How to Organize Your Coupons
My method right now is to sort my coupons into an accordion/envelope folder by brand name. I picked this one up at Dollarama for a buck. Basically, I have all of my coupons in this (trade or keep). I plan my shopping trips via what's on sale at rock bottom prices (more on that later) so I sort my coupons I'm going to use into envelopes by store (in my area, we only have Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, IGA, Safeway, Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart.) Since my price list isn't complete, I use my own spreadsheet, but I also rely on Mrs. January's Stock-Up Price List. It's a good starter list to know if what you're looking at is actually a "deal" or not, while you are getting started.
When I receive new coupons, I've ordered, traded, found, etc - I add them into my spreadsheet. Spreadsheet has 3 Tabs (Worksheets) - Keep, Trade, and Expiring. Each spreadsheet has the following headings - Qty, Value, Brand, Details, Expiry, Category.
I use the following Categories: Baby, Frozen, Grocery, Pharmacy, Canning, Dairy, Cleaning, Laundry.
When it's the month that the coupon is expiring - I move it to the "Expiring" workbook. If it's not a product we typically use, I will put it to the Trade. If there is an amazing sale (eg. free or under $1), I may use coupons from this category if it's something generic (eg. toilet paper), but we're pretty brand loyal at our house.
Other people use the binder method using hockey card sleeves (great for if you have a lot of multiple coupons), envelopes, index file boxes, or you can sew your own organizer. If you're a non-sewer, check out this Etsy store for some cute LARGE organizers!
Here's a similar template you can download to get started.
Largely, it's a personal choice based on how many you have, and how you like to organize yourself.
Trading Coupons
If you have friends who coupon or a group in your area, trading with each other couldn't be easier. If you don't happen to have that community, you can use the Smart Canucks trading forum or trade list. Who doesn't like getting mail other than bills?
You need to also know what kinds of coupons you want - so make a list of the frequently used brands (and what items you're not picking on). For instance, my DH loves the Old Spice 2 in 1 hair and body wash, whereas, I could care less about what kind of body wash (or soap) I use as long as it smells good.
How To Get More
- You can print off coupons from different computers in your house if you have more than one.
- Get extra copies of the flyer, newspaper from friends and family.
- Send coupons to your non-couponing friends and family's addresses.
- Add a "NW" or "SW" to the end of your address or slightly change your name "H." instead of "Holly" for instance.
Next part - talk about sales cycles, rain cheques, price matching and when to use your coupons.
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