I've received emails asking how I keep my coupons organized, so I thought it might be best just to post the information on the blog. There are many different ways to organize your coupons, and you really just have to find the system that works best for you. Here are three of the most popular coupon organizing methods and the pros and cons of each one.
Method #1: The Check Organizer Method
Description: You cut all of the coupons you need and organize them in a check file similar to this one.
Pros:
- The check file doesn't take up a lot of room
- It fits easily into a purse or diaper bag
- All of your coupons are clipped prior to your shopping trip
Cons:
- You have to spend a lot of up-front time clipping and organizing your coupons.
- There are only 12 or 13 slots, so you can only have 12 or 13 categories.
- There are a lot of coupons to sort through when you're getting them ready for a shopping trip.
Method #2: The Label Now, Clip Later Method
Description: You label the first page of your coupon insert with the date. The coupon inserts are kept in a file and you wait to clip them right before a shopping trip.
Pros:
- You aren't spending up-front time clipping coupons.
- When you're looking at the coupon matchups for the week, it's easy to find the SS, RP, or P&G insert that contains the coupon you need.
- There isn't a quick way to view all of your coupons in a particular category.
- It's a little too bulky to take the big box-o-coupons to the store.
Method #3: The Binder Method
Description: This is probably the best method for folks who are extremely organized. It's the method that you may have seen the majority of the extreme couponers use on TLC.
Pros:
- Your binder can be divided into as many sections as you need.
- You can quickly flip to and view the coupons in a particular category
- It's small enough to take to the store with you.
- You have to spend time up-front clipping and organizing your coupons.
I've used methods 1&2. Both are great, but I've realized that with the amount of time I spend on the site, it would probably be easier for me to go ahead and move on to method #3. So, I'm making a pretty cover for my binder and ordering these baseball card holders.
No matter which method you choose, it's best to put aside the coupons you know you will be using at the store. This way, you won't hold up the rest of the line while you hunt for your coupons.
Which method do you use to organize your coupons?