Organizing coupons is the biggest challenges of using coupons. There are many ways to create a coupon organizer however I cannot recommend one over the other because it comes down to which method works best for you.
The important thing is that you do create a system and file coupons as you receive them, otherwise you will find it overwhelming and assume it takes too much time!
Creating a strategic system that works will save you a lot of time and money.
There are various systems that work, with advantages and disadvantages to each. Perhaps your current method is time consuming and you want to review and tweak your method.
There are some great ways to organize your coupons that I will share with you.
Ways to Organize coupons
Couponizer
This is an organizing and shopping system for coupons, discounts, store retail coupons, dining coupons and rebates. This is the system I currently use, after all it is just the two of us (for another couple months!). I keep all free product coupons, coupons for products I buy regularly and the coupons for my next shopping trip in the binder.
Pros with using the Couponizer system
- Couponizer is a great system for moderate coupon users
- Couponizer is best used for coupons that are used regularly
- The couponizer also has front pockets for the shopping list along with a pocket for coupons you intend to use in your next shopping trip. I love this front pocket because when I’m shopping and come across a good in-store sale, I can easily pull out the coupon and place it into that front pocket. There is no need to dig through the couponizer at the checkout because all the coupons are in the front pocket to hand the cashiers at checkout. There is also a pocket for coupons due to expire within the next month.
- It offers a wide range of categories including restaurant, entertainment coupons, rebates, and even a pocket for the and sleeves to store loyalty cards.
Cons with using the Couponizer system
- It holds a lot of coupons, however, there is no way it can hold all your coupons in this small binder.
All my other coupons, are stored in envelopes in a box by the same categories as the couponizer for easy access when creating my shopping list.
For more information and pricing on the couponizer click here.
Envelopes to Organize Coupons
This is the combined system I currently use with the Couponizer. It is by far the easiest way to store and organize coupons as well as the cheapest.
This system is for moderate users or smaller families. Create a envelope for each category. (i.e. meat, dairy, breakfast, health, laundry etc. I use the same category on in my couponizer). Clip all coupons and file them according to category in each envelope so they can easily be pulled out when needed. Once all the coupons have been clipped and filed appropriately, store all the coupons in a plastic tub or shoe box.
There are people that sort their coupons by expiry date however I prefer to sort by category because this is the way I shop and create my shopping list.
Filing system to Organize Coupons
There are two methods to using this system, a file box or wallet/accordion system.
The File Box System:
This system is for moderate to heavy coupon users. Using cardboard dividers, separate each category by labeling each index divider. You can then easily clip each coupon and file them according to their category. This works like the envelope system only you are filing them into a filing box. The dividers should stand out making it easy to search through. Use store bought dividers or make your own with cereal boxes. The box filing system provides a great storing method for coupons that can easily be found and will last longer than envelopes because it will not rip easily like envelopes.
To use this filing system for your shopping trip, create your grocery list for each store and remove the coupons that will be used and place in an envelope along with the list for each store. The other option is to bring the whole filing box with you on your shopping trip should the box be small enough to cart.
The Wallet/Accordion System
An alternative to the file box is the accordion type filing system that works in the same way. The difference is that it expands and can come in a range of sizes making it more portable than the file box. If you decide to use this system be sure that each divider can be labeled and seen easily. The size of wallet you purchase will depend on the how many coupons you intend to collect. The photo below is for beginners, however they come in all different sizes and can be bought to accommodate heavy coupon users.
The best wallet accordion systems are one that are portable with plastic dividers and have a fabric cover.
The Coupon Ring Binder to Organize Coupons:
The coupon ring binder is an effective tool for heavy coupon users. You can make these coupon ring binders fairly easily, although there are a lot of people out there selling specially designed coupon binders. I recommend making your own before investing $60 or more on one that is made for you, after all your aim is to save money.
A simple ring binder can be used or one that zips up is best. The binder should have pockets on the inside to sort and carry all your tools. With a zipped up binder, you will not need to worry about coupons or supplies falling out or loosing anything. These binders can be setup to hold everything you need with coupons shopping lists and are portable.
