Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Learn how to organize coupons. From a coupon binder to the clipless method, you can quickly find your coupons when you need them.
How To Keep Your Coupons Organized
There are lots of ways to organize coupons; the key is to find the approach that works best for you and stick with it. Organizing your coupons at first may take a lot of your time, but once you get used to your method, it becomes faster and easier.
Bets Couponing Organizing Tips
There are many ways to organize your coupons. I will be discussing the 4 MAIN organizing techniques. Whichever approach you choose, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your coupons remain neat and accessible:
- Develop a filing system. Most couponers organize their coupons by category (dairy, frozen foods, deli, etc.) or by expiration date, but it’s not the only way to go. Find a filing system that works for you, organize by aisle, by expiration, or category, etc. At first, you will be busy with organizing, but once you are done, it will really make couponing easier.
- Find a container to hold your coupons. Use a shoebox, a storage container, a coupon binder, a coupon wallet or a recipe box. It really doesn’t matter what you choose. The most important thing is to have a landing spot for all of your coupons.
- File coupons the same day you get them. Okay, so you may not always have time to file your coupons right away, but try to file them as soon as you can. This will prevent them from getting lost and save you the hassle of having to sort through a big mess of coupons all at once.
- Purge regularly. Expired coupons won’t save you money, so don’t let them hog space in your coupon file. Set a schedule for purging expired coupons, and stick to it. When they reach their expiration date, pull them out of the cycle.
THE “Binder” Method
Have you ever heard the joke? “If you see a binder, don’t get behind her”. I laugh because I too have had many people roll their eyes at me, but the joke is on them. Especially when they turn around in amazement over the HUGE savings.
The general idea with the binder method is that you shop with all of your coupons in the binder. I also recommend a good quality binder, preferably one that zips up like the one pictured here (Amazon link).
With the binder method, you are doing all the work of clipping and organizing first. However, this is not always the case. I use the binder method and do not take it with me. When I make my list I have it nearby to pull my coupons out easily. I am very much a visual person. If there are coupons that are high value or I know I will use, I carry them with me in my handy dandy pocket filer (pictured in the hybrid method)
Tips –
- Each week, clip your coupons from the Sunday newspaper, all of your magazines and any printable coupon sites (Like Coupons.com found on Inspiring Savings).
- Sort and file the coupons in your baseball card holders. Like these pocket sleeves ones (Amazon link). Organize your binder in an intuitive way for you to quickly find coupons. You can organize by monthly expiration dates (closest to the expiration date on top) or organize by store layout (Produce, Deli, Natural/Organic etc)
- Pull your coupons each week as you plan your shopping trip. Set them to the side or place them in a section of your binder with your shopping list so you can quickly refer to them in the store and pay at the register.
With the Binder Method, your coupons are available during shopping to take advantage of any unadvertised sales that were not in your original shopping plan. The best stores to shop for unadvertised deals are Target and Walmart (love those end caps deals)
The “File Insert” Method
This is the quickest filing method. However, beware with this method that even though you are filing your coupons at lightning speed, you are saving all the work until you make your list. I like to refer to this method as “This is the do the work later method”. You will file your inserts by date (weekly or monthly) and cut coupons only when needed.
You don’t need a fancy file system like the one seen above. In fact, you can use this Plastic File Box, Includes Lid and Handles (Amazon Link) I really like this one because it is very portable.
This is my least favorite method of filing. I just don’t like having all that paper in my hands or all over the desk when trying to do my list. I also don’t like keeping expired coupons with current coupons. The likelihood of pulling a coupon that is no longer valid is much higher. Nothing stinks more than heading to the register and being denied the use of a coupon due to its expiration date.
The idea with the File-by-Insert Method is that you file your inserts without cutting them. You will only touch the coupons when you will actually need them for that specific shopping trip. Plan to make multiple files that state “SS or Smartsource”, “SAVE or Vericast” & “P&G or Proctor & Gamble”
Proctor & Gamble coupons are the only ones distributed for an entire month. Meaning they will expire the same month they are issued. When those coupons expire, just replace them with the most current insert. The others will need multiple files. Simply write the insert date across the front and file it away.
Tips –
- Put the date on the front of the whole coupon insert.
- File your inserts by the week or month in file folders.
- Clip your coupons each week as you plan your shopping trip.
- Set them to the side or place them in an envelope. This way they are ready for use.
- Shop with your shopping list and clipped coupons.
- Discard inserts when the majority of the coupons are expired.
- File inserts by DATE and cut coupons when needed.
You can then access the coupon database to find the coupons you need to clip before you shop.
The “Hybrid” Method
The hybrid method combines the use of two different systems; similar to the “binder” method and the “file insert” method. Cutting some coupons and filing others. Cutting all coupons that pertain to the brands that you purchase on a regular basis, that are higher value or will expire quickly (usually within a 2-week time frame) all stay in the coupon portfolio. I also like to carry around extra coupons in case I spot an unadvertised sale or clearance opportunity.
You can either clip the remaining coupon (which is what I do) and file them in your binder, or file them by using the “file insert” method.
Here’s one example of a super cute coupon organizer I found on Amazon. It’s neat and fits perfectly into your purse.
The “Coupon Box” Method
One method I’m seeing used more and more is the coupon box. It is the cheapest way to organize. There is no need to purchase any special binders or filing accessories. Simply use a plastic or cardboard shoebox, envelopes, and index cards to create a simple and inexpensive file system.
Add coupons to envelopes with index cards stapled to them with printed or written labels. Keep in a small plastic box or shoebox.
If you’re interested in trying this method, I found these great storage containers on Amazon. If you don’t already have a container to use for organizing.
How I Organize
I personally organize by using a coupon binder and personalized my method with a small spin on the hybrid method. I am a planner, so I always take a detailed list to the store with me. In my binder, I have tabs for each month and I have organized by expiration date.
It took me a while to get organized, but when I did, it made all the difference. Whatever method you choose to use, make sure it works for you and stick with it. Organization is key when it comes to staying on top of your store’s deals.
Yes, oftentimes I have spotted an amazing unadvertised deal that I didn’t know about and don’t have a coupon for it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t return to the store. I figure I can always go back to get the item (with my coupon) if I want it bad enough. Plus, this helps me stick to my list (and budget).
Other Helpful Couponing Resources on Inspiring Savings
How to Lower Your Grocery Bill This Year
Best Printable Coupon Sites – Print Free Grocery Coupons
