If you collect coupons, you know they can get out of control. It’s easy to cut them out and collect them with good intentions of getting a bargain. But, do you put them in a pile that gets lost in the clutter, or put them aside in a designated spot that you forget to look at periodically?

I don’t cut coupons from magazines, but I do get them in the mail. Staples, Tags Hardware, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and BJ’s send special deals to me regularly. Some of these are decent; like BJ’s recent three month free membership card that expires 12/31/16. I doubt I’ll make it there before the end of December. Bed, Bath & Beyond mails out large coupon post cards that offer either $5.00 or 20% off your next purchase. (Don’t tell anybody, but the sales clerks don’t check the expiration dates on these coupons, so you can use outdated ones from as long ago as a few years.)

I also get discounts printed at the bottom of purchase receipts from CVS and Walgreen’s. If relevant to my needs, I tear that part off of the receipt to use on an item or two I might want, and put them in a folder with a clear plastic window so I can see them. Ultimately, I never take advantage of them before they expire. Whole Foods Market has seasonal Coupon booklets offering deals on various items in their stores. Sometimes, I cut a couple of them out, and once in a while use them, but usually don’t.

Plenty of discounts/coupons are sent to our email inboxes. I’ve recently purchased ink toner online, and am now receiving at least 2 special toner and other office product deals in my email inbox per week. When I next need toner, I will click on one of those specials and order more. Know that you can unsubscribe from these offers so they don’t become clutter and clog up your inbox.

Does my experience seem familiar to you? Look around, and find your own coupons. You probably won’t be surprised to find that some, or most of them are out of date. Recycle any that have expired. Then, quick-sort the coupons that are still usable into categories such as food items, health and beauty, restaurant, clothing, office supplies, etc.. Put each category in a labeled envelope, or fasten with a paper clip.

Be sure to keep your organized coupons in one particular area at home, in your pocket book, or in the office so they are easily accessible when you need them. (as long as they are organized, and not scattered about)  And, check them often for expiration dates. We all love saving money and getting a good deal!

Let me know if you have coupon collection chaos, and how you deal with it.

If you live in the Boston area, and would like a FREE 1/2 hour telephone consultation to discuss your clutter issues, contact me at [email protected]