Organizing coupons is a task in and of itself. It can take a lot of time and there are so many different ways to organize them. You just have to find a method that works for you!
Organizing insert coupons
Insert coupons are the most popular way to get coupons. And they can be a pain to organize. Some people cut out every single insert (we call this the cutting method) and some people leave all the inserts intact (which is what I do).
If you leave the inserts in tact, you will need to figure out how to organize the inserts.
- Organize the inserts by date in either a closet, file cabinet or box.
- If you need to find an insert coupon, use a coupon database to find out what insert it was in quickly.
Organizing your coupons
There are 2 popular methods of organizing coupons. The box (my method) and the binder.
- Check out how I organize my coupons.
- If you want to use the popular binder method to organize your coupons, check out this stylish cover for your binder.
- You can also read through all the ways my readers organize their coupons.
Organizing everything else
Check out a post that I did on organizing my rebates and receipts.
Feel free to add any comments, questions or how you organize your coupons below!
If you are new to Couponing, you might want to take a moment to read more in my Getting Started Couponing series.
Jeanette says
I’ve been couponing for about two years now. I’m using the whole insert method. We use “milk crates” purchased at Staples and plain old manilla and file folders. I put the date on the file folders and then the name of the insert on each manilla folder. My only problem was when to pull out the expired ones. I found a site in a google search called Coupon Cleanout (www.CouponCleanout.com) and its been very helpful in that last respect. I select my state and it shows me what inserts are safe to pull out. Thought I’d pass it along for any other “whole insert” filers.
Ash'Ley says
Thank You so much for this wonderful website!! I am very new to couponing and have been feeling overwhelmed about where to start and how to organize my coupons. Your website has helped me to find a starting point that doesn’t overwhelm me!
Beth says
My coupons are not that organized, but I leave my inserts in-tact. I was using a large accordion folder, but it’s just as easy for me to leave them in a neat pile in my desk and refer to the date on the spine of the insert when looking for a specific coupon. Unfortunately, like Tricia said, the coupon inserts in NY are not that great. I have noticed that we do not get alot of coupons that are listed in the preview. I have an Easter basket that I keep loose coupons in and when I go shopping I usually just take the coupons I want to use for the items on my list. I have found that it helps me tremendously to stick to my list. I have a handy large separate zippered compartment in my purse that I keep “looking for” coupons in. These coupons are for items that I am looking for that may not be listed normally in store ads or for hard to find items. I have been couponing for over 2 years now, but when I started I found it very helpful to write my list on the front of an envelope and to put my coupons for that purchase IN the envelope.
Carly Laughery says
I use my own system. I use sandwich bags with labels to categorize them. Then I keep a piece of notebook paper in each that says which coupons i have in each baggie and when they expire. When I use some i cross them off. When i have a lot either getting ready to expire or a lot used then I just rewrite the ones that I have left.also if I have coupons i wont be using, i keep another bag for a woman i know from work whose a single mom but doesn’t have time do do coupons to much. :) This is especially good for the more “kid” oriented foods i.e. gummies, juice, etc. Since i don’t have kids.
Karen says
I started doing a method similar to this. I use letter sized envelopes now and write the date at the top, then at the top of each column I write the insert name (SS, RP P&G) and then list the coupon with the value, product and expiration date. When I need a coupon I just have to look at the out side of the envelope to find it. If i use one I cross it off. I haven’t done this long enough to have an almost empty envelope yet, so I will have to figure out what to do at that time. I also use a small coupon organizer for printed coupons and peelies and such. I am really enjoying this method and it is much easier to find the coupons then the coupon organizer is. It’s takes a little time once a week to clip the coupons and write them on the envelope, but it saves so much more time when looking for the coupons.
fairy dust says
I have tried all of the methods mentioned and finally settled on a binder for the grocery store and a coupon wallet I carry with me at all times for other stores like Rite Aid, CVS and Target. The grocery store doubles coupons up to AND including $1, so the majority of my coupons go there. But specific deal-oriented coupons that I know I’ll use only at RA, CVS or Target go in the wallet that I always have with me. Seems to work better than just one method or the other did in the past. But I think the key is trying different styles and finding which one works for you and your particular shopping situation :)
Heather says
I do a combo of both clipping and insert methods. Sundays I’ll clip the coupons I think I might use and sort them into an accordian folders (letter envelope size) I have one pocket each for Target, Wagreens, Hyvee (a regional grocery) and rebates (to keep track of what I’ve mailed and forms I’m planning on using). The rest of the pockets are labeled by type – frozen, health & beauty, cleaning etc. Coupons are sorted by exp. date within the categories. If I end up with an insert I don’t clip much from, I’ll write the date on the front and keep it just in case a deal comes along and I need those coupons.
Leatha says
Thank you, thank you for the recap of your past organizing posts! This is awesome and inspiring. I’m looking forward to getting back into the couponing mode! Thanks!
Jen says
I also keep the inserts all together. Is this box big enough to fit the inserts in?
Kathie in Va says
I just switched this passed weekend from the box to the binder. I still haven’t gotten all my coupons organized. I am liking the trading card pages because now I can see every coupon in it’s category. But I’ll see how well I like it in 6months.
