Methods to organize your coupons

[Rasha]

There are many ways to organize coupons and not everyone does it the same... In the end it comes down to what makes YOU feel comfortable, and what works best.

Here are a few of the organization ways to get you started:

1. Using Envelopes:
To organize all the coupons you have on hand with envelopes, one idea is to make an envelope for each category. (I.e. Meat, Beauty Products, Soaps & Detergents, Paper Products, etc.).

Clip all the coupons you’ll use and store them in the applicable envelopes so you’ll find them easily.
Once you have all your coupons sorted within the envelopes, you can store the envelopes in a plastic tub, shoe box, file folders, whatever works best for you.
Another idea for envelope organizing is to label and sort the envelopes by month (expiry dates).


2. Accordion File or Wallet:

Use each pocket to store your coupons. If you have a wallet sized accordion file organizer, it's good to keep the front pocket free and you can toss in the coupons that you plan to use on your next shopping trip.
If you’re going to buy an accordion file (either a folder or wallet), look for one that has tabs on top of the pockets. This way you can mark each pocket (ie. the Month or Product Category) and you can see at a glance what each pocket holds.

3. Index File Box:

Boxes are great for organizing coupons, you can use anything from a cardboard shoe box, a plastic tub (with lid), a recipe box, empty baby wipe box, or try an index card box.
Use dividers to separate your categories and then cut, clip and sort your coupons within each category.
Make sure each index divider is tabbed so you can mark the sections, so its easier to find.


4. Binder:

Inside your binder of choice, fill it with plastic sheets for trading cards (like hockey or baseball card collecting). Use these plastic pockets to store your coupons and keep them organized.
Separate the plastic sheets with binder dividers. You can sort each section: by alphabetical, by expiration date, by product category.
Do some experimenting and see which method works best for you and your needs.



Few tips on organizing and sorting your coupons:

By Expiration Date: You can clip together coupons by month (based on expiration dates) or just store them all loose in the envelope or pocket with the about to expire coupons at the front and moving back (by date).
By Products: Within your beauty & health category (HBA), you can clip together all the shampoo coupons, all the deodorant coupons, makeup coupons, etc. Within each product category, sort the coupons by expiry date (with the soon to expire coupons on top).
Sort Alphabetically: another way to organize coupons within the system is by product name or product item (Ivory Soap, Smuckers Jam, or Peanut Butter, Laundry Detergent, etc.). Requires a little more time.


Find what works best for you! The goal is to just not let them expire, save money and have fun!

[Katrina]

I don't have too many coupons around these days so I have a small accordian style binder with the coupons I think I will use in my purse. I try to organize them by category and/or the store I will use them at. I put other coupons in a baby wipes tub and I look through that for coupons for my train. I also keep my inserts uncut since I don't have time to cut them. I have tons of wipes tubs so I also use them for BTFE, coke codes, huggies codes, etc.

http://havecouponswilltravel.com/image.php?u=1&dateline=1303154608

[wendy1214]

Just thought I would show some pictures of how others organize so you can visualize them

[Rasha]

Thanks Wendy!

[Allison]

It is definitely trial and error. I have used about 4 different methods. I am currently on the binder sorted alphabetically. I write my shopping list on envelopes and put the corresponding coupons in. Of course, you should always take your binder with you because you never know when you will run into an unadvertised deal or great clearance!

[perplexed]

Mine is like a mans shaving kit , I bought an accordian kind coupon file hard cloth and plastic dividers and took it over to the shaving kit and makeup cases and found one that it fit and slipped it in to make sure.

I bought them both and when I got it home I took the accordian file and (be careful) I simply cut out the bottom out and top off and left sides intact and slipped it back in the shaving kit and it stands up perfectly and the 12 files can expand, there is a little slot on top of the 12 dividers and I put my catagories in each shot, I wrote on colored file folder labels and I put some laminate over each one and slid it through the slot and put a tiny staple in it to hold in place.

Mine has a handle and when you open it under the lid is a zippered mesh compartment Thats where I keep my coupons I match from sales ads for that week and a pen and after the 12th file I put my calculator.