This system works like trading hockey cards by using plastic sheets to store your coupons and keep them organized.
Suggested coupon categories
It is important to organize your coupons by categories to your individual needs. If you are a heavy coupon user it might be best to sub categorizes you coupons such as baby food, diapers under baby coupons. There will be some people that need specific categories such pet food while others do not. Here is a list of coupon categories and an idea of creating sub categories for heavy coupon users.
| Baby Coupons | Baking & Staples |
Beverages | Baked Goods |
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| Breakfast | Canned Goods | Condiments | Dairy |
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| Frozen Foods | Hair Care | Health & Medicine |
Household Cleaning |
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| Laundry | Make Up | Meat | Paper Plastic |
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| Pasta & Quick Meals |
Personal Hygiene & Beauty |
Pet | Snacks |
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Now that all your coupons have been clipped and are now organized you can begin to prepare for your shopping trip. Remember to review your soon to expire coupons and purge regularly. You will find it much easier to save money on groceries knowing exactly where to look for a coupon when you need one.
Now, how do you organize your coupons?
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124 Comments
I just read online at ahotner site that the currency holders are bigger then the baseball card ones and they stick out further on the binder and cover the tabs. Is this true of the ones you have? The other ones had an actual paper insert in them so they were not see thru.
I use an acordian file from the dollar store and then I only take the coupons I want ..
Would love tp know where I can purchase the couponizer..
I don’t have too many coupons so I just bunch them up according to date and category. It’s not the best way…
I use a small photo album kind of a pain to use while browsing stores
I use the new box file system
I use the box file system
where can I get a coupon to buy the couponizer? :)
I use something similar to the couponizer, but I find there is not enough compartments and I have to double up.
I use the binder method even tho I find it hard to organize!!
I use the binder method with sports card holders and they are in alphabetical order, however there are times when I just don’t want to take my binder so this would be perfect! Thank you for the opportunity!
I use a binder, put the coupons with the expiry date for the present month at the beginning of the binder, then have sections for food and another for non-food items. works well except when I go to use them, I take them out of the binder and put them in the cart, maybe I should use one of the small coupon holder for that.
before I started using coupons, I gave my son (who is into extreme couponing) my sheets that held my stamps (as I have a stamp collection) the ones who hold the cover day issues are excellent for the larger coupons.
I use envelopes and a shoe box to hold my coupons for now.I can take my stack of envelopes in my purse and it’s not big and bulky.I have them sorted into different categories like pharmacy,cleaning stuff,and food:)
So neat! I use my wallet and miss half at the checkout! This looks way too convenient!
I use a binder with plastic hockey card holders.
I use a binder
I use 2 little accordion files to keep my coupons in. :) I am running out of space fast though!
Right now I use a small cardboard box to keep them all in. I try to keep them in order of when they expire so I make sure I use them before they are no longer good.
i have a binder at home,and i organize them by expiry dates…but i use envelope when i go to the grocery,i just bring with me those that i saw on a flyers…not that efficient,but i minimizes the chance of expiry
I made myself a coupon binder and I organize it according to the aisles at the grocery store I frequent.
I have two dollar store accordian files, one has all the food coupons, and the other has everything else. It does work, and it is easy to have everything with me all the time, however the draw back is that I don’t see my coupons as much (I used to have a binder with hockey card dividers, but it got stolen!) and I forget about them so a lot of them don’t get used within the expiry date. I’d love the couponizer! :)
I use an envolope
I ike to use a coupon binder to store my coupons in. Once i make a shopping list I put the list and the coupons in a ziploc in my purse so nothing falls out.
I started with an accordian file box and I HATED IT.
I also like to stapple like coupons together and for the larger coupons i hole punch them to fit them on the rings in my binder(starting this today) Before the hole punch I had my labeled tabs sheet that had pockets in the front and back to store the big coupons or ones i didnt’ have time to put away but i found this bothersome when searching for a specific coupon so im testing out the hole punch theory.
