I hate clipping coupons. I know, it’s ironic because I’m a couponer.
I used the binder method when I started couponing. Clipping and organizing my coupons using baseball card protectors took about 2-3 hours!
OMG! I hated couponing after that. My desk was literally buried in coupons, inserts, newspapers.
I literally ignored the coupon mess for a month! Okay, maybe two. There had to be a better way.
There was. And I found it. I want to share it with you.
I use TWO methods to organize my coupons in less than 5 minutes!
Filing Method
I’ve had this filing crate since college but there are cuter options now.
You will need:
- file crate
- hanging file folders
- pen or marker
- post-it notes or labels
How to organize:
- Write the date of the insert on the front (for example: Red Plum insert that came out on August 6th, write 8/6 on the front of all your Red Plum inserts. Insert dates are located on the spine which are tiny!
- Place all inserts that came out on the same date in ONE folder and label folder with the date of the insert using post-it notes.
If I ever need to find a coupon, I just use the coupon database. I only clip the coupons I need for my couponing trip.
Sometimes if I see a coupon I know I’ll use, I clip it and file it in my mini accordion file (ex. Shea Moisture, Seventh Generation, Aveeno etc.). I like to bring coupons for products I regularly use in case there’s an unadvertised deal or clearance.
Mini Accordion File
I use this to organize clipped printable and random coupons. It’s tiny and fits my bag very nicely. I got it from the Dollar Tree. You can sometimes find some at the Target Dollar Spot. This is what I bring to the store.
How to organize:
- by categories – example: baby, cosmetics, body care, hair care, cleaning, laundry, breakfast, beverages, etc
- really, however you want 😎
Both of these methods keep my coupons organized without sacrificing precious time. It takes me less than 5 minutes to write dates and file my inserts away. I hope this post saved you a lot of time!
Want to learn how to coupon? Check out my Ultimate Couponing Guide + Resources!
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