How to Organize Your Coupons (in Less than 30 Minutes a Week!)

Want to get more out of organize coupons less than without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• Over the past few years, I’ve tinkered with my own methods for organizing coupons including filing whole inserts and applying the binder method.
• I’ve also just filed whole inserts, but I found it frequently took me more time to go back repeatedly to fish out coupons I needed.
• Worth noting: i also missed numerous opportunities for deals since this method was just not portable.
• I’m now applying a straightforward coupon box method I’d like to share with you right now.

How Organize Coupons Less Than Really Works

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the best method to organize your coupons, and on this super rainy Western Washington day, I thought it would be just the topic! To be honest, there was a period of a few months earlier this year I just could not keep up and the binder system was like a binder of guilt - full of expired coupons and work to be done.

• Deciding What Coupons Make the Cut It might surprise you to learn that I don’t cut all my coupons!
• I used to do this, but found soon on that it was a massive waste of time since I don’t apply even half of the coupons that come out in the Sunday inserts!
• More importantly, what has made my life so much simpler is to cut only the coupons I think I’ll be most likely to apply.

Getting the Most From Organize Coupons Less Than

Here are some pointers for how I decide which coupons to cut: I cut coupons for products and food my family actually uses. For instance, right now I clipped coupons for Brawny paper towels, Softsoap hand soap, Rosarita refried beans, and All Laundry. I skipped the pet and baby-related coupons.  I cut high-value coupons and/or coupons I’m sure there’s to be a deal on. If you’re new to the world of couponing, it might be hard to know what a high-value coupon is or where there might be deals for some of the coupons you’re seeing.

• This will come with time!
• Remember that right now I clipped a $2.50 Tresemme coupon knowing I can get that product for FREE at Rite Aid this week.
• I also clipped the Golden Grains pasta coupon since it ends up being FREE at Safeway through tomorrow. {Please note that these deals were solid back in September 2013.} I only cut the number of like coupons I can apply. Take time to look over the fine print while you’re cutting the coupons - it could save you time!

Tips That Make a Difference

I noticed the Tresemme coupon I clipped right now had a limit of two like coupons per person- so I only bothered cutting it out of two inserts, even though I receive four papers each Sunday. I generally don’t bother cutting the P&G insert coupons. The P&G coupons you’ll find in the monthly insert generally all expire at the end of that month.

• As a rule, i am also highly familiar with the P&G family of brands (Crest, Olay, Swiffer, Pampers, etc.) that are likely to be included in those inserts.
• Given that, I’m more apt to just go back and clip what I require from those inserts when I require it.
• The only exceptions would be any super high value coupons I wish to be sure I keep in the forefront of my mind or their quarterly insert, where you have more than a month to redeem the coupons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I try not to labor too long about whether or not to cut a particular coupon. In short, the concept here is to make a quick decision!

• Sunday Afternoon (or Monday, or whatever!) Coupon Clipping Routine Now that I’ve outlined which coupons I cut, I thought I’d share my entire coupon clipping routine.
• Step #1: Sort and group the coupon inserts. As I mentioned, I get four copies of the paper delivered to my door each Sunday (more on that in a minute!).
• I remove all the inserts from the papers and then I group the like inserts together.

Is Organize Coupons Less Than Worth It?

Worth noting: step #2: Cut the coupons I am interested in. I typically take a bit more time when I’m cutting the first insert - making sure I’ve not missed any excellent coupons. I then lay out each coupon on my counter.

• As I move through the other like inserts, I just stack on top.
• Now another time saving method if you get more than one insert would be to lay the like insert pages on top of each other so you cut once - and out pops 2, 3, or 4 of the same coupon.
• More importantly, this isn’t a bad concept, but just be sure those coupons are lined up perfectly before doing so!

Where the Real Savings Hide

Step #3: File your coupons in your binder or box. This is the little box I’m currently applying to organize my coupons. And it is…little!

• I decided for the amount of coupons I actually clip I would prefer taking something to the store that’s less obtrusive to haul.
• Remember that i also find it’s a snap to file the coupons in the box since I’m not having to shove them in and out of plastic dividers.
• By the method - I got a strong offer on my organizer!

A Closer Look at Organize Coupons Less Than

It’s made by Snapware and was priced at $2.49 at Fred Meyer. I used a $2 off coupon I had, so I paid just $0.49 for it.

• As a rule, the alphabetical dividers are just index cards - purchase during the back to school sales for about $0.19.
• If you liked this post, you might also wish to check out this post on How to Organize Your Coupons.
• You might also be interested in this post for organizing your coupons while shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on organize coupons less than?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. To be honest, there was a period of a few months earlier this year I just could not keep up and the binder system was like a binder of guilt - full of expired coupons and work to be done.

Is it worth shopping around for organize coupons less than?

Usually yes. Deciding What Coupons Make the Cut It might surprise you to learn that I don’t cut all my coupons!.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. I used to do this, but found soon on that it was a massive waste of time since I don’t apply even half of the coupons that come out in the Sunday inserts!.

Smart Ways to Save More on Organize Coupons Less Than

• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on organize coupons less than: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at thecouponproject.com.