I have recieved many compliments and it works for me I just love it. It is not that big maybe 12 x4 to 5 inches and zips from either side and has a handle and is made of fake leather I guess you could say.

It was work but I would be lost without it.

[KarrenOliver]

Perplexed......that is a great idea!!!

[KellyMarie]

I have tried every method known and went back to the box with index card dividers. I bought an awesome 4 inch zipper binder, I had 200 pages in it and it came with an acoordion style organizer on the side that could hold a couple inserts, tearpads or whatever...it was a perfect setup and I just couldn't get used to it, back to the box I went :lol: Now I am $60 in the hole and the binder now serves as a catch all for boxtops, loose coupons, bills or anyhting else.

[wendy1214]

I would suggest, if anyone wants to use the Binder method. It is best to get a binder that has a handle on the side, and a strap so you can carry it o your shoulder. Case-it binders tend to have both those features. I find them helpful, because as a mom with a four year old, it is very helpful to be ale to just be able to carry the binder over my shoulder leaving my hands free.
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:B9UM3gX90krdvM:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Lauraw68/mybinder.jpg&t=1

[KellyMarie]

Mine is a Case-it, I bought it on Amazon :) (of course lol)

<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mountgrann-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B001GIP208" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[Rasha]

When I first started my sister sent me a photo album book with labels.. I love that and used it all the time. It was so easy and so light and well since I was embarrassed it was convent and little. But then I got more and more coupons and needed more room, so I upgraded to a binder and it's a GREAT method for me. I love being able to see the coupons through the baseball holder sheets. I do still get a little embarrassed, but most of the time I'm not!

My binder doesn't have easy handles, which might be more convenient like Wendy mentioned.

Just remember, its really a work in progress and what fits right for YOU! :)

[LyndaG]

You mean coupons are supposed to be organized and not in about 5 differnet areas of your house, including a laundry basket, you closet, kitchen table, kitchen counter or the bottom of your purse!? LOL

I'm a coupon mess right now, but when I was more organized I loved the binder method. Tho it was a little bit of work, I never missed a good clearance deal as all my coupons were with me. When I started working it all went down hill and I was doing the insert method, where you pulled the coupons that you would use. I missed too many deals and am slowly going back to the binder method.

LyndaG

[wendy1214]

Wow- Kelly- I would love that 4 inch binder! I have a 3 incher I got last year on clearance at Wally world. It is great most of the time, but sometimes gets a bit tight when I am all caught up with filing and have gotten extra inserts!

[AshPriest]

I have a Case It Binder that I got at Target and it has all my HBA coupons in it. I also have another binder with all of my food coupons that I got and I LOVE it! They have different designs you can choose from too. Here's the link [/URL][URL="http://www.couponclutch.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=1169_0_1_5"]http://www.couponclutch.com/idevaffiliate/banners/cc_bannerb.gif (http://www.couponclutch.com/)

I have the pink and chocolate polka dots one :)

[Rasha]

SO cute Leslie!

[perplexed]

Perplexed......that is a great idea!!!

Thanks I hope I explained it right???

I enjoyed hearing about all the others too.
Thanks!

[AshPriest]

SO cute Leslie!

Thanks! The only complaint I might have is the straps aren't quite as long as I'd like. But that's my personal preference. They're not too short or anything, I would just like it to hang a little lower :)

[Allison]

I got my binder on clearance a while ago. It doesn't have a strap so I just put it in a reusable shopping bag. It works for me.

[Jeanne]

Like a few of us I change my mind and what works best for me at that time.
I have all my inserts in folders at the moment and cut what I need and use envies from junk mail to make my list and put my coupons in that when I go to the store.
My binder is a catch all for things cut and not used tp's blinkies peelies etc

[Rasha]

I got my binder on clearance a while ago. It doesn't have a strap so I just put it in a reusable shopping bag. It works for me.

I do that too! then I use my shopping bag for what I get :)

[MamaNash]

I too use the binder method (Case-it brand - hot pink in color!!). :-) I think it is a 4" ring (I can't remember). I know it was the largest ring I could find at the time in a zippered binder. I love the shoulder strap and the handle so there's a lot of flexibility in how you can carry it.

