Couponing is somewhat of an acquired skill. It takes time, energy and organizational skills. Many people are not successful with using coupons because they do not take the time to learn a system. Along with learning the system, the key to making the most out of your coupons is to find an organization method that works for you.
The most common method seems to be the photo album/baseball card method shown HERE. This method requires quite a bit of work, especially if you have multiple inserts each week. Another common method is the shoe box method. This is where you cut and file your coupons by category. While I believe that both of these methods work wonderfully for many people, they can be time consuming.
If you need a quick, easy way to organize your inserts, try the “file and go” method.
Step 1: Organize inserts into piles by type, i.e Smart Source, Red Plum, General Mills, Proctor & Gamble. If there are two inserts that week for each type, sort individually.
Step 2: Write on the front of the insert in crayon or other non permeable marker the date of the insert. (Note do not write in sharpie, because it will go through to the inserts)
Step 3: Write on the front of a file folder the number of inserts in the folder by type.
SS = Smart Source
RP= Red Plum
GM= General Mills
PG= Proctor & Gamble
Step 4: Put sorted inserts in file and file away. You can use a traditional file or portable carrying case.
Once your coupons are sorted like such, you simply need to follow the grocery store posts. Clip the coupon as per the post instructions. For example, if the post says to use $1.00/1 in the 09/13 SS – you will simply pull your 09/13 folder, cut the coupons needed and return the intact folder to the file. You may not be able to bring your entire stash of coupons with you, but you will no longer be searching through endless piles!
If you are looking for a coupon for something that is not on sale, you can always look it up on my coupon database.
Ragu Product, Any – 09-13-09 RP
Hopefully, this system will allow you to quickly get a handle on your coupons. As you become more familiar with couponing or have more time to spare, you can get into a more complex system that will allow you to carry your coupons to the store — and score even more deals!
Sara says
I have been using the accordion style method and clipping my coupons every week and filing them away. But these past 2 weeks, I got 4 Sunday papers and am looking for a new storage method.
I purchased a 3 ring binder and was going to use the baseball card slot pages, but I am folding coupons in half and it seems to be a lot more work that I am willing to put in to it.
I did find 3 slot currency holders, which will hold some of the ginormous coupons I have printed from Target and coupons,com. And the best part about these is they are top loading, so much easier to snatch the coupon when needed.
I plan to ALWAYS have my coupons with me. But most trips they will be left in the car.
When I go shopping for my coupon deals. I will use envelopes and write the stores names on the front. So I know which coupons I will be using, which makes it so much easier to file through while shopping. :)
J says
I also use the “checkbook” size accordian binder. I find labeling the sections by store sections works best for me…cold/frozen, dry food, pet, household cleaners, personal care, etc….depending on what you use most. Most stores have a simliar layout in that they aren’t putting hot dogs next to lysol. They are stocking like things together. That way, when I am actually in the store, in an aisle, I basically have one slot to go to. If a store allows stacked coupons, I paperclip them together to remind myself that I wanted to use both. Since gas is expensive, I usually keep a bag of the last few weeks coupon inserts in the car, just in case I missed something I don’t have to make another trip. I don’t put a lot of time into it, but I like to save money and this is what works for me.
Sheena says
I use a small accordion filer, my problem is I can’t seem to label them correctly. Anyone have any ideas on how inshould label my files?
Thanks
Tiffany says
First off, I have to say how much I love the organization of your site!! So what is working best for me is cutting out the coupons and I am very sure I will use on the regular items I buy and I put them in my coupon book (regular kind), then I have folders (regular folders) that I put the whole insert in by date (have them dated like you) then when I am told the coupon is 11-21 SS I have no problem finding them. I am also not printing coupons unless they are a hot coupon or I am pretty sure I will use then I just put them in my folder. I find it much harder to sort through clipped coupons! I also have my pink FREE Sutter Home bag that I put all my coupons and scissors!! And a snack and drink for my daughter for when we go to the store. Has been working out great for the fact my bag is SO heavy! Last time I went to the store I needed a coupon that was not clipped and was very easy for me to find!
aliyyah says
can i get red plum coupons mailed to my house.
Sharon says
@aliyyah, I don’t get Red Plum in my paper either…if there are some in it that I really want…I order them from CouponDede.com…It’ll cost a little money but you save more, as long as you verify that coupons that you really need are there. :) You can order whole inserts or just individual coupons. The thing to remember that I do not like, is that your minimum order has to be over $3…and shipping is a booger too…But I do use it if there are alot of coupons in one insert that I really want! Hope this helps!!
Lana says
How do you organize internet and some mailed in coupons? They do not fit into baseball card slots. Do you keep separate shoe box for them?
Shannon says
@Lana,
I use a photo album.
heather says
@Lana,
I use a binder filled with currency sheets. You know the stuff that people who collect money use. These sheets have the opening on the top, and have 3 openings per page. It works soooooo well. I love it!