Kathie
Meredith says
I have only been using coupons for a little under a month now, but I have already created a binder. I like this system so much more than the small accordion file I had been using. Last week, I was able to make some great purchases because I knew exactly what coupons I had by flipping through my binder! It did take a lot of time to set up, but I was able to spend less than 30 minutes adding the coupons from yesterday’s paper into it. I think it will be worth it!
Starla says
I’ve tried accordian files, binders and leaving inserts whole. I’m back to a binder right and it works best in the store but its ti consuming to organize in the store. My SIL got your coupon box and I’m anxious to see if it works for her. I really like using the accordian files. I used 2 one for grocery and one for household with pockets for CVS and Walgreens. I just had too many coupons for the accordian files. I was forgetting about “hot” coupons and letting them expire. What I don’t like about the binder is that I can’t bring it somewhere to work on during downtime. No working on it during lunch break or while waiting in line to pick up my son from school. Its too big.
Linds @ Deals to Disney says
I also use a box method. Mine more the size of a binder though!
Evalena Starke says
I just started couponing and I am using a photo album. The spaces are big enough for all the coupons and their doubles. I can put it in my purse and take it to the store with me. I find that this works for me because I usually have at least one and sometimes three kids with me at the store
Angela Shrader says
I use the binder method. At the moment I’m unemployed, so I have the time and I consider this to be my job. I find that this method saves me the most money because I can shop for hidden deals! I do clip EVERY coupon. I print a few coupons if they are appealing. And I’m trying to dive into the world of rebates! Couponing has been a Godsend for my family this past year. I decided to start couponing and exactly 2 weeks later I became unemployed, it has been 50 weeks without a job (yes, I’m receiving unemployment at the moment). But I don’t know what I would’ve done without coupons! And we have better name-brand products, and we have more on our tables to eat! This has been awesome!
Tricia says
It overwhelms me. I’ll be honest. I just can’t grasp how they do it in a binder. Seems like there would constantly be so many expired coupons to clear out. Plus, the insert coupons are not that good here in NY. You often have to buy two or three items just to save 1$. I use those portfolios that have a rubberband closure and store the coupons from each week in one pocket. I keep them intact and simply write the date on the front. Then, when i need a certain one i just go into it and find it by date and booklet. With the ones i print, i just cut them and keep them in an envelope and try to sort them by store they’ll be used at. I often have quite the mess with those but i am getting better at it. I could certainly learn a thing or 2 from everyone else.
Darcie says
Thanks for posting this Kristin! I’ve been strugging with this lately, I have used the cutting method but this is not working for me . . . Am trying to really think through all my options before I decide how to do it from now on.
Mary says
What has been working pretty well for me is a plastic shoebox with letter-sized envelopes organized by specific categories. I used to organize by Kroger aisles, but they moved everything around on me. So I have everything sorted by specific categories: meat, pasta, toothpaste, tide, cleaning supplies, dishsoap… I then have index cards for each envelope turned on the side so they stick up. Each card and envelope has the category written on it. This works really well for me…when I manage to get all the coupons in it. :D
Speaking of Kroger, they were marking the Christmas candy down to about $.60 today. I had just gone in because I totally forgot the milk the other day so I didn’t have coupons with me. :( But I got the candy anyway and a turkey-sized electric roaster for only $12! I also got a 5-qt Crockpot with the baby Crockpot for $10.50. I couldn’t resist the deal and am giving it to my friend for her birthday.
carrie says
Thanks for the idea to use index card for dividers. I tried the binder and didn’t like it. Working on using a photo box for my coupons. I’m sorting them by product name. Think it’s gonna work out a lot better. I need to cut all of my coupons. It felt like I wasted a lot of time looking through inserts.
Charity says
HI Kristin. I cut all the coupons out. Another great source for coupons – EBAY!! I love getting coupons via there. I often do the BIN (Buy It Now) and save more than I would getting it via a coupon clipping site. I never pay more than probaby $2.95 for 20 plus coupons (I usually purchase big quantities and then my BF and I share the cost and divide equally – another great way and never more than $4.00 for 100 coupons. I also use 8 legal size envelope organizers. I organize my coupons extermely specific (i.e. – condiments/salad dressings & toppers/bathroom cleaners/home cleaners/cheeses/milk & eggs etc…) to make it easier for myself to locate them in the store. Hope this helps someone :-)
Gertrude says
I originally started with the organizing by insert method, but I found that every week I was having to browse through every single insert I had just to see if I had certain coupons. The Coupon Databases available are good, but for some areas of the country they can be unreliable. I’ve switched to the binder method and it has made all the difference.
Kristie Walters says
I leave my inserts whole and have them separated in one of those portfolios. I keep loose coupons in a pencil pouch. I agree with the previous post- couponing can be overwhelming!!
Lani says
I use the same method as you do, Kristin! It seems to take a fraction of the time as keeping a binder (at least for me). I keep all my inserts by date in hanging file folders in a plastic bin made for hanging file folders. I actually use two now — started getting multiple papers and I just needed the space. When I throw out inserts because they’ve expired, I re-use the hanging file folder, just cross out the date (or use my label maker to just tape a new date on there). It keeps me organized! Thanks for all you do!
Erin says
Thank you for this. I was going to do some research on your site for the best method for organizing. It can get overwhelming!
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
I hope you find it helpful!