How to Organize Everyday Coupons

How to Organize Everyday Coupons

Ways to Organize Everyday Coupons so They Are Handy

by Lorraine Brock

Most of us love saving money with coupons, but few like the work associated with finding good ones, organizing them, and remembering to use them when we shop. I, for one, have spent precious time clipping coupons and organizing them for my route through a store, only to forget to use them at the checkout.

My mom was an avid coupon shopper, and as a young bride I adopted her skills by doubling coupons at grocery stores and buying two or three Sunday papers for additional savings. While I do not have the time to use a lot of grocery store coupons now, I am still an extreme couponer when it comes to non-grocery, everyday coupons.

There is a significant difference between grocery store coupons and everyday coupons. The first is specifically for grocery shopping, while the other is for all other savings and discounts at department stores, restaurants, printed Groupons or other online deals.

When organizing in the homes of clients, it became obvious that this was an area that most often did not have an organizational system in place. The client had a desire to save money, but was challenged to find a way to keep coupons and discount cards organized, and then remember to use them. In this article, I want to focus on the everyday coupons, since people who really want to save money will at least collect and save this type. With a little more effort, you can reap the benefits of having them in the right order and in an appropriate location.

The most important factor in using everyday coupons is where they are located. The best place is in the vehicle that is generally used for shopping trips and going out to dinner. Even if you forget it once you are in the store, there is a better chance that you will walk to the car to save a few dollars than drive home to get it off the kitchen counter.

Designate Space for Coupons

Start by designating a coupon storage place in the home where you exit to go to your car. When you get coupons in the mail or from a magazine, newspaper, or online site, put them in a basket or box at this place to bring on your next trip. The only way this system will work is if you put the coupons in the box and remember to grab them when you head out the door.

Keep in mind that this To Go area is perfect for any item that is exiting the home. Library books or purchases ready for return, donations to be taken to the local Goodwill, items that were borrowed from friends, and gift cards, discount cards, coupons or ads for an upcoming shopping trip. I recently had a birthday and received all sorts of BOGOF coupons in the mail. I place them in my To Go area and pick them up each time I go to my vehicle.

Organize e-Coupons

If you use online coupons that you access from your phone when you shop, be sure to organize them in folders by category. Set up a Coupons folder, with sub-categories like restaurants, stores, activities, entertainment, etc.

Once you have your coupons in the car, you have to create a system to store them for easy access. Use an accordion folder with alphabetical tabs, or a poly zipper envelope. If they have expiration dates, be sure to highlight the date or mark the date on the card. When you have free time while waiting in your car, check for expired coupons or cards.

Having a system that works for you will help you quickly find what you need when you reach your shopping or eating destination. If you cannot find it, you will not use it, and you will not save money.
The real solution to most disorganization is creating a system that works for your lifestyle. Find a sale on a stylish basket and car organizing tool, and you will save money all around town.

Lorraine Brock is a professional organizer, family coach, speaker, and founder and owner of Get Organized! Get Organized! is a professional organizing company in the Dallas, Texas area. Get Organized! specializes in organizing and de-cluttering homes as well as implementing systems in the home for better family management. A popular media guest, Lorraine has appeared on Dallas’ two top morning television shows: Good Morning Texas and Good Day Fox, and has been featured on various radio outlets. She has been hallmarked in many local, regional, and national print and online magazines, such as the Dallas Morning News, The North Texas Kids Magazine, SheKnows.com, and Daily Candy Kids. To get more information about Lorraine, visit www.GetOrganized.ws.  You can connect with Get Organized! on Facebook, follow Get Organized! on Twitter and connect with Lorraine Brock on LinkedIn.

 

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