Young House Love

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How To Organize Your Coupons

Psst- Today’s our leaving-Portland travel day (sad face) so we’ll probably be spotty and slow on comments/etc after 1pm EST. We’re sorry for the interruption, but so happy to have gotten the chance to explore Portland. We owe you guys a big post about all the stuff we did/bought/ate! We purchased some local art, crashed an amaaaaazing house, ate bacon on a donut, and John scored not one but two new t-shirts (neither of which are soda related, but both of which are food-related).

Lately I’ve been asked a bunch of times about how I organize/store our non-food coupons (since the grocery store ones are just stuck into one of those clear envelopes and stashed in my purse on store runs – more on that here). You know, like the ones from Michael’s, JoAnn, Old Navy and Bed Bath & Beyond and restaurants all the other not-grocery-store related places? And every time I was asked I sort of admitted that I didn’t have the best system but that I tried to slip them into the compartment on the passenger side door of our car so at least they were with us all the time (since we only have one car and are rarely at a store without the car since nothing is really that walkable from our house). The real issue was that I would forget what was in there (things would expire all the time, and it was sort of one giant mess o’ papers) and the other annoying thing was that I was always having to run back out to the car while in places like Bed Bath & Beyond and Michael’s (because I always forgot to grab the coupon before going in). The kicker? Sometimes I would run all the way back out with Beansie in tow, only to find that my coupon was expired already. Boo.

So I needed a system. And then while trolling the notebook section of Target, one found me.

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It was this cute thing that I thought was a notebook and then I opened it and a light bulb went off. And it might be my best organizational coup in the last five years. Yes, it’s kinda life-changing if you’re an organizational wannabe like me (I never have my ish together, but I have dreams of conquering that one day…).

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First of all it’s slim and light. Like a small notebook without all the pages (it just has a thin notepad on one side and an accordion fold-out pocket system on the other side). So I thought to myself: “self- you could put all your non-grocery coupons into the accordion side and use the pad to write down exactly what’s in there, crossing off things as they expire (so you can see all the valid coupons that you have at a glance) – and  you can keep it in your purse since that’s always with you and then you won’t have to run to the car.” Yesssss. And then I high fived myself in the notebook aisle and Clara thought we were clapping so she clapped along.

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So I bought it and I did all the things I told myself I would do in my head (labeled the tabs on each accordion section and used the notebook to write down what I have) and I’ve used this method for about a month (gotta trouble-shoot things before exclaiming to the internet at large that they’re life-changing) and I’m telling you it’s the bee’s knees. I can even circle things that are about to expire to remind myself to use them or lose them.

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I think it was like $6 or something, and I’m still on the first sheet of paper on the pad (I had visions of running out of paper since coupons rotate in and out, but it’s amazing how one JoAnn coupon expires or gets used just as I slip a new one in there so it hasn’t been too bad with the whole crossing out thing. Of course when the page gets all crazy and scratched out over time I’ll just tear it off and start over on page two, but it seems like this pad could easily last me a year or two and then I could just replace it without replacing the whole shebang – so that’s nice. Oh and it’s recycled paper and made by a company called Greenroom if that helps anyone track it down at Tar-jay.

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As for what I labeled each section, what made sense for me was: craft, food, clothes, Bed Bath & Beyond, and misc (just because I usually have a fair amount of coupons in each of those categories). And for food I don’t mean grocery coupons, I mean restaurant coupons like printed out Groupons and little fliers that I get in those Valpack mailers for places like a nearby Mexican restaurant or a local BBQ joint. As for my grocery store coupons, you can read more on those here, but they slip into a clear envelope that stays at home unless we’re going grocery shopping (we don’t usually do that at the spur of the moment like dropping in on other stores or eating out, so I just shove that envelope in my purse when we know we’re headed to Kroger).

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So that’s my system to answer all of you inquisitive-coupon-loving folks out there. I hope it’s helpful to anyone else who is wrestling with non-grocery-store coupons that tend to pile up everywhere. It’s amazing how having a place for something (and not shoving them all into the side door of the car) can make them a lot easier to actually use. I think I’m better at remembering that I have them, so I’m even saving money on top of feeling like the Queen Of Organization (not in all categories, haha, but in non-grocery-coupons I’ve got it down… for now). Oh and I figured other folks out there might have other methods or tricks that they have changed their organization strategy – so spill it. I need to know how else to up my organizational ante. Seriously, help a scatterbrained momma out.

