How to Organize Your Coupons
How to Organize Your Coupons
Using coupons is a great way to save a few bucks here and there. The catch, though, is that they only save you money if you can find them and use them. How often do you clip a coupon then forget where it is, only to find it after it has expired? Yep, an organizational system for those slips of paper is almost as valuable as the coupons themselves so here are a few tips to get those coupons in order.
Choose an Organization System
There are a number of systems that work well with keeping coupons in order. You can use a ring back binder and plastic ball card sleeves to put your coupons in order or you may choose an accordion file that is sized for coupons.
Both of these systems sort your coupons and keep them organized according to product categories. This is perhaps the easiest way to keep your coupons in order so you can make use of them. You may experiment with using both of these systems to decide which one works best for you.
Sort By Expiration Dates
Coupons with expirations dates that are coming up soon need to be put toward the front so you can use them before it’s too late. You will need to make a habit of sorting your coupons each week to check the dates. When you find coupons that will expire within the next week, move them toward the front of your organizational binder or file so you will remember to use them.
Organize As You Clip
Once you get your coupons in order, you can keep them that way by sorting and organizing as you cut them out. Each week as you get new coupons, take some time to not only cut them out, but to also separate and sort according to product and expiration date.
Make Your Shopping List With Your Coupons
When you make out your shopping list each week, sort through your coupons to see what is about to expire and needs to be used and if you have coupons for the items on your list. Remember, even if it’s a brand you don’t normally use, a good deal is a good deal. Look for sales and other offers like buy one get one free that you can combine with coupons you already have to get some great bargains.
Sort Your Coupons Regularly
Coupons only save you money if you use them. This is why it’s important to take a little time every week to sort through your current inventory. Trade off coupons you won’t use in exchange for a few you will use. Once you get everything in order, it should only take a short amount of time to add and sort new coupons, make out lists and match up deals with your list, and plan out your shopping.
Getting your coupons in order so you can find them — and use them — will save you money in the long run. Stop messing with those slips of paper floating around your purse or being wadded up in your pockets. Get them in order and save a few bucks!
If you are in need of better organization skills in general, then we have some things here that will be sure yo help you out! Check out our guide to Getting Organized! If you find that you are still having organization problems, then you might want to try this book on organizing inside and out!
