Have you ever missed out on a great deal because you could not find the one coupon you knew you had somewhere?
Couponing is a super-addicting hobby that can save you tons of money. But it can quickly become overwhelming.
To be successful at couponing, you must collect as many coupons as possible. However, as the heaps of coupons begin piling up, you may find your motivation waning. It’s hard to stay focused and enthusiastic when you have to sort through hundreds of scattered, unorganized heaps of paper.
Experts know the best way to be successful at couponing is to be organized. Whether you use a binder system, folders, spreadsheets or envelopes, developing a neat system will keep you on your toes and on top of all the good deals. Here are the top 5 ways to organize coupons:
1. Baseball card binders
Many couponers swear by this system to organize their coupons. Purchase a 3-ring binder that zips all the way around (so no coupons fall out) and plastic baseball card holders. Sort all duplicate coupons together and place in the same baseball card slot with the name and expiration date facing out.
2. Page protector organization
If you’re not a fan of baseball card holders (not all coupons fit neatly), organize coupons in clear page protectors. Place a sheet of white copy paper into a protector; this allows you to place coupons on both sides. Bind duplicate coupons with paper clips, and place in each sheet protector. Sort pages by category for even more organization. Many couponers like to organize by:
– Category: Use tab dividers to sort page protectors by Dairy, Cosmetics, Meat, Laundry, etc.
– Store route: Loyal to one store? Organize coupon pages by your favored route around the store aisles.
– Alphabetical: Sort pages chronologically by brand names – Numbers, A, B, C., etc.
3. Ad insert binders
While thousands spend hours clipping coupons, others go about things the time-saving way. If you don’t have extra hours in the week to devote to cutting, organize a binder of ad inserts.
Start with a 3-ring binder and sheet protectors. Place each insert you receive – intact – in a protector. As you discover sales (through online blogs), simply reach into a protector, pull out the desired insert, and clip only that one specific coupon. Be sure to clearly mark the name and date of each coupon insert (RedPlum, 5/15).
4. Accordion folders
If you don’t collect thousands of coupons or don’t want to haul around a 20 lb. binder, accordion files might be the right choice for you. Select an accordion folder with plenty of dividers, a method of securing, and room for customizable tabs. Mark each tab with store names, aisles or kinds of products.
5. Spreadsheets
Avid couponer Mackenzie Thompson is devoted to the spreadsheet method for organizing coupons. She keeps a master spreadsheet of all her coupons, listing the expiration date and coupon value.
She states, “I organize alphabetically by manufacturer or brand name. It’s an easy way to look up what I have in my binder, and I know right away what the expiration date might be.”
“Before, I had a difficult time remembering what coupons I have, and for how much, so it took way too much time to look through the sale papers and match up with my binder. After, I can use my spreadsheet to quickly scan the coupons I have.”
Untold numbers of people who start out interested in couponing lose their stride and motivation once the coupons begin piling out of control. Learn a lesson from these unfortunate few and keep your coupons organized. Once you develop a system you can stick with, organizing your ads and coupons will become a piece of cake.
Learn more about couponing:
– Top 10 Tips for Beginning Couponers
– Coupon Etiquette for Beginners
– 8 Ways to Save Money at Rite Aid
