View Full Version : Newbie Needs Help Orangizing!
mommas2moody
10-25-2009, 08:23:36 PM
As my coupon inventory grows I have decided it is time to organize a little bit better. I have gotten a binder and ordered so baseball card pages, now it's time to get organizing! Here is my problem, I don't know what will be the best way for me sort them.:shrug7:
Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated! :smile:
tmsmalley
10-25-2009, 08:41:19 PM
Some people do catagories or brands, some do alphabetical. I do store aisles since I pretty much only shop at one store. You just have to find what works for you.
Tess
rdot
10-25-2009, 08:41:54 PM
I know some people divide into sections like health and beauty, snacks, frozen, etc. but to me it was easier to buy those A-Z index tabs and just divide mine in abc order.
mommas2moody
10-26-2009, 02:51:13 AM
If you A-Z them, do you do it by brand or item. For example Crest Toothpaste, file it Crest or by toothpaste?
Store Aisle won't work for me since I do shop at multiple stores.
AllisonL
10-26-2009, 04:42:40 AM
I organize my Qs numerically. That is, each Q gets a number (identical Qs are stapled together), which I write on the Q with a sharpie pen. I then keep track of what number corresponds to what Q using using a spreadsheet. With the spreadsheet, I can sort by Q#, product name, or expiration date. I print out a list to carry with me, sorted alphabetically by product name. So, for example, let's say I need a Colgate Q. I look at my list and see that #s 52, 86, and 108 are all Colgate Qs. I just keep numbering my Qs as I get 'em. By the time I get to 1000, most of the first couple hundred are either used or expired, so I start over at number 1.
oconnorclan
10-26-2009, 06:35:12 AM
is there a good place to go to learn HOW to use a spreadsheet? I'm completely lost..lol. I can put info in but how to get it to sort what i want is beyond me
i have microsoft works if that helps..this seems like an easy way to keep track an locate... way better than going thru a stack 6 times only to realize you used those ones 2 weeks ago...lol
jen276here
10-26-2009, 06:47:52 AM
It will take you time to find your best organization for your Q's. I did the binder, did the files, did the coupon divider/file, etc. I have filed by store ailse, product brand, product type, etc. Now I am using a variety of methods of organizing because I found I needed them all! lol Take your time with it, you will find what is right for you! Good Luck and Happy Qing!
cbgo
10-26-2009, 09:22:14 AM
Right now, I have two binders. One for HBA and the other for food and other stuff. It makes my trips to Wags a little lighter and I had run out of room in my one 4 inch binder.
I file alphabetically by brand name. If I did it by category, I would probably get confused about what category I had put some of my coupons in. But that it just me, I think. :giggle2:
There are some great stickies about this that may interest you.
Organizing Your Carry To Store Coupons (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/getting-started-couponing-basics-new-members/79474-organizing-your-carry-store-coupons.html)
Organizing Your Stay At Home Coupons (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/getting-started-couponing-basics-new-members/98278-organizing-storing-your-home-coupons-inserts-etc.html)
Show Us Your Binders (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/getting-started-couponing-basics-new-members/32005-show-us-your-binders-boxes-pics-only-please.html) - A really great thread with lots of pictures of peoples binders.
HTH :smile:
couponK
10-26-2009, 04:43:47 PM
The method I use is the small accordian file. When I know I am going shopping, I take out the q's I need and put them into a child's clear pencil case. Then, if I find any tearpad q's while I shop I can put them into my case. At home the accordian file is good because they already label the catagories for you!
AllisonL
10-26-2009, 05:37:27 PM
is there a good place to go to learn HOW to use a spreadsheet? I'm completely lost..lol. I can put info