Organizing Coupons

Recently I had someone ask me how to get started collecting coupons and how to organize them. I did a post recently on where I find my coupons--go here to get those sources. There are many other sources out there...these are the ones that I use the most.

As far as organizing...
You can buy a small file folder in the office/school supply area at Walmart for approximately $3-4. I started out by filing my coupons under these titles:
*Personal Care/Medicines
*Paper & Cleaning Products
*Canned Goods/Packaged Dinners
*Meats
*Dairy
*Baking
*Ethnic
*Sauces/Condiments
*Cereal
*Frozen
*Beverages
*Cookies/Crackers
*Miscellaneous

I just recently went from the above method of filing to a more detailed way of filing. Some of my coupon friends have been using these small photo albums to file their coupons, so I thought I'd give it a try because I was outgrowing my smaller file as mentioned above...I had to buy 2 of them in order to file my coupons exactly how I wanted them but they were only $1.00 each at Walmart. I now file stuff in the same area of the store together, but in sub-categories. I borrowed a label maker and went to town. Here is how I file:

Checkout
Fresh Breads
Produce
Fresh Meats/Deli Meats & Cheese
Refrigerated Sides
Frozen Meals
Frozen Chicken
Frozen Veggies
Frozen Pizza
Frozen Breads
Frozen Desserts
Frozen Breakfast
Pop & Drink Mixes
Bottled Water/Juice
Chips/Snacks
Cookies/Crackers
Popcorn
Pancake Mix/Syrup
Cereal
Granola Bars/Cereal Bars
Fruit Snacks
Candy
Soups/Broths
Salad Dressings & Misc.
Mayo
Condiments/Sauces
Canned Meats
PB&J
Packages Dinners/Rice/Sides
Canned Fruit & Veggies
Pasta/Sauce/Canned Tomatoes
Mexican/Chinese
Spices
Baking Mixes/Frosting
Oils/Cooking Sprays/Flour & Sugar
Jello & Pudding Mixes
Misc. Baking Supplies
Cleaners
Dish Detergent
Laundry
TP/Paper Towels/Tissues
Bags/Foil/Paper Plates
Chilled Juices
Refrigerated Breads
Refrigerated Jello, Puddings, Cookie Dough
Sour Cream/Cottage Cheese
Eggs/Milk
Yogurt
Butter/Margarine
Cheese/Cream Cheese
Dog Treats/Dog Food
Shampoo/Conditioner
Soaps/Lotions
Deodorant
Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
First Aid/Medicines
Pharmacy Misc.
Seasonal
Misc.
Soon to Expire Coupons

You can make it as simple or as detailed as you want...do what works for you. This is what I have found to work best for me. As I collected more and more coupons, it took me a long time to sort through each section, which is why I went to being more detailed in my filing...hoping to save myself time. And if you like being really organized, you can put these in the order they are laid out in the store that you do most of your shopping.

Have fun organizing all those coupons!!! :)