by Michelle Jones, GrocerySavingTips.com
There are dozens of coupon organizers and files on the market today but you can easily make your own with very little cost. Note, I've tried them all. In my opinion, the best options are...
Small Index Card Box
Or, a shoebox. Add a set of dividers (either store bought or homemade) and label either by category (see my printable list below), alphabetically, or by the aisle of your local store.
Large Notebook Binder
Add clear see-through photo pages or baseball card pages to organize coupons. Walmart used to sell the baseball card pages but they are hard to find now that EVERYONE is saving money with coupons. Your best bet is the sports card stores. If you need helping finding them let me know and I'll do my best to help you. Label sections by category, alphabetically, or by the aisle.
Simple File Box with Hanging Folders
This takes up a lot more room in your kitchen or office, but can be very handy when working with large amounts of coupons each week. (For example, if you buy more than one Sunday paper to get more coupons.) Label each folder tab either by category, alphabetically, or by the aisle.
I have used many different methods of organizing my coupons over the years and found that they all work just fine.
Whatever works best for you is the method to choose. If you try one method and it doesn't work well, try another!
Here's a Sample of Categories To Consider for Your Homemade Coupon Organizer:
Baking Supplies
Bread
Cakes & Desserts
Candy & Cookies
Cereal
Chips & Crackers
Cleaners & Household
Coffee & Tea
Dairy
Deli
Frozen Foods
Fruit
Ice Cream
Jelly & Peanut Butter
Juice
Makeup
Meat
Medicine
Pancakes, Waffles & Syrup
Pasta & Rice
Pet Foods
Popcorn
Pudding & Jello
Salad & Dressing
Sauces & Seasonings
Soup
Toiletries
Vegetables
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