One of the most important things to do when couponing is organizing your coupons. If you don’t know where to find a coupon you have (due to a stash full of unorganized coupons) then you are not able to reach your full saving potential. Below I am going to show you different organizations methods that work.
Method One: Organize Inserts by Date
This method has been the method I have used for years. The funny thing, however, is when searching the internet for other’s organizational methods, I was the only one that I found using this method.
How to Start:
1.) Pull your inserts from the Sunday Paper and write the date on the front.
2.) Hole-punch the left margin of the coupon (In all my years, have not had problem with this messing up barcodes to scan.)
3.) Place your inserts in a large binder with oldest in the back and newest in the front (arranged by date.)
Pros:
1.) This makes finding a certain date’s coupon VERY easy to locate.
2.) All your inserts are in one place.
3.) Doesn’t require much time to organize each week.
4.) Easy to get rid of expired coupons. Clean your binder starting in the back.
5.) You have every coupon that came out in the Sunday paper – no coupons went to waste. So even if there is a coupon for a product you don’t buy, you might find the product cheap/free and you can donate the item.
Cons:
1.) Bulky
2.) When searching for a particular coupon (toothpaste), it is not easy to locate. I could be anywhere in your binder.
3.) There is a lot of “extra” advertisement paper (coupons only take up so much room on each insert.)
4.) Doesn’t leave room for loose coupons – another method is necessary to attach to this style of organizing.
Examples:
• See My Example HERE.
Method Two: Organize Coupons by Type
This method is the most common for couponers. Most coupon “pros” (if we can call them that) arrange their coupons this way.
How to Start:
1.) Pull your inserts from the Sunday paper and cut. (Note: If you have multiple copies of the same type, lay individual, like pages on top of each other and cut coupons from multiple inserts at the same time.
2.) Once your coupons are cut, organize them by type. You can arrange by type using photo sheets or baseball card inserts.
3.) Place photo/baseball card inserts into a large binder. You can add as well a zipper pouch for scissors, pens, paperclips, etc.
Pros:
1.) Organization at its best. If done right, this system is very orderly and neat.
2.) Easy to navigate for type of coupon. When you are in the store you can easily go to your health section for a toothpaste coupon.
3.) Easier to see when a coupon is about to expired.
4.) All your coupons are in one place.
5.) All the “extra” paper in the Sunday inserts are recycled or throw away. You do not have an abundance of extra weight due to unneeded paper.
Cons:
1.) Time – you do need to find time to cut and organize coupons each week.
2.) Bulky.
3.) Hard to find a coupon by date. If you need to go to the 1/3 SS insert, you don’t know which coupon came from where.
4.) You must search page by page for expired coupons when cleaning out your binder.
5.) When cutting coupons, you are most likely throwing away coupons you don’t use/need. If there is a sale where that coupon makes something free or cheap, you don’t have that coupon to donate that product to others.
Examples:
• See Kerri ‘s binder example HERE – She actually sells them as well so you don’t have to make your own.
• See Sarah’s binder example HERE.
Method Three: The File System
I have seen this method before, but I was unable to locate a picture or example during my research. It is pretty self explanatory, however.
How to Start:
1.) Acquire a file cabinet or cube crate that can hold handing file folders
2.) Take your inserts and arrange by date. Each handing folder will house a different date’s coupons.
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Pros:
1.) Clean and Neat.
2.) Requries the least amount of time.
3.) This makes finding a certain date’s coupon VERY easy to locate.
4.) All your inserts are in one place.
5.) Easy to get rid of expired coupons. Clean your files starting with the oldest date
6.) You have every coupon that came out in the Sunday paper – no coupons went to waste. So even if there is a coupon for a product you don’t buy, you might find the product cheap/free and you can donate the item.
Cons:
1.) Bulky – the most bulky method.
2.) Not really portable. You will not walk into the store with this method in your hand/cart.
3.) When searching for a particular coupon (toothpaste), it is not easy to locate. I could be anywhere in your file system.
4.) There is a lot of “extra” advertisement paper (coupons only take up so much room on each insert.)
5.) Doesn’t leave room for loose coupons – another method is necessary to attach to this style of organizing.
Examples:
• Please share if you have/see an example to where I can link.
Additional Methods
When couponing, you will most likely want to mix in other organizational methods. Of the above methods, method 1 and 3 don’t allow you to do it all in one place. You might be able to do it all with method 2.
Accordion File
For loose coupons, it is nice to have an accordion file. You can arrange this by type of coupon. You organization can be as specific ad dairy or as broad as grocery. Other tabs include health and beauty, baby, cleaning, household goods, etc. The accordion file is VERY easy to carry in the store. It can be as small as an envelope size or as large as a piece of paper (in width and height comparison- not depth.) This is a great place to organize peelies, catalinas, blinkies (store dispenser coupons), etc.
Envelopes
When shopping in a store, I plan my lists ahead of time. Like I have shared before, I do not walk in with my large coupon binder. Instead I carry in envelopes (and usually my accordion file mentioned above.) My envelopes are arranged by store name. For example, when I organize my CVS list I carry instead my envelopes coupons I need for THIS trip, Extra Care Bucks, My CVS Card, and rain checks. At the end of my CVS shopping, the envelope will be 95% empty from what I came in the store with.