Comments

  2. Janel says

    That is so smart! I’ll be on the lookout for this. We were doing well keeping our coupons together but I never seem to have them with me when I need them, and we kept track of them on a google doc that we never updated. Which obviously doesn’t help. Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Donna says

    Thanks, Sherry! I could really use something like this. I am very good at clipping coupons but a total disaster at organizing them. Hope you guys had fun in Portland!

    Reply

  4. Kate says

    this is so much better looking than my system (and that’s what really counts, right?). Currently I just have a crazy collection of coupons on the front of the fridge. It’s really ugly, but it is also at eye-level, which can be a handy reminder, unless I forget them because they’re not by the door/in my car. sigh. Maybe I should visit Tarjay today after all

    Reply

  5. Steph says

    That thing is awesome….

    But where do you guys FIND coupons? I mean I get the Bed Bath ones all the time but I can never find a ton of good food ones!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We sign up for them at places like JoAnn (they have a mailing list you can join) and get them from Val-Pak things and even get michael’s ones when they print the receipt.

      xo,
      s

  6. Stacy says

    I tried to be super organized with my coupons but I’m not at all. I keep them in the folder at the front of my paperwork to be filed in my kitchen. You would think that I would actually use them, but I forget about them or I go to the mall and didn’t know I was going there… irritating. This seems small enough to fit in a purse…? Maybe? I may need to look into it. I really need to find something that works because by the time I remember a coupon it’s already expired.

    Reply

  7. Holly W. says

    Sherry,
    Nice idea! We always end up having piles of expired coupons too.
    An idea for your grocery coupon envelope – my hubby (who does the groceries since for some reason it stresses me out) bought a little plastic accordion file, about 4″ by 6″, with little tabs just like your random store coupons file, and organizes all of our grocery store coupons into that. Each tab is an aisle or two in the store, in order that they are laid out in the main store we grocery shop in. So, first tab is coffee, creamer, cereal, next is snacks, next is international foods/tomatoes/pasta, etc.

    It’s so quick to just go through only the tab he needs while standing in front of the tomatoes.

    He puts all the coupons he’s using in the front of the little file thing to yank them all out upon checkout.

    Anyway, love your random store coupon ideas, I might need to get one of those.

    Reply

  8. Jeanine says

    Love it!! I have a small pink accordian folder that I keep all of my coupons in and I keep it in my purse. I’ve been carrying that little sucker around for over a year now and I love it. I actually keep all my grocery coupons in there too since I tend to be a spur of the moment food shopper. Just a heads up though, since my coupons are always with me, my family does tease me calling me the coupon queen. You may be getting the same title now that you carry your coupons in your purse too!! :)

    Reply

  9. Nicole says

    Great idea! I have always just thrown them in the pocket in my purse, but then of course I forget they are there until I find them after they expired! This is a great solution, thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  10. Ty Lee says

    I have a scaled down little accordion filer for my coupons too, labeled and regularly sifted through to remove expired coupons. People look at me like I’m sort of crazy coupon lady, or just anal-retentive OCD type A crazy. Both things might be just a teeeeeensy bit true… but hey, I have 4 kids, so I’m allowed to be a little bit crazy, right? Riiiiiiiiight? :P

    Reply

  11. Lindsy says

    Wow, I definitely need to get one those! Right now I keep all of my non-food coupons on a magnet board so I can see what’s there and take it when I think I’ll need it, but there have definitely been times when I didn’t know I was going to need the coupon and wished I had it with me.

    Reply

  13. Sherri says

    I think I saw Sonicare circled on your list. If you haven’t gotten one yet, I prefer the OralB Braun over the Sonicare. I’ve used both, and as a hygienist I like the OralB Smart Guide Electric Toothbrush with the small circular head better. Whichever you buy, you have gorgeous teeth and a beautiful smile!

