One other thing I made to go with my new Binder coupon organizer is a coupon sorting mat--It is just a big piece of newsprint paper that I divided into the categories I use. I fold it up and keep it in the back pocket of my binder. When I am cutting coupons I sort them on this mat before inserting them into my binder. It makes for a quicker easier process. This is something I've done before, I used to file alphabetically with my old coupon wallet, now I do it by store aisle. I've seen a name brand coupon organizer that uses a similar sorting mat, I didn't copy this idea however I think its just a common sense thing. Mine of course is not so fancy, but its a great homemade 'semi frugal tool'.
Posts
8 comments:
brilliant! thanks for the great idea!
Hi Laurel, thanks! I do think it speeds things up immensely and stores simply and was pretty close to free to make it. :) A 'semi frugal' gem. Mary
I was just thinking you could use a nice, large rectangle of plain light-colored fabric and a Sharpie to mark the rectangles; any scrap will do. Folds easily to put in my coupon binder. I cut them on the bus and sort them when I get home.
that's an excellant idea! Cloth would hold up very well. I only use my paper mat on the kitchen table probably once every couple weeks--as I don't get them all cut and sorted every week- so its still pretty much like new. I fold it up and keep in a pocket in my coupon organizer. cloth would be great though--if you were a sewer you could even make your lines on your sewing machine-maybe zizzag them or something. Or even a patchwork mat. :) I never really gave that all much thought--but I like it. Mary
The mat is a wonderful idea. I have a couple of older placemats I could use. Won't be able to fold as small but I wouldn't have to buy anything.
Pam
Yes it is a great help. Even now when I don't sort my coupons as much as I used to I still use a sorting mat. Lately I have done coupons different--I save inserts and cut them when I need them--using Grocery Game or Coupon Mom to tell me which ones I need. I then sort them and use Couponizer to take them to the store. Couponizer comes with a sorting mat too--its not the same as my handmade one--its organized with different categories than I used but works great with their product.
I am a true beginner just bewildered at starting to organize! I love the mat and I am wondering ...
Can you then insert them into coupon dividers, if so how do I set these dividers up for the most success?
I think maybe it would be helpful to me to create pockets for my mat thus filing and orgaizing in one step. You could fold and go ... any thoughts???
Actually--yes you would want to store the coupons in some sort of organizer after you sort them-- your idea is interesting.
I've changed my coupon methods alot since I wrote that post. I generally don't even cut mine anymore unless I plan to use them that day. I keep the entire little booklet of coupons--called an 'insert' in the Sunday paper--in a file box by date. Then I just pull out the insert I need after I find out from Grocerygame.com or Couponmom.com which coupons I need and which inserts they are in. I do still use a mat sometimes--for sorting loose coupons, but not much.
Post a Comment