Getting Organized

Tip number one is to get organized. I have seen several different methods used and the more coupons you acquirer it may make sense to switch your method to accommodate your stash. I find the most useful way to organize my coupons is to organize them by category (ex: beauty supplies, snacks, cleaning products, etc.). If you don't plan on using coupons very often get a small organizer that will fit in your purse. These typically can be found in drug stores, or department stores in the office/school supplies areas. I suggest plastic ones as they are more durable and they are also expandable. This is my current method but I will be upgrading to the next step very shortly.

For more avid coupon users I suggest an empty plastic baby wipes container. You can organize the coupons by category and use index cards as place holders. Another thought is to use envelopes for each category. This is bulky to carry to each store so that brings me to the pre-planning which will be discussed in a later post.

The last organizational method that I have seen used is for the serious coupon user. This is the binder method. Think old-school "Trapper Keepers". It is recommended to get a binder with a zipper to close. The interior of the binder will hold clear plastic card holders like the ones that get used for baseball card collections. Dividers can be used to classify categories. This will make finding coupons in a large stack quick and easy.