I have a binder (clearance $7) and plastic “hockey card” pages or the full sheet protectors for when I have a mass amount of the same coupon that will not fit in the little pocket :) lol (from dollar store $1 for 5 pages) Each page has a different category (EI. baby, frozen, cereals/cereal bars, cleaning supplies, laundry and so on)
I use 2 accordion style wallets to hold all my coupons. 1 is for all food products, the other is for all non-food products. All tabs are marked. My mother-in-law found them and thought of me. It keeps me fairly organized. They fit nicely in my purse…I don’t have to carry around a big clunky binder either…so it works for me.
love the name :) Yay Coupons
I use the accordian style file system. Works pretty well for me. :)
I like the idea of accordian style wallet.
I currently use the binder with the trading card sleeves. It takes a lot of time to organize, but it’s easy once in the store to see what you have. Plus, the trading card sleeves only hold the small coupons…not like the GoCoupons coupons.
I bought a mini file organizer at the dollar store that I divide by catagories and in each catagory I alphabetize them by brand name.
I use a regular binder with hockey card inserts and organize by category. It works most of the time.
I don’t have a system…badly need one!
I don’t have a binder, so I organize them right before visiting a store according to the flyers and offers!
I use a zippered binder with lots of compartments but this organizer would be so much simpler to use!
I have a binder at home that I use but the coupons always fall out and I have post it notes that I use to mark which months the pages are. Half of the post it notes are gone because they have fallen off. I use a sandwich bag with the coupons I need at the store which isn’t great because a lot of the times I’ll forget some of the coupons at home that I could have used on that grocery trip, especially when I’m trying to earn extra air miles after spending $X amount.
I have a huge Zipper Binder with catagorys and another binder with uncut inserts put into page protectors (about 10 per protector) When I am going shopping I make a list and take those coupons I need and put them in a wallet sized filer and putthe others from my binder in the car incase a deal is to be found :)
I’ve tried a couple different ways to organize but this one worked best.
Just have three different folders. one for food and beverage, one for cleaning supplies/misc household and one for toiletries/drugstore items. When I am going shopping i take out the coupons that I will be using and put them in a very smal photo album that I can carry in my purse… But I still carry my folders in a tote bag – incase I come across a good deal… Think I need the couponizer.
I use a binder with hockey card inserts and sort into different catagories.Also have a magnifying glass calculator and my price book in here! I also use a accordian wallet for all my high value coupons and fpc. I use this for my organized shops by clipping all the different coupons together for the various stores I am going to shop at with a detailed list.
All I do at this point is stuff them in my regular wallet, I will definitely be changing that ASAP LOL
I use a binder with storage pages …. Not very organized
i use 2 binders and an organ type file, plus have a fiiling cabinet , in the binder i use the hockey card pocket type sheets, photo pocket sheets and cd pocket sheets, dividers dividing them into cleaners, drinks, frozen foods, milk products etc.
my friend gave a small accordian bill organizer that i use. i sort by date then i put in alphabetic order ie: cleaning, food, free, personal and i always have some to give away so i can promote this website and couponing!
i just got stared so there for i only use a little folder but would love something new to help me benefit from my savings even more!!
I have a binder and an accordian folder and when i am going out to shop I put the coupons I plan to use in an envelope so they easy to find
I use a photo album. the kind that holds 4 pics per page. I seperate them by department eg. cosmetics, cleaner, food, hair etc.
Sorry meant to say in a tiny little wallet style with divided sections just way too small!!!!!
I use a photo album that you can separate the coupons into and still see them clearly :D
I like to keep like ones with the same, neatly so I keep them in an envelope.
I use binders but I also have a bin that stays home for the coupons I really don’t think i will use!
Now that is something to get and keep me really organized!!!!
I shared.
I lovee my coupon binder, I have dividers labelled, and the front page of the binder is always filled with my “great” coupons , bogos, fpc, or coupons that Im absolutley going to use every shopping trip :) shared this on my fb page
I use the binder…but i still keep alot of coupons in a drawer with a paperclip on different categories….still working on an ideal system.
I use ziploc bags and paperclips. Not efficient but cheap.
I use an accordian style wallet and have my extras in envelopes at home. Not reall efficient.
I use an accordian style wallet and keep extras at home in envelopes.
