Now that you’ve started collecting your coupons you need to decide how you’d like to organize them. There is no right or wrong answer to this dilemma. However, you need to pick an organization method before your entire house is reminiscent of a New York City ticker-tape parade.

Also, don’t be surprised if you pick a method and then change your mind. It’s all about personal preference, trial and error and figuring out which organizational method works best for YOU and your family!

To Clip Coupons in Advance or Not Clip in Advance?

That is the Question.

Initially you need to decide if you plan to cut all of your coupons in advance and file them or store the entire coupon inserts intact. My advice is to try a method and see how it works, but don’t spend a lot of money initially to set up that method. For example, for the binder method you could use an old photo album or a brag book you have in a closet somewhere instead of purchasing a new binder, baseball card inserts and dividers. For the box method, you might try an old shoe box before you invest in a plastic storage box.

Popular Organization Methods

Hanging File System

The Hanging File System method involves filing your coupon inserts fully intact by insert name and date. You’d keep all of your Red Plum inserts together chronologically, Smart Source coupons together chronologically, etc. and clip (cut out) a coupon right before you shop. The coupon match-up lists provide the vital information for you to locate the necessary coupons and you only clip the coupons you actually use. This organizational method requires little time on a weekly basis as you only need to date the top of each insert and file accordingly.  The negative side of this system is you’ll need to locate and cut coupons before before every shopping trip.

Binder Method

With the binder method, coupons are filed in clear baseball card inserts so they are easily visible. You can file the coupons alphabetically or according to a specific category. This method requires you to clip and file your coupons on a regular basis. I thought the binder method looked great so set one up using an old photo album and only used it for a week. Then, I realized that keeping it organized was way too time-consuming for me so I switched to the box method. With the binder, I was constantly moving coupons to a different insert spot and found the binder to be bulky and heavy. If you chose to go this route, make sure to get a binder that zips and has an external carry handle.

Box – my preferred method

The box method is totally flexible whether filing coupons alphabetically, categorically or by expiration date. I used a plastic box about the size of a shoe box. Then, I made my own color-coded category dividers out of heavy card stock. Not only did this save money, but allowed customization to meet my needs. It’s nothing fancy, but certainly does the trick. I also like that the plastic cover clips on so nothing falls out and has a handle for easy carrying. The box is big enough to allow expansion yet small enough to leave right in my car ensuring that I always have all of my coupons with me for an unexpected sale or unplanned trip to the store.

Small Accordion Style Coupon Organizer

These small coupon organizers are inexpensive but too small in my opinion.  Yes, they keep coupons better organized then an envelope, but some of the coupons are long so must be folded to fit.  Spend a few extra bucks and get a plastic expandable check register file instead.

Recommended

Not Recommended

Be Sociable, Share!

•