Several people asked me to blog about how I organize my coupons! I thought about it for a while and came to conclusion that I actually went through various stages of coupon organization since I’ve started to use coupons. From single to multiple envelope system, accordion book, regular file folder, to any kind of combination of the above… Some of those worked for me, others not so much…. So, what I want to say is that you might have to try a few different methods before you find the one system that works for you…
I used to clip and then file my coupons in a binder each week but I’ve found that this method is too time consuming for me. I just felt like I lost too much time clipping coupons I’ve never used. Yes, I will possibly lose out on some deals because I don’t carry all my coupons with me all the time but I can live with that! I like it better to plan my coupon trips anyway! So, what I do is filing all my inserts (SmartSource, RedPlum, Procter & Gamble) in a plastic box with file folders labeled for each week, for example 7/15RP or 11/8 SS. From there I just pull the particular insert whenever I need a specific coupon. The disadvantage to this is that I have to find the insert and spend time clipping them right before I go on a shopping trip. It requires a little bit more planning for each trip but I like this method the best. From there I put the coupons in a marked envelope for specific trips (Target, Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid, Grocery Store, etc) which I then place in an accordion folder. So basically, I have all the store trip envelopes, plus some added coupons that are valuable to me (such as freebies or baby coupons - coupons for diapers, formula, etc) in my accordion folder. Once I am at the store, I only have to pull that particular envelope and I am ready for my trip. Like I mentioned before, with this method I can’t be as spontaneous and jump on deals but it will also keep me from getting deals I might not need either…
Here are some ideas on how to store your coupons in different devices:
Recipe Box – You’ll need divider cards for your recipe box. You can purchase index cards or simply make them yourself out of cardboard. These cards will represent different categories to sort your coupons. Everybody sorts their coupons differently so there is no universal rule. See below.
Shoe Boxes – This method can be used just like the recipe box above.
Three Ring binder with baseball card holder inserts - this device allows a lot of storage space for your coupons. Many people choose this method because it’s so easy to see your coupons. Again, categorize them however you seem fit. Many people will carry around a dry erase marker to write notes on the baseball card inserts while they’re shopping. The disadvantage to this system is that storing coupons in baseball card holder inserts can take up a lot of time and sometimes the coupons are a little difficult to get in and out of the slots. In addition, the binder will add some extra weight to your shopping trips which is not ideal for a lot of people. This system didn’t work for me… I outgrew it very fast and it was too time consuming.
Accordion style File Folder with dividers – this is probably the most popular way to organize your coupons and the one I use also. They come in all different sizes and colors. Again, you’ll need to choose categories that will make your shopping trips easy. In addition to simply choosing your categories some people go the extra step and have a folder for each store that they shop. It really depends on the number of coupons that you need to organize. Another option is to have an accordion file for “grocery items” and another for “health and beauty items”. I do this too and that’s where I keep all my loose coupons (Home Mailers and printed coupons).
Envelopes – this method works well if you don’t have a lot of coupons to organize or you just organize your coupons for specific trips (as I described above). Some people choose general categories (dairy, meat, paper) and others choose to label their envelopes by stores (CVS, Target, Grocery Store).
Couponizer - I have personally never used the couponizer but I’ve heard feedback from people that really like it.
Here are some ways to organize your coupons in the choice of your device:
- Alphabetical by product name (Kelloggs, Ritz,…)
- Alphabetical by item type (Cereal, Milk, Paper Towels)
- Alphabetical by General Category (Dairy, Meat, Paper)
- Store Name (CVS, Target, Walgreens)
- Expiration Date (this might work better if you only have a small amount of coupons)
I hope this post will give you some ideas on how to store and organize your coupons. Please feel free to add any comments to this post. I’d love to hear of more ideas!
Happy Couponing!
Joelle
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