Smaller Binder
My particular grocery store, Publix, often has a lot of additional coupon flyers/booklets. When I have extra booklets, I hole-punch the booklets and arrange them in a smaller binder. This I call my store coupon binder. If you desired, you could add some photo/baseball card inserts and place additional store coupons inside this binder as well. These would be coupons earned through rewards cards, food/baby clubs, etc. They usually are mailed, printed, or acquired in the store.
Photos above used with permission from: Save at Home Mommy and The Bargain Jargon.
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Last Updated on May 26, 2011 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
Stephanie says
I use the file box method and LOVE it. I’m not that organized in my coupons these days unfortunately, but this is a way for me to stick it in a spot very easily and grab it when I need ’em.
Maryse says
Erika at iheartcvs.com has a nice blog, including pictures, on how to organize and file coupons. She uses Method #3 (The Filing System) and a picture album for loose coupons. I personally use her method and it works great with minimal amount of work each week. However, you do have to be prepared for your shopping trips in advance.
http://iheartcvs.com/2008/09/collecting-organizing-coupons.html
Kristina Jasmin says
Here is a link to my file cabinet method– this is it in a messy state but you get the idea :0
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fePp190vVBc/SxR2drQqreI/AAAAAAAAAUk/JpxVydBMVHI/s1600/coupons+001.JPG
Carie says
Currently, I am using a really cute shoe box I got with my child’s shoes. The box is smaller than your typical shoe box. I use the file system. I categorize my coupons by type & use card stock for dividers. Works wonderfully!
Jessica Jones says
Oh wow…I am WAY over the top in my organizing…This makes me think that I should do a post with pictures of my organization! I do a modified #1 and #3…my sounds similar to yours but a little more OCD
Robin says
My mom got me The Couponizer for Christmas and I LOVE IT! Very easy to use, not too big so I can take it into the store (I put my purse in the front and lay this on top). I like the idea for the binder up top to put all the weekly ads in a binder you could also get dividers w/tabs marked by the month to separate them monthly to make them easier to find.
Laurie says
I file my coupons in a file folder each week and then just pile on top of the previous weeks. Stack up in cute box and hide until I’m ready to clip! See pictures here – http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com/2009/10/coupon-basics-part-one.html
Alison says
Thank you for all of these ideas! I now have to figure just which ones will work best for me. :) I just wanted to make sure that when you stated above, punching holes in the middle of the barcode, it should not keep it from working? Right? I didn’t want to throw away my chances of saving money! Thanks so much!
Frugal Coupon Living says
i honestly have never had a problem – i think because it is RARE that they actually go through the barcode.
sarah d says
I tried all of the above methods when I got back into couponing last spring but always found myself in the store wishing that I had that one/multiples special coupon for an unexpected find. So, following the cute design idea I saw here, bought a photo box at Hobby Lobby and then used coordinating scrap book card stock and made my own coupon box. It has simplified my coupon life – but I do have to clip every coupon which is the downside. I have dividers for the way I shop and have added ones for the stores where I put catalinas. I say whatever works for you, stick with it
Sandra S. says
I use a plastic file box that accommodates hanging file folders and I have one for each of the inserts that come in the paper (red plum, smart source, etc), I just file them by date in the files. I also have a three ring binder that I have sheet protectors with tabs attached to them. I divide those into two by placing a piece of paper in the sheet protector and then the front side is for one store and the back side is for another, I slip the weekly add into each store section and then the coupons I want to use for that store. I subscribe to over 50 different blogs through google reader and when I come across a good deal that I print out a coupon for I just slip it into the appropriate section in my binder and then I am not left wondering what store I was going to use it at. I also keep a pencil pouch that zips up for coupons that I want to keep with me but I have not found the best place to use them at yet. I use grocerysmarts.com to plan my shopping trips.
Arlene says
I just LOVE your organization for just punch holes. Its just so simple and easy. I cut out 4 papers a week and really dreaded it. Now its so simple. Thanks so much for adding this. It has really been a time saver.
Nicole says
I’m new to couponing and need some advice. I started the binder method of cutting and clipping EVERYTHING. Problem is I’m always behind. I get two copies of the Sunday coupons, but because I’ve let out the word that I will happily take any and all coupons that friends/family are gonna toss I’m always behind because I’m always getting coupons. Great because I end up with 4 or more copies of some coupons but bad cause I’m always “organizing”. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing the method you use. My question is what do you do with all the coupons you end up with (i.e. mailers and such) that aren’t necessarily store specific. Obviously they can’t be filed with the inserts. Do you keep a binder just for these? I often find myself taking coupons – only to find the items sold out, or perhaps the deal not available in my area for the price I’m willing to pay. So here I sit with my coupons I “pulled” from my binder and must sort back into my binder. I feel like I’m constantly sorting, cutting and filing. Please help!
Thanks!
Frugal Coupon Living says
The best method for you Nicole would be the third system using the baseball/photo indexes. IT does take work to stay organized. Set 30 mins a week, and organize. Perhaps in front of the tv at night!
