There are lots of ways you can organize your coupons. I’ve tried several different ways and finally found something that really works for me. I do not cut out all the coupons from the weekly inserts. I only cut coupons for items that I use often just in case I am somewhere and there is a GOOD deal. I then write the date (of the Sunday insert) on top of each insert and then when I need to find something I can locate it by date.
I used to keep a big PILE of coupons in the cabinet under my TV so my kids didn’t have access to them. But then I was walking the scrapbooking aisle in Target and saw a bunch of organizing tools on Clearance and I had an idea. I found something that was PERFECT for my coupon inserts: Expo Expandable 12 x 12 File Organizer. It’s made to fit 12×12 paper but it’s the PERFECT size for coupons inserts. I grabbed one and immediately filed my coupon inserts by date in the file. There are 13 slots so I can easily keep 13 weeks of inserts. Usually after 3 months most of the coupons expire but for those that don’t, I’ll keep them in the last spot.
Here is what I’m using. But you can use an accordion file from Staples or Office Max too.
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This is a great idea! It can be so much trouble to keep up with coupons, and it’s frustrating when I pull out a coupon and it’s expired! Organizing them by date would definitely be a big help!
This method works best for me too except for when there is an unexpected sale at the store. Do you have a method for finding a specific coupon in this situation?
I cut out the products I use the most that I may possible find on sale and file them in my Couponizer and always take it with me to the store. But if I’m out and I see something I don’t have a coupon for with me, I try to go back, if it’s worth the trip of course. That’s when I come home, use the coupon database to find where it is or if there is even one. But remember most stores will let you come back with the receipt and the coupon. It’s good to always ask about that!