I have to have all of my coupons where I can see them plus I think you get real familiar with what coupons you have because you constantly see them as you're flipping through the binder. I think it also makes it real easy if you do see an item on the shelf that looks like a good deal, just flip to the page and there's your coupon. I couldn't live without it. I've tried several other methods and nothing seemed to work as well for me.

BTW - don't ever be embarrassed to use your coupon system in the store (whatever system you choose). Hold your head up high, smile, and think of all the money you're saving!!

[limoil]

Oh Girl...been there.....lived it. This is what I do now..this is a repost from my formerly favorite site.....and it works quite well for the ADD couponer...

I use an entirely different system. I have tried several times to tweak the binder system, but it requires too much organizational time....too much cutting, too much filing, too much carting of extras into the stores. My binders (it took 2-3 to organize everything, had to be in the house when I was home and with me at all times when I might pop into a store. Since I am a fly-by shopper ( I pop into the store daily and maintain adequate inventory...I can only recall running out of an item when my DD "went shopping" in my pantry and forgot to tell me), I do not plan a trip each week. My plans only involve doing the deals and picking up milk and fresh foods as needed...but only on sale.

I have tried everything over my 30 years of couponing and I have finally found a system that I can keep in order. I have a file cabinet and I file uncut inserts by date. I use a database and cut only the coupons I need for the week. I keep a notepad (or my brain) to make note of unadvertised deals and I cut coupons for those before my next pop-in. I use clips and envies to keep my weekly coupons. I use a separate envie for each store. In my down time---waiting for dentist, waiting to pick up kids, etc., I file any unused coupons (last week's sales) in my wallet accordian file by category and remove expireds. These unused coupons always go to the store with me. I also file the blinkies and tearpad coups in my wallet file as I walk through the store. When the wallet file gets too fat, I remove some of the duplicates to a surplus file, which is much larger and has the same categories as my wallet file. This stays in the car, so I can run out to get any "overflow" coupons in case of an emergency (clearance sale).

This might sound complicated, but it is very simple and my organizing time is cut down drastically. If you want to try this and need more info, feel free to pm me.


You mean coupons are supposed to be organized and not in about 5 differnet areas of your house, including a laundry basket, you closet, kitchen table, kitchen counter or the bottom of your purse!? LOL

I'm a coupon mess right now, but when I was more organized I loved the binder method. Tho it was a little bit of work, I never missed a good clearance deal as all my coupons were with me. When I started working it all went down hill and I was doing the insert method, where you pulled the coupons that you would use. I missed too many deals and am slowly going back to the binder method.

LyndaG

[AshPriest]

I think the most important thing is to do what works for you. You'll always feel behind and never feel like you can get caught up if your system doesn't do what you need it to do :)

[Allison]

I am a coupon hot mess right now! My binder just doesn't work for me anymore, it just takes too much time and trimming for me. Time for me to try a new method since I currently have q's in my binder, envelopes, purse, kitchen table, and coffe table. It worked great when I was a single girl with tons of spare time. Now I have a man that I have to save from rabid skunks and that takes up more time than you think! :lol:
My new mehtod will be envelopes in a box. I already have the supplies needed to make it work. I need to think of the categories that will work for me. I will continue to pull the q's as I make my list and put in a separate envie with my list written on it since that has always worked for me.
Time for a fresh start!

[stlcouponwizard]

I have always used the same system but have expanded it several time to a current 3 lateral file drawers

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt50/stlcouponwizard/102_4287.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt50/stlcouponwizard/102_4288.jpg

[Gr8day2save]

I have always used the same system but have expanded it several time to a current 3 lateral file drawers

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt50/stlcouponwizard/102_4287.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt50/stlcouponwizard/102_4288.jpg

Wow, Neal, how do you carry that around to all the stores? lol.... Very impressive!!!!

[Gr8day2save]

There are many ways to organize coupons and not everyone does it the same... In the end it comes down to what makes YOU feel comfortable, and what works best.

