So, the next step in the couponing process is organization. There are as many different ways to organize as there are people who coupon. I will tell you about my style, but it is descriptive, not prescriptive so feel free to do as you please.
I have a box, though many people use a binder with trading card holders for theirs. I couldn't wrap my head around that method, so it was a good thing I got my box for free. :)
I have my box divided into 36 categories and have those categories further divided into "expiring this month" and "expiring later." Ideally, once a month I go through and trash all the expired ones, which is easy since they are already separated out and pull forward all the next expiring ones. This does not actually happen every month, maybe every other month. These are my categories:
Row 1
Drug Stores
Grocery Stores
Super Stores
Use Soon
Give Away
Other
Row 2
Meat
Bread/Pasta/Rice
Fruits/Vegetables
Breakfast
Baking
Dairy
Row 3
Snacks
Candy
Drinks
Sauces/Dressings/Seasonings
Meals
Misc Grocery
Row 4
Baby
Paper
Soaps/Lotions
Deodorant
Razors
Personal Care
Row 5
Hair Care
Oral Care
Laundry/Dish Soap
Cleaners
Medical (like Tylenol)
Vitamins/First Aid
Row 6
Household
Clothes
Auto
Restaurant
Fast Food
Toys/Games
So there you have it. Some people organize instead by the date the coupon came because most of the blogs will reference them that way, but then you have to keep a current list of all your coupons in your box/binder all the time for those moments when you see something on clearance that you think you have a coupon for, but don't know when it came. Also, what do you do with non Sunday paper coupons?
In the front of my box, I keep a fold-able reusable bag since a lot of stores now will you give you a bag credit of 5-10 cents for bringing your own bag. I also keep a pair of scissors and a small metal card holder that my dad found at Linens and Things with all my store membership cards in it. These are handy things to have, but not necessary. Most club cards work with just your phone number. I just like to keep the cards handy in case I need them.
So that's it. Get organizing. :)
I have a box, though many people use a binder with trading card holders for theirs. I couldn't wrap my head around that method, so it was a good thing I got my box for free. :)
I have my box divided into 36 categories and have those categories further divided into "expiring this month" and "expiring later." Ideally, once a month I go through and trash all the expired ones, which is easy since they are already separated out and pull forward all the next expiring ones. This does not actually happen every month, maybe every other month. These are my categories:
Row 1
Drug Stores
Grocery Stores
Super Stores
Use Soon
Give Away
Other
Row 2
Meat
Bread/Pasta/Rice
Fruits/Vegetables
Breakfast
Baking
Dairy
Row 3
Snacks
Candy
Drinks
Sauces/Dressings/Seasonings
Meals
Misc Grocery
Row 4
Baby
Paper
Soaps/Lotions
Deodorant
Razors
Personal Care
Row 5
Hair Care
Oral Care
Laundry/Dish Soap
Cleaners
Medical (like Tylenol)
Vitamins/First Aid
Row 6
Household
Clothes
Auto
Restaurant
Fast Food
Toys/Games
So there you have it. Some people organize instead by the date the coupon came because most of the blogs will reference them that way, but then you have to keep a current list of all your coupons in your box/binder all the time for those moments when you see something on clearance that you think you have a coupon for, but don't know when it came. Also, what do you do with non Sunday paper coupons?
In the front of my box, I keep a fold-able reusable bag since a lot of stores now will you give you a bag credit of 5-10 cents for bringing your own bag. I also keep a pair of scissors and a small metal card holder that my dad found at Linens and Things with all my store membership cards in it. These are handy things to have, but not necessary. Most club cards work with just your phone number. I just like to keep the cards handy in case I need them.
So that's it. Get organizing. :)
Here is my box in all its glory, filled to the brim.