I used to just use a little accordion plastic filer but now I use the 3 ring binder. I have them all in categories and organized in stacks so I know how much I have to take off each item. It’s working so far for organization but I don’t really like taking a huge binder with me to the store.
I use a binder for the mail out coupons and a file box for printables and tearpads!
I use a small accordian file. First section is for coupons I plan to use on my next shopping trip, second section is for coupons that expire that month and the third section is for store specific coupons. The rest is organized into categories such as toileties, cleaners, snacks, frozen goods, etc.
I keep my coupons in an accordian type wallet from the dollar store. I want to change to a binder, because it seems easier. This would be great.
I use a coupon binder at home to organize my coupons. When I go shopping i take the ones that I plan on using and put them in a little coupon clutch, much more portable and I don’t get people staring at me.
I put my coupons in a folder and organize by their expiry date
I put my coupon in a folder and organize by their expiry date
I have no particular organizing system. I have them in my monthly date book. I then go through them before I go shopping and clip them to my list. I could certainly use one of these organizers.
I need this mine are usually all over the place in my room and I hunt for them when i want them.
I have a very unorganized way of organizing my coupons but… it works for me. I have all of my coupons in a box and I go through them at the beginning of each month and remove all of that month’s expiries. As I am going through them, I take out any good ones that I will be using.
I keep them in an envelope, I really need something better
I currently keep my coupons in a ziploc bag in my purse. I recently started couponing and am looking for something to easily organize and carry my coupons! Good luck everyone!
I currently have them stuffed into a makeup bag in my purse. Randomly stuffed. And I have more lying randomly in piles around my apartment. So I could use this cool tool :-0
I am currently using the binder organizing method for my coupons. It works okay, but it’s still a work in progress. :) Thanks for the opportunity to win!! Love your site, your emails etc.
We use a binder with card holders and a file box for letters and info. for manufacturers so we can contact them in the future for more savings. The binder is big for shopping, so something smaller would be awesome!
Right now we use a 1/2″ binder with “trading card” pocket protector pages (9 per sheet), but now with all the coupons we receive we are putting 2-3 coupons per pocket and sometimes forgetting to use them because they are in the back… a better system for us would be great!
would love to get something as i am new to this….and the one i have are just piled up need organization badly
I have a plain old binder as well. I don’t really like it because when I turn the pages, sometimes my coupons fall out of the hockey card holders
I stuff all my coupons in my wallet. It is very messy and I usually forget that I have them when the time comes that I should use them.
I have a binder with Household items, Health and Beauty, Groceries, then Baby and Pets and these all have sub folders in them for the different cataegories, this is the easiest for me and the one closest to expiring are on the top and the rest underneath…works great for me
I’ve just started using, so I am new at this, but I use a photo album to keep my coupons organized, and use my small coupon binder on shopping trips.
i just started, im using the envelopes with different categories :)
Wow that looks really great…I sure could use one of those
I use the accordion wallet….I enter my coupon data on a spread sheet by expiry date and category then store them in my wallet by the month
I use a binder with different inserts & it is busting at the seams
love it so many ways
I have a bigger binder that I use for all my coupons and a small photo album that I use in my purse for that weeks purchases. I always have the big binder in the van in case I come across an unadvertised sale and I have a coupon for it.
i use a cardboard thing from the dollar store that has about 15 different sections in it, but i would love one of these organizers
I keep them in a ziploc baggie and go through them when I’m making my list.
I keep my coupons in a ziploc baggie. I go through them when I’m making my list. For shopping I keep them in an old plastic cover from a purse size calendar.
I’m using an accordion file right now. It works for the normal-sized coupons, but lately I’ve been getting 4×6 coupons that just don’t fit. I just tuck those into the elastic on the outside.
I use envelopes in my purse to separate food from health and beauty and medicines. I really could use a good system!
I use envelopes inside an (large) old pencil case. Each time the envelopes need replacing, I edit the categories, and also have one labelled “Expiring Soon”
i would love to get this! just started using coupons over a month ago and i have a large stash just in envies right now… and i can tell you its really hard keeping them away from the kids! lol i can see spilled juice on them soon haha
I use the binder with the hockey card holders.
