Strange as it may seem, I don’t use a traditional type of coupon organizer. I actually use a mini-file folder that is designed to separate checks by month. It’s about 4” x 8” in size with an elastic band as a closer. Inside are dividers that I label and use to separate my coupons into categories.

I love the category method because it matches up with the store flyer and with the aisles in the supermarket. It’s a very efficient and time saving method. In each category I may have 5 or 6 of the same type of coupon. For example when it comes to tissues, I’m not fussy. I think all the brands are basically good. So in my paper good category I keep Scotties, Kleenex and Puffs. Depending on which tissue brand is on sale, I can use a corresponding coupon.

Other organizers may look prettier, but my mini-file folder is sturdy and large enough to hold my cache of coupons. I also put my name, address and phone number on the outside in case, as I have in the past, left my coupons at the store.