I have the box and now the labels. I just need to pick up a few other little items you mentioned. I even have the velcro.
I'm going to repost and link back too. Won't be fast, but I'll get it up.
KILLER idea! SWEET!
Ginger
Oh forgot, those little $1.00 photo albums you get at Walmart in the photo frame/camera area will fit in this box too.
I'll be putting store specific coupons in those and then tucking inside the box.
We should be neighbors. We'd make a few each! LOL
Ginger
Thanks Ginger! I'll have to look for those photo albums - I could use one to keep my register rewards, ecbs and rebate info - oh and of COURSE my Target gift cards from all those ATS deals!
What do you actually put the coupons in? Envelopes or what?
Hi Myranda - think of it as one big recipe box. The dividers separate the coupons by subject much like they would separate index cards in a recipe box. That's all there is.
I don't put my coupons in envelopes because I don't like how it looks - and I don't find it helps them stay put. It's certainly something you could do though.
Lori,
I went to Micheal's today and could not find the punch pad paper like your. Could you give me advise on some other kind of paper to use for the index cards.
Nyla
Hi Nyla - I found my pad over in the "Martha Stewart aisle" Otherwise, any pad of scrapbooking card stock would work, esp with those divider templates =) I'd love to see it when youre done!
what size is the box?
Hi Michelle - you can click on the photos above to see them enlarged. The second photo is a close up of the box and says 7 7/8 x 11 3/8. This size works perfect for me, but you could use a recipe box or a smaller/larger photo box to suit your coupon needs =) This brand is always available at Michaels!
Lori,
How can you keep them all standing up and not falling backwards until you fill up the box with coupons? Help. thanks for all your help and suggestions.
Alisa
Hi Bridges Family - I picked the size box based on my coupon stash - and if you have quite a bit less a recipe box might work. I've seen cute ones on ebay.
Or if you are just new to saving coupons and want to use this system you can use a large paper clip to affix coupons to the tabs to keep everything in place until your stash grows =)
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