Here are a few of the organization ways to get you started:

1. Using Envelopes:
To organize all the coupons you have on hand with envelopes, one idea is to make an envelope for each category. (I.e. Meat, Beauty Products, Soaps & Detergents, Paper Products, etc.).

Clip all the coupons you’ll use and store them in the applicable envelopes so you’ll find them easily.
Once you have all your coupons sorted within the envelopes, you can store the envelopes in a plastic tub, shoe box, file folders, whatever works best for you.
Another idea for envelope organizing is to label and sort the envelopes by month (expiry dates).


2. Accordion File or Wallet:

Use each pocket to store your coupons. If you have a wallet sized accordion file organizer, it's good to keep the front pocket free and you can toss in the coupons that you plan to use on your next shopping trip.
If you’re going to buy an accordion file (either a folder or wallet), look for one that has tabs on top of the pockets. This way you can mark each pocket (ie. the Month or Product Category) and you can see at a glance what each pocket holds.

3. Index File Box:

Boxes are great for organizing coupons, you can use anything from a cardboard shoe box, a plastic tub (with lid), a recipe box, empty baby wipe box, or try an index card box.
Use dividers to separate your categories and then cut, clip and sort your coupons within each category.
Make sure each index divider is tabbed so you can mark the sections, so its easier to find.


4. Binder:

Inside your binder of choice, fill it with plastic sheets for trading cards (like hockey or baseball card collecting). Use these plastic pockets to store your coupons and keep them organized.
Separate the plastic sheets with binder dividers. You can sort each section: by alphabetical, by expiration date, by product category.
Do some experimenting and see which method works best for you and your needs.



Few tips on organizing and sorting your coupons:

By Expiration Date: You can clip together coupons by month (based on expiration dates) or just store them all loose in the envelope or pocket with the about to expire coupons at the front and moving back (by date).
By Products: Within your beauty & health category (HBA), you can clip together all the shampoo coupons, all the deodorant coupons, makeup coupons, etc. Within each product category, sort the coupons by expiry date (with the soon to expire coupons on top).
Sort Alphabetically: another way to organize coupons within the system is by product name or product item (Ivory Soap, Smuckers Jam, or Peanut Butter, Laundry Detergent, etc.). Requires a little more time.


Find what works best for you! The goal is to just not let them expire, save money and have fun!

Great Job explaining, NattsGirl! Thanks for all your work on this post.

[stlcouponwizard]

I carry a enevlope to the store with the coupons i plan on using, I don't belive in buying anything I did not plan to buy.

[Gr8day2save]

I carry a enevlope to the store with the coupons i plan on using, I don't belive in buying anything I did not plan to buy.

Neal, I love your plans and methods! I mentioned you again today on my website. You are a Superstar and every here knows it!

[stlcouponwizard]

I don't think so, I enjoy what I do and once I find something that works I will run with it regardless of what any body thinks or says and coupons work. Thanks

[Heather]

I use the binder method. I have two binders. One food and one for non-food. I agree with previous posters it is whatever works for you. I have a bag I keep my binders in at all times. I like the pockets in the front b/c when I pull out the coupons I am going to use I just put them in the pocket and pull them back out before I get to the register. I have the little file box that I keep the coupons I don't cut in. By now I know the ones that I don't usually find for free so I just save the coupons pretty much for RR deals. :lol: Here are some pics of my stuff.

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx310/dubproducts/Fileboxandbag.jpg

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx310/dubproducts/twobinders.jpg

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx310/dubproducts/categoriesbinder.jpg

[Beadcouponer]

I keep my coupons in a binder. When the SS,RP and PG arrive in the mail.
I just mark the date on the top and put it in a plastic sleeve.
So I only cut out coupons when I go to the store. My loose coupons or soon to expire go in a plastic sleeve that is suppose to hold biz cards but works great to slip in my purse. I wouldn't be able to do this system with out the site couponmom.com that tells me what is on sale and what coupon goes with it. But it would be help if I brought a caculator with me to the store.