My daughter and I have an old lego tub that holds duotangs and all our couponing supplies. Each duotang is for different coupon categories (pet supplies, cleaning, you get the idea)The tub fits great in the top of buggies and we always have the flyers in there as well for price matching.
I could use this to help me get organized
I don’t have a system and I don’t organize coupons. They’re in one stack. Do you think I need help??
I have a coupon binder that my daughter made for me for Christmas. But i would love to have a real system.
binder and dividers and baseball card holders
I currently use a small 1 inch 3 ring binder, but would love to try this couponizer!
I use a binder with card slots pages to organize my coupons as well as dividers to label sections. It works super! I have liked and shared this post on Facebook!
I use both a zippered binder and a accordion organizer I got at the dollar store
also have a slot for frozen goods.
I started out with the accordian folder, but upgraded to a binder 2 days ago! :-)
I am finding there are a lot of coupons on the sites that I don’t use, considering there is just my husband and I, both retired. I only keep the coupons I KNOW I will use and due to lack of additional space, I don’t buy most items to stock up too much. Yes, I stock up on tinned goods, pastas etc. but nothing with a short expiry date. I could use a new binder to keep my coupons in, I have a platic accordion file that I keep all the free items and things I know I am going to need in the next couple of weeks in the first slot, then have the rest of the 11 slots, divided with dairy, meat, cleaning supplies, pasta & dry goods, personal products, drugstore items, allergy & pain meds, beverages, condiments, baking goods, tinned goods, etc. works for me, but would be willing to try something new. This booklet would be helpful, I am sure. And I liked and shared the site posted.
I am new to couponing, so i havent really found a way to work yet. right now they are all in an envelope and i leave them in my purse until i remember that i have them…tend to forget alot :(
I have an accordion folder which is so jam packed that it is ripping and tearing.. Not very affective
Right now I use an envelope to put all my coupons in :( looking for a new way to better organize :)
in a binder!
I am currently using a photo box, with the dividers that came with it, to organize my coupons. I generally throw all the ones I plan to use in an envelope before I go shopping. The couponizer looks fantastic though!
Right now i use a Wallet/Accordion System and sort them using A-Z but would love to win The Couponizer..thank you for the chance to win :)
I use a binder and reg paper I simply place a small piece of tape on the coupon and stick. need another way though as my binder isn’t big enough anymore.
i just put it in envelopes, 1 envelope per classification (e.g. baby stuff, cleaning, pets, etc)
I have my coupons in a zipped up binder. I also have a section to keep points cards and gift cards as well as entertainment and restaurant coupons.
I use the binder method but I am thinking of switching to the box organizer then taking out what I need into accordion style while shopping.
I group them by category in a large binder with hockey card inserts…
I just use a binder with hockey card inserts
I keep my coupons in an envelope in my purse and organize by expiry date.
I currently use a 3 inch binder and a binder cover from stylin binders…. I love but am always looking for new ways!! Thanks for a wicked giveaway and good luck everyone :)
I have a ring binder filled with baseball trading and plastic pocket inserts. On the edges of the sheets I have used post-it tabs to aid in finding the coupons faster. With this system, I can add as many inserts as needed and never run out of space.
I use a binder with full page and baseball card page protectors. I divide them into Food, Household, Health and Baby. When I go shopping I use a small photo album that I can fit about 3 coupons per page and I organize them by store… with a detailed list of the flyer/sale match ups and an estimation of the total for my purchases.
I bought an office mini organizer from the dollar store.
I throw them all in a mini accordian binder, which is organized into categories. Not the best method, but works for now.
This looks fabulous and being as I am the queen of unorganization it just may be my coupon life saver lol
I don’t really have a method, am looking for tips on how to organize my coupons.
I just use enevolpes…
Sounds great!
I organize my coupons in a binder with hockey card holders. It’s divided into sections for easy finds, however, it would be nice to have something a bit smaller for my shopping trips. When I have to bring along my 2 year old, the binder is a bit large
I have no organizing system, just a coupon envelope. If I remember I have one I use it. I need one of these!