Dee says
Oh I LOVE the hole punch idea for the inserts! I usually date all my inserts and keep them in a big stack or something. They tend to get all messed up and unorganized that way though. This will work WAY better!
Plus when I am on the go looking for a Q they won’t slide away from me…. YAY YAY YAY YAY
Tons of Kudos for you with that idea!!!!
Kim - DIY Reviews says
Great information! I placed you on our Top 10 list of how to make your own coupon binder! Thanks :-)
RonieSue Ullrich says
FANTASTIC info with photos. I found I use a hybrid approach. A few years ago I found a portable index card box with locking top…complete with cheetah print fabric around the outside. I inserted dividers for my sections or types of coupons. This workd best for me…and the hubby. Once I took him with me and when he saw the $$ of savings with coupons…I only WISH everyone could’ve seen his chest swell with pride. He looked at the man in live behind us and said “My wife just saved us $56 with coupons…WOW!”…The man was stunned and so was the chashier. Anyway, each of us here might have a story like this…I appreciate your website. :)
BudgetBaller says
I am just starting and keep my coupons in a zip lock bag! I often overlook coupons and have to go to customer service for a refund…I need a good method to get organized!
Stephanie says
I have been using your method #1 for organizing my coupons. For a while I was keeping a spreadsheet with a “coupon map” that had which insert they came from, but the file got huge and it was time-consuming. My question for you is how do you know which insert to go to for a coupon?
Thanks!
Frugal Coupon Living says
I use my coupon database (at the top under the coupon tab) to locate coupons.
Stephanie says
Yes I use the coupon database too, but most of the time my SS and RP inserts don’t match your’s.
Jorji says
I have been using the binder method for awhile. Mine is a two-sided with zipper closure. The front side contains my store coupons organized by aisle of the store. The back side has miscellaneous coupons (i.e. restaurant coupons, coupons specific to other stores (like Children’s Place, etc.)), along with folders where I keep the labeled weekly inserts.
This method has been working for awhile, but I am trying out using envelopes. I cut out all coupons from the weekly inserts. For each insert, I have two envelopes: one to keep, and one to swap/donate. The one for swapping and donating are things I am realistically never going to buy because I will not need them or not use them. Being a stay-at-home mom with three kids under 5, I barely have time to shop for myself, let alone anyone else. (Shopping with 3 kids is a huge chore!) Anyways, I write on the front of the envelope what insert the coupons are from, what product the coupons are for, and the exp date. This makes it easy to clean out, and way less bulky. Unfortunately it is a bit time consuming. And I haven’t quite figured out how to store the envelopes yet. Haha. I am also using a coupon database on my computer.
Also, I don’t know if you’ve covered this topic in your blog before, but if you have expired coupons, don’t throw them away. Some overseas military families can use expired coupons for up to 6 months! What a great way to support our troops!
Kim says
How does one get expired couponsto the troops because that is a great idea.
PAT says
I always put mine in a catagory. BreaKfast, baking, condiments, frozen, canned, etc. and I arrange them in a bindedr by the aisles in my store I shop most in. If I have a lot of coupons about to end i put them in a separate envelope in the order of the store. If I use the coupon, great, if I don’t I leave it on the shelf for someone else.
maria 30 says
As my coupon numbers were growing , i was missing some of the deals and it was very difficult to maintain the clippped coupons.
So i got the couponsavingsoftware from http://www.couponsavingsoftware.com
i created my own coupon database using it and now i dont miss even a single deal, also it deletes all my expired coupons automatically.
Cindy says
I like the baseball card organizer for my notebook. So much easier to find with like items together under catergories.
Judy says
Where can we send expired coupons for military use?
Akeisha says
Maybe you have gotten an answer on this one already, but I googled “Expired Coupons to Troops” and I found some websites that have wonderful information about how to send them and where to send them. I have offered to collect expired coupons from our community and send them over seas!
helen says
Hi Maria30,
Thanks for your advice . Yesterday got the coupon saving software , got it all setup and running now.
I used to maintain all coupon details in excel now shifted to this software, it helps me keep track/delete of the expiring coupons and match deals .
Dorothea says
Hello I also am new to this couponing and I must say that I love it… When I get to the register and the total comes out exactly how I have planned my shopping experience amount to be it is a great feeling becasue not many things in life a person has control over. I love couponing and I am a person who is very much open minded to learn more and more information that is out there for me to learn by either reading or from others who are non-coupon virgins such as myself..
Thanks a lot…
Frugal Coupon Living says
I love that too!
Amy says
I want to start this. One question of many more I would have if I do pursue this. I’m not understanding the reasoning behind having files for red plum, smart source, etc. I haven’t even looked through a paper in a while but don’t these have various coupons in them? Why have them sorted together that way? I thought you would sort through say smart source, taking the coupons out of there & organizing them by date or type or such. I’m just not understanding having them in a pile together. Please help
Frugal Coupon Living says
When I post my grocery deals, I share with you where to go look, for example your Red Plum Insert from 12/11/11. If you have this organized and dated it should be easy to find that insert.