A reader asked: "Would you do a post on how you organize your coupons?" There are 3 basic components to how I keep my coupons organized:
- Large accordian file for Sunday inserts: I keep the inserts whole and write the date at the top. I then file them by month. This way if I read about a deal and the coupon is from "11/8 RP" I can just pull it out and snip. I like this because there is no unnecessary cutting. If I need to buy something and I want to know if I have a coupon for it, I use A Full Cup's coupon database to search for it. It's free to sign up.
- Small accordian file for loose coupons: This is used for coupons I receive in the mail; cut from magazines; print "in case"; pull from blinkies in stores; find in or on packaging; cut out of an insert and planned to use, but never did; etc. It is organized by type of coupon (bathroom, cooking, dairy...) I go through and clear the expired ones out at the end of each month.
- Envelopes: When I plan a CVS or Target trip, I make my list on a junk mail envelope. Note: these are great for saving for many reasons. I then store the needed coupons, gift cards, CVS card, printed coupon policy, a stock-up price list, etc inside the envelope to take with me. I have a Target, CVS, Mall, and BRU/TRU envelope at all times.
Just because this works for me, it may not suit your needs. Some people like to cut out all coupons and make a coupon binder with trading card inserts. Others like to carry around a box with little index dividers. You just have to find what works for you. Please feel free to share your own organization system in the comments. Hope this helps!
