So You Want To Be A Couponer: Organization

So now you have a million coupons and you need a way to organize them because if you can’t find the right coupons they are useless to you. There are many different systems and for me the coupon binder is the one that works best. I know it may seem a bit intense but I find that I save more money using this method than any other. I have tried filing my inserts by date and just cutting out what I need but the problem is when I need a brand specific coupon I have to dig forever! With a binder I just flip to the proper section and I know instantly if I have a coupon for the item I want.

I use a leather 3 ring binder ( leather so it is durable). I got this one at Target.

It has an accordion file in the front where I keep the weekly ad of the store I am shopping at. That section rotates based on where I am going, that way the binder doesn’t get any bulkier than it is already. The back has a built in notepad I use for my grocery list and there is a pen holder.

It does not zip shut but I have a cute tote bag that it fits perfectly in. At first it was a bit embarrassing to have a big binder to shop with but with my cute bag and all the money it has saved me I am no longer embarrassed but thrilled with the deals it gets me. ( The bag was $4 at Target!)

Then I have a calculator and a zipper pocket with scissors and a backup pen.

Next I have my categories. Each category begins with a labeled pocket tab. That way I know what section it is and when I am unable to file coupons I can stick them in the appropriate area. Behind each tab are baseball card sleeves. I like these best because they hold 9 coupons per page and I can use front and back. I ordered collector card sleeves from online because they are sturdier and I don’t want to be constantly replacing my pages. This system allows for easy viewing on the go. I tend to group in each slot coupons for the same item and/or company depending on how big the section is, I don’t want it to be too time consuming to file.

My categories are:
Baby
Beverages
Condiments
Snacks
Breakfast
Baking Needs
Canned
Meat
Dairy
Freezer
Grains
Oral hygiene
Toiletries
Medicine
Cleaning Products
Paper Products
Household Goods
Laundry
Pets
CVS (store specific coupons and ECB)
Kroger/ Giant Eagle ( store specific coupons)

I also have a separate file that I keep my weekly ads in for reference which I purge each week as I replace the ads with current ones. This file also holds my coupons for restaurants, entertainment, clothing and anything else I have.

I find this system very convenient on the go, child proof and easy to use. It is bulky but I am fine with that. It is not for everyone but hopefully this will help you get an idea of how to file your own coupons. I also keep a mini clutch in my purse where I put the coupons I plan on using and where I keep all my store reward and loyalty cards. Then as I find the items I move the coupons to a different section so checkout is easy and efficient. I also keep in the clutch (it has 4 sections) coupons that I may need when out plus my ECB, RR and any catalina’s for stores.