How do you organize your coupons?

[couponmama]

I am only into week 3 of learning to coupon and already I have 6 white business size envelopes stuffed with coupons. I keep the envelopes in a large Ziploc freezer bag because theres just too many to keep in my purse. Obviously I am finding this system a little cumbersome. I am curious to hear how you guys do it.

Do you use a coupon envelope or a homemade system?

Do you bring all your coupons with you or just some? I have this worry that I am going to find an unadvertised deal on something in store and not have the right coupon with me.

How do you organize the coupons themselves? By department, brand, etc?

Thanks for the input!
Shauna

[floridaclipper]

A long time ago (precoupon mom) I had a small accordian coupon folder and filed the q's by catagory. Made it easy to find when I came across an unexpected deal.

Following the coupon mom system was next. Save the inserts clip the ones you need for that week and save the rest. Worked to a point but when I found an unexpected deal I couldn't find the q as they were home in the insert. I've seen 2 systems that seem to work well. A box (photo/shoe/etc) use dividers for the catagories and the one I use the binder. Do a google search on how to set it up. It did take me a while to set up. I started too late and had a lot of inserts. In the beginning it won't be as time consuming. I clip all q's I may use if the price is right. I leave the rest in the inserts. I pull the q's before shopping but had have my binder with me in case I need more. Based on an incident I read here recently more often than not I leave the bnder in the car after pulling what I need. I'd be lost without it if it got stolen.

HTH as you go along you will find what works best for you. Happy Couponing!

[mnm'z]

I've used envies, accordian folder, binder... I think I've used every filing method (except for the meatloaf pan or tackle box ). I find that my binder works best. I have Baseball Trading Card inserts for my q's (yes, you have to fold some, but it's quick). You'll need to do something quickly or you'll be overwhelmed with q's and it will take a loooooong time to do the transfer. As far as categories, I have Bags/Containers, Baking, Beverage, Boxed, etc... My frozen is actualy divided into more categories, Frozen dinner, frozen pizza, frozen desserts, etc...

I always think of my binder as a work in progress, it's always changing. When one category gets too large, I break it down. A place for everything and everything in it's place, I guess..... it's just easier for me to find my q's when there are specific categories. I would look for a pizza q, and have to search 6 or 7 pages of frozen stuff to find it and/or miss it many times. HTH!

[jillynoodle]

i use the check holder accoridian things now...i used to use a binder but i had too many coupons...i cut all of mine because i can use expireds so i take them out of my current coupons to have them filed again with my expired coupons..i think you should try what makes most sense to u...it seems like you would like to have your coupons on you when you are browsing the store so maybe try clipping them and see what happens...everyone is so different i think in their style for organizing coupons..it all depends i think on how you shop and what works for u, so do what makes the most sense to u and go with that then be prepared to want to switch it up a couple times...im always changing but i keep going back to my check holders

[AuntCAP]

I just recently started too & liked the idea of a binder. So I went out & bought a binder with the fabric covering with a pocket in front. (I was going to buy a pencil holder to go inside the binder but it already had one so BONUS!) I also bought the 9 pocket baseball card holder sheets.
I liked the idea of keeping the coupons in a binder, but also liked that couponmom tells you of the sales in your area & the coupon you can use for it & when it came out. I wanted a way to combine the two. So I have my categories- baby, dairy, meat, etc. but then I cut the coupons out & place them in my card holder sheet. I put a small slip of paper in that slot with the date of the insert & the initials of the insert- ss- smartsource, re- redplum, etc. This seems to be working well so far. I am able to keep all my coupons in my binder but also quickly find them for a particular deal if need be.
That said- I don't keep all q's because I know I won't be using them- dog/cat food, carpet cleaner (have hardwood floors). etc. so I cut those out & look in the forum for things people are willing to trade & get in touch with them. Have had no problems so far! People here are super nice & helpful. You can also create a spreadsheet of your coupons through google/gmail & post it so people can see what you have & what you are looking for. I'm still working on this but hope to have it done in the next day or two.
With all that said, it willing is personal preference. Each person is different so take the ideas given & see which one seems to fit for you best. Then try it & tweek it until it works for you!
Have fun!

Aunt CAP

[Kristinemomof3]

I use a binder. If you look at my profile, I have listed how I do it.

[elabrahamson]

I have an accordion folder for now, but may switch to the binder system too. I put the accordian in my purse and all the coupons I plan to use that week in an envelope from junk mail. I keep an online spreadsheet of all the items I plan to use in the shopping trip and keep those coupons in order. I list the coupon, items required to use it, and what the final price should be. That way, if an item is out of stock or theres some other issue I can easily remove the coupon. I check off each item as I put it in the cart. Prior to the checkout, I pull the cart over in the corner and check my list to coupon envelope. I pull out the ones I'm not going to use that trip and place them in my accordion folder. That way, when I approach the checkout, I am able to just hand over my stack with a smile and I'm not fumbling around trying to figure out whats going on.

[couponmama]

Thanks for the great tips. I think I am going to try the binder method and see how it works out.

[dmsajs]

I'm binder girl now -- did the accordian thingy and the couponizer, but had too many q's. Binder took a little while to get together, but I love it!

Dawn

[go falcons]

I'm also one of those that has done everything over the years at one time or another . I switched to the binder system a few years ago and it by far is the best for me. Yes it is cumbersum, yes some people do look at you strangly (way more stop me to ask me questions about it or compliment me on my organization etc.)
If you are interested there are some great videos on utube that show how to set one up. Just type in coupon binder in the search section .