MAKE A COUPON BOX FOR LESS THAN $10.00

My name is Tabitha Kaufman and I run Crazy Coupon Savings and Coupon Tips, Tricks and Matchups. I began couponing in May 2011 when my husband, two kids and I moved to Oklahoma and I became a stay at home mother and we needed to learn to minimize our savings.  We have since moved to Arizona and I began running Crazy Coupon Savings and Coupon Tips, Tricks and Matchups to help others as well.

I began couponing with the costly “Coupon Binder” to only find myself frustrated with the money I put it and the time I spent in organization and cutting coupons. I discovered the box method after attending a coupon class hosted by Coupon Closet. Now she does have a great coupon box with specialty envelopes and a great idea here but…. the cost was far too high for me and I decided to try and make my own. I have since used this box for a year now and I LOVE it.

Supplies Needed:

1 6qt Plastic Shoe Tote – Target has them for around $1.99 each,
1 Box Business Sized #10 Envelopes
1 Package of Index Cards
1 Glue Stick
1 Calculator
1 Small Spiral Notebook
1 Small Kids Scissors

(These can be purchased at Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s or Target) The best time is right before school when school supplies go on sale. (Around $1.00 or less for each item).

How to put it all together:

1. Take your envelope and fold the flap to the inside of the envelope.
2. Glue the index card inside the envelope (This goes you a place to write your category)
3. Put them in your box and start adding your coupons
4. There is room on the side to hold your pen, paper, calculator and scissors

Here are some of the categories that I use in my box

Baby
Baking – Boxed
Baking – Cold
Baking – Ingredients
Batteries
Beverages
Boxed Meals
Bread
Candy
Canned
Cereal
Cleaners – All Purpose
Cleaners – Bathroom
Cleaners – Dishes
Condiments
Dairy – Butter & Milk
Dairy – Cheese
Dairy – Other
Dairy – Yogurt
Feminine
First Aid
Fresheners
Frozen – Ice Cream & Treats
Frozen – Meats
Frozen – Pizza
Frozen – Meals
Frozen Veggies & Fruits
Hair
Laundry
Meat – Deli
Meat – Other
Medicine
Miscellaneous
Mouth – Floss
Mouth – Rinse/Whitening
Mouth – Toothbrush
Mouth – Toothpaste
Paper Products
Plastic & Foil
Rice
Sauces & Seasonings
Snack – Bars
Snack – Chips
Snack – Crackers
Snack – Cookies/Treats
Snack – Others
Skin – Deodorant
Skin – Face Cream & Cleaners
Skin – Lotion
Skin – Makeup
Skin – Shaving
Skin – Soap

Envelope Tips:

I created an envelope for each store that I shop at. This is great because now when I am shopping and find an item I can pull the coupon and stick it in the store envelope. That way when I hit the checkout I am ready to go with all my coupons.

You can also plan your trip with a list and place all your coupons in the envelope and take just that envelope in the store with you on fast trips.

Cleaning Out Your Coupon Box:

This is simple… All you do is pull the first envelope and take out all the expired coupons. When done place the envelope in the back of the box and repeat until you have the first envelop in the right place again. This makes it awesome for days that you can’t seem to get it all done in one sitting. You will not have to try and remember where you left off again.

If you like this post read “How I Organize My Coupon Binder“.