Get Those Coupons Under Control with These Great Organizing Tips!
Without properly organizing coupons, it is easy to lose them, forget to use them in time or otherwise waste them. Although organizing coupons may sound like a lot of work, it gets easier over time. By setting up an organization strategy in the beginning and sticking with it, a person will eventually get into a routine. After a while, keeping those coupons organized won’t seem like such a hassle at all. The benefits of organizing coupons are considerable, and it is well worth it to develop and implement an organization system. The following saving money tips make it a lot easier to do.
Choose a Collection Method
It is smart to decide on a collection method right from the start. For example, some people prefer to clip and organize each and every coupon that crosses their path. That way, they are sure to make use of as many coupons as possible. Those who like to spend less time collecting their coupons only tend to clip the ones that they are positive that they will use. Still others choose not to clip a coupon until or unless it is needed. They simply set aside the sales papers and sort through them when it is time to go shopping.
In order to stay organized, it is generally best to at least clip the coupons that are sure to be used. It is very difficult to organize coupons when they are not clipped for easy sorting. This is definitely a personal preference, but the following tips are not very easy to implement if coupons are not clipped ahead of time.
Come Up with a Filing System
The next thing that needs to be done when organizing coupons is to come up with a basic filing system. Coupons need to be organized in some sort of logical manner. A few popular examples include:
- By Manufacturer or Brand – Some people file their coupons in alphabetical order by brand or manufacturer. Those who typically stick with specific brands tend to have the most success with this method.
- By Store – People who clip coupons for a wide range of different stores are smart to sort them in broad categories based on popular retailers. General grocery coupons can be kept in a general grocery section.
- By Aisle or Store Category – Those who mostly clip grocery coupons often organize them by store category; some even go as far as to organize them according to the aisles of their favorite store. Sections might include frozen foods, dairy, bread and canned goods.
- By Expiration – People who have an especially hard time with expiration dates should consider sorting their coupons in order of expiration. This dramatically reduces the risk of letting a good coupon go to waste.
Of course, it is also possible to incorporate two or more of the preceding methods. For example, some people organize their coupons by store category first, then by expiration date. At any rate, it is also wise to keep expiration dates in mind when organizing coupons.
Select the Right Method of Storage
Tubs, boxes and bins can be used to organize coupons. The main drawback to using this method is that it is not very portable. Some people like being able to grab their coupons and go on a moment’s notice. To that end, coupon binders are excellent options. It is easy to create a coupon binder. Simply buy a regular binder and fill it with clear baseball card holders. Coupons can be stored where baseball cards normally go. Extra-large binders are readily available.
In addition to the preceding tips, it helps to file coupons on the same day that they are received. Coupons should also be purged on a weekly or semiweekly basis. By doing that, a person never has to worry about out-of-control piles of coupons again.
This guest post was written by Kimberly Willis, who writes about money-saving tips and is a www.coupon.org contributor.
