How to Organize Tons of Coupons
Using coupons is an excellent way to save money on groceries, clothes, entertainment and many other things. However, if your coupons are not well-organized, you will have difficulty finding the coupons you need when you need them, and it will make your bargain hunting process take longer. Most importantly, the coupons may expire before you even have a chance to use them. There are many ways to organize coupons. Choose one that best suits your needs.
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Instructions
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There are three common, basic methods for filing coupons. Choose the method you prefer. The first is to organize them by date. In this method, coupon inserts (such as those found in the Sunday newspaper) are left unclipped, and are filed (often using file folders) using date labels. This method is popular because many coupon databases (which match coupons with sales) list coupons according to the date of the paper in which they were issued. This makes it easy to find them, and coupons can just be clipped when you are ready to use them.
Two other methods, using clipped coupons, are the binder method and the envelope method. To organize your coupons these ways, you will sort clipped coupons by category.
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Assemble the materials you need for your chosen method of organization. To organize the coupons by date, you will need file folders. Depending on the number of coupons you have, you may need one file folder per week, or you may be able to use one folder per month. You will also need a pen or marker to label the folders with the dates of the coupons.
For both binder and envelope methods of filing, you will need scissors for clipping the coupon. In addition, for the binder method you will need a binder (as fancy or plain as you want) and some type of plastic inserts; the type used for organizing baseball cards is often the perfect size for coupons. For the envelope method, you will need a wide variety of envelopes and a pen for labeling them.
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If you choose the last two methods, select the categories for organizing your coupons. This will vary based on the types of things you use coupons for. For example, your categories may include "baking," "meat," "household cleaners," and "pet products." If you have kids, you may have one category for "kids," or you may divide it further into "baby food," "toys," and "diapers." Choose categories that work for your lifestyle and the things you use coupons for.
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Sort your coupons according to the categories you have chosen, then put them in their designated places, either in binders or envelopes.
To maintain your coupons in an organized way, simply place new coupons in their proper location as you get them.
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Resources
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