    Reply

  14. Jennifer C. says

    Love the notebook… I’m going to have to go by Target to see if they still carry it. One thought for another post along this same idea (hopefully you haven’t already covered this)… how do you all deal with all your paper/mail/etc. organization? Do you have a system? I’ve tried having an inbox and separate folders for “do now”, “do later”, etc. but I always end up with several giant piles. I’m good for a couple of weeks and then I fall behind again. I’m sure with your home business it’s essential that you stay on top of your mail and bills. So spill… how do you keep up with it all? Hope you all have a safe trip back from Portland and a relaxing weekend!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We pay bills when they arrive, RSVP as soon as possible and put that info in my datebook right away and shred the junk. Dealing with it for five minutes every day is easier than letting it pile up.

      xo,
      s

  17. Suzanne says

    Chick-fil-a coupons don’t expire either.

    At least I have been able to do that at any Chick-fil-a here in Delaware. I haven’t tried in any other state but usually coupon policies are universal for all of their locations.

    Reply

  18. Stephanie says

    Another BB&B coupon hint. Since they own Buy Buy Baby, those coupons are interchangeable, but have to be in date to use at the non-issuer store. If you are lucky enough to have a BBBaby, this is great too!

    Reply

  19. Kay says

    I was already quite excited about a Jo-Ann opening in my area (not only my area, a minute from my house) in the spring, now you tell me Jo-Ann issues coupons regularly? I just can’t wait.

    Reply

  21. Tracy K says

    I just have to tell you how often I reference you guys when we are doing stuff around the house. For instance, Hubby & I were hanging a very heavy mirror last weekend & he was getting frustrated with me because I was taking so long to make sure it was perfectly centered. I then said, “I’m sure John wouldn’t rush Sherry if he was holding the mirror!” :)
    This happens often, btw.
    Anyhoo-I have another coupon organizing solution I posted about today. I hope you’ll stop by!
    http://dollarsandsensedecor.com/2012/02/spring-fever/

    Reply

  22. Dina says

    Another couple tips about Bed Bath & Beyond… they accept coupons from Buy Buy Baby and vice versa! They are owned by the same company, if you couldn’t tell from the store layout, haha. And while Buy Buy Baby doesn’t accept expired coupons, I have successfully used them occasionally by politely asking a manager ($herdog-style), and saying “But Bed Bath & Beyond accepts expired coupons…” Another secret is that Buy Buy Baby takes competitors coupons (like from Babies ‘R’ Us)! I wonder if Bed Bath & Beyond might also? It could be worth trying!

    Reply

  25. Wendy says

    I loved this post as soon as I read it. We went all Dave Ramsey last October & have been using cash only. Our budget envelopes are looking pretty ratty after several months use, so I thought this would be an great envelope replacement. But I went to our Target and couldn’t find this. Sad face. BUT – I did find something similar (accordion file that’s not all plasticy looking), it just didn’t have the notepad on the side. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  26. TriciaS in Iowa says

    Hobby Lobby let’s you use their coupons on your smart phone. Just use your browser and navigate to the coupon. Target has an iPad app that allows you to sign upnfor text based coupons. I am horrible with coupons, but always manage to have my phone with me.

    Reply

  27. Laeh J says

    This has been my life-saver (exaggeration much?)! I was about to by an expensive one at Office Max and then I found a much cuter store brand version with a little piece of elastic for a pen and a note pad. I’m always surprised that there aren’t more of these around. Someone could make a pretty penny selling these.

    Reply

  28. Hannah says

    OMG this is amazing! I have been searching for something like this since Christmas! I’ve been looking for an money-envelope system (a la Dave Ramsey), and haven’t been impressed with the options out there. They were either too pricey, or looked like they would fall apart too easily. But this looks like it could be the perfect solution! Definitely going to talk the hubby into swinging by Target on our way into town tomorrow. Thanks for sharing the find! :)

    Reply

  29. Ash says

    Do you have a barcode scanner app on your smart phone? I just downloaded one that will let you scan the barcode and pull up any store in the area and their prices. You can price-check without driving/calling all around! I thought it was pretty snazzy. :)

    Reply

  30. Edoris says

    You guys are great! I recently been turned on to Young House Love and Love It! All The Best and look forward to reading your posts on a regular basis.

