Organizing coupons

**julsandtrish** · 10-08-2001, 08:13 AM

ORGANIZE

Now that you're collecting coupons, it's time to ORGANIZE them so that you can find the coupon you need the moment you need it.
Your first task is to find something to hold your coupons. Several different types of containers work, but some are better than others. The most common "starter" coupon file is a shoe box. If you have a shoe box on hand, get it right now. It can be your first file.
What if you want to start small and don't want to carry a box? You can buy a cloth organizer at a variety store or mail-order one. "Hannah Hansen" sells a nice inexpensive organizer. Their ads appear regularly in the Sunday coupon supplements. You might consider an accordion check file also. It already has convenient dividers built in.
Another type of container is a recipe file box. They are about the right size (get the biggest one available), are sturdy, and they often come with divider cards. Again, you may outgrow this, but it is a good way to start.
An excellent container, used by serious couponers, is a Rubbermaid-type box with a lid. You can buy these at any variety store like K-Mart. Pick one that measures about 4" high, 8" wide and 12" long. The box looks like a plastic shoebox or bootbox. It is roomy and durable. The lid snaps on securely. (A tight lid is very helpful...if you ever drop your file in the parking lot you'll quickly discover why.) This type of container literally lasts forever.

**keilley** · 04-30-2002, 02:13 PM

I need to hear from the coupon experts.

How do you organize your coupons? I am presently buried under a coupon avalanche. What is the best method for sorting them?

Thanks.

Keilley

**aylasmommy** · 04-30-2002, 02:39 PM

I have a check file organizer (well two ) that I use and I catorgorize them by aisles in the store

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/3016149

that is also the link to what I use

**Jerseygirl** · 04-30-2002, 08:25 PM

I have a canvas envelope organizer that I do by categories and subcatagories--like I have a section for beauty products, then seperate further into hair care, mouth care, moisturizers etc. It works for me as long as I keep up on it, remove outdated and put new ones in weekly. I also keep a plastic envelope file organizer that I use for non-grocery store items--A section for those bed bath and beyond coupons, ragshop offers, restaurant coupons and gift certificates and rain checks--I keep it in my tote bag at all times so I never run into a store without it. Good Luck

**milach** · 05-01-2002, 03:23 PM

I use a 3x5 card file box with dividers. I have it divided into Freezer Sect, Fridge sect, baby stuff, canned goods etc. It is a little bulky to just put in your purse, but I carry around a canvas tote as a diaper bad, so it fits well in there.

Laura

**QuilterMom** · 05-02-2002, 07:37 AM

I use the binder method. You can read about it here............

http://pages.ivillage.com/lwmsavon/l...dtips/id2.html

It takes some time and work to get it set up and I don't do mine exactly as described in the link above, but it's the best method I've ever used.

**NY Mama** · 05-14-2002, 07:48 PM

I also use the binder method, and it's the greatest! I never dump my coupons in the grocery store, and I can find everything quickly while I"m shopping, which is really a plus when I'm shopping with my two year old "helper"

**Bevv** · 05-14-2002, 08:39 PM

I use a photograph album with 4 by 6 inch pockets. It is a binder. but not full sized, more luke 2/3 size of regular binder.

I have post-it stickes to label the pages.

works for me

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 05-15-2002, 11:19 PM

I use a Tupperware ice cream keeper and homemade dividers (made themout of an old cereal box!).

**justjenn** · 05-15-2002, 11:26 PM

I use the regular coupon binder. I seperate mine by date of expiration, though. But, I am thinking of looking into that coupon binder described earlier-sounds neat!

**dz_blonde_girl** · 05-25-2002, 02:19 PM

and what coupon sites do you like/use?

**MANDERS** · 05-27-2002, 12:01 AM

I have a small bill organizer thingy(lol) that I use mine in,I have them in order according to aisle at the store like refrigerated,frozen,bath and beauty etc.I also put like coupon together and in alphabetical order like say in bath and beauty it has Almay,biore,covergirl etc.I find it easy this way.Here in Georgia they have a site for Kroger called cutouthunger.org They list thing in alphabetical order or percent saved.when it comes time for super double coupons I get out all my coupon .55 -$1 and put them in an envelope for that store,which i keep in my coupn folder.I have one for all the grocery stores,drug stores and retail stores such as k-mart.On the envelope it has the stores name on it and I go threw the fliers and make my list put in the coupons and list and off I go.

I am also on a coupon train and dumpster dive for coupons,not to mention I get the sunday paper.I have them coming out my ears.Hope this helped

**dz_blonde_girl** · 05-27-2002, 07:50 AM

The different envelopes for different stores is a great idea!

I just can't seem to find a way to keep them that works well for me. I catagorize them and keep them in order of expiration date.

On my quest the other day I printed a coupon off the Lysol site. and I printed 3 coupons off of www.nesteggz.com (?). ValuPage just doesn't have as much as they used to.

**PrairieRose** · 05-27-2002, 10:37 AM

I carry mine in an envelope in my purse and I only get the ones out of the Sunday paper. I have to admit I'm a bit of a slacker in the coupon dept. esp. since we don't have any stores that double.

**AmyBoz** · 05-27-2002, 10:50 AM

I use two accordion coupon organizers that are small enough to fit in my purse (one at a time.) One is for my coupons and the other is for coupons to trade. I lucked out for about 5 months because I had a student teacher in my classroom who worked in a deli on the weekends and would bring me the coupon inserts from the Sunday papers that didn't sell, but now she's done, so it's back to my coupons, my mothers, and my fils.
As for what coupon sites I use, there is this one, Kachina, and Refunding Makes Cents. I don't go to any where I have to pay to buy coupons because it seems to defeat the purpose to me. I am a trader only, but although I primarily trade for other coupons and stamps, I do trade for things like stickers, etc, because as a teacher, I use them. This is my favorite site, though, because I like all of the different categories and discussions that go on. I have really gotten SO many helpful hints and ideas from being here.