One of the best tips we have for using coupons, and this goes for those experienced with coupons and those just starting out, is that it is much easier to use coupons when they are well organized. Knowing right where to locate the coupons you need when you are creating your shopping list or when you happen upon an unadvertised markdown or sale at the store is key to saving the most money and spending the least amount of time!
There are various methods to storing coupons including the binder method, the box with tabs method and the envelope method. No matter which you choose, separating the coupons into categories will make it much simpler to put your hands on the coupons you want, quickly!
Following is a list of categories that The Clever Couple uses. Feel free to print this list and make any additions or deletions that work best for you.
Categories
Shaving & Deodorant
Hair Care
Oral Care
Soap & Body Wash
Feminie Hygiene
Lotion
Beauty
Vitamins
Medicine
First Aid/Medical
Baby
Breakfast
Candy
Laundry
Dish Washing
Surface Cleaners
Plastic/Foil
Paper Products
Air Fresheners
Pets
Household
Baking
Fruit
Vegetables
Meat
Cheese
Butter
Refrigerated
Freezer
Rice & Side Dishes
Condiments/Sauces/Dressing
Pasta
Soup
Yogurt
Fruit Snacks/Granola Bars
Salty Snacks
Cookies
Peanut Butter/Jelly
Drinks
Miscellaneous
We suggest starting here, and then creating additional categories as you need them. For example, originally we started with just a Refrigerated category, but we found over time we would have to flip through a bunch of coupons to find the cheese coupons. So, we just added a Cheese tab in our organizational system and now we can jump right to Cheese. Find what works for you, and stick with it.