    Reply

  33. Jaz says

    Hi Sherry,

    Thanks for another great couponing tip! I learned about online store coupons (Kroger, etc…) thanks to one of your earlier posts and this post is timed perfectly to get my coupons in order. Thanks, you’re awesome!!

    Your Portland trip sounded great…did you happen to try the vegan donuts at Voodoo? Portland is a mecca for everything animal-free, too! Mmmm…donuts, is right!

    RELAX this weekend!

    Reply

  34. Jodie says

    I’m addicted to the show extreme coupon, and I have become one myself. I too like most woman use the zip lock bag method this seams like a great way to get organized!!!! I definitely will try it out… Thanks

    Reply

  37. Jen says

    Great ideas! My coupons are super-organized but unfortunately many expire because I forget about them without having a summary page reminding me!

    I really like the idea of having a one-page summary of the coupons, perhaps even putting the expiry date in brackets beside each one (?). I currently have a clear plastic envelope, similar to your grocery coupon holder except that it also has the accordian style pocket and dividers. It DOESN’T have the notepad portion, but perhaps I’ll just stuff a sheet of paper in the front. Would you believe that I got it for $1 at the dollar store (Dollarama, for all you Canadians).

    Reply

  38. mdbc77 says

    wow…you guys get a LOT of comments! sorry, did’t have time to read through all of them, so if this is already posted…sorry about that, too! Hobby Lobby used to have a similar little accordion file/note pad and of course they regularly have 40% off printables from their website! gotta love that 40% off coupon!

    Reply

  39. Kay says

    I have the exact same binder too, love it! I use it to make a list for each store and the file the coupons to be used for each trip in each section of the file. I could also see it being used well with the Dave Ramsey cash system.

    Reply

  40. Ashton says

    I have to get one of these! For some reason I’ve started to notice coupons as something that can be used, not just a piece of trash that comes in the mail. I don’t know when that switch flipped, but I guess I’m kinda late in the game. This seems perfect, though! I hope they haven’t run out, that would be a bummer … :)

    Reply

  41. Meredith Brown says

    I have the exact same folder/organizer from Target in blue. I love it! I keep all my coupons in the folder side and then my weekly to-do lists and grocery lists go on the notepad. :)

    Reply

  42. Debbie says

    I sure hope I can find this at my Tar~jay here in the Couv… I love it…. great for small gifts too!
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    Debbie from the Northwest

    Reply

  43. Jessica says

    I am sure someone has already mentioned this to you, but while the BB&B coupons have expiration dates on them, they don’t actually expire. :)

    Reply

  45. Natalie says

    LOVE this idea! I lost my little coupon holder awhile back {honestly have no idea what happened to it ~ such a tragedy!} and this would be an even better replacement. Thanks for sharing this neato idea! :)

    Reply

  46. Michelle says

    I love the accordian file with the paper! I’m definitely grabbing one of those today. Here is how I organize my grocery store coupons… I use a small accordian coupon file with 12 tabs to sort by store aisle. I picked it up at Staples for about $6. I labeled the tabs in the order I usually tackle the shopping trip… produce, meat, aisle 4, 5, dairy, etc. (Can you tell I’m a bit visual with a routine?!) I cheated with a store map (available at customer service). I was amazed how quickly I zip through my shopping trips!

    Reply

  47. Ella says

    Funny how coupons are popular in other countries. :-) Here in Norway it nearly doesn’t exist. You might find coupons for diapers or baby food but it’s rare…

    Reply

  48. Jess says

    I checked one of the Target’s near me for this today, but no luck. I’m hoping to find it an alternative location or online! This is a brilliant idea, and I’ll probably use it for grocery/drugstore coupons. I’m not much of a couponer (at least not in the extreme coupling sense!) but I could probably use to utilize them more. Thanks so much for posting about this!

    Reply

  50. chris says

    wow – i only read the comments once in a while, but today was a lesson learned. i never knew that bb&b would take more than one coupon or that they would take expired coupons. perhaps i will actually shop there more than once every two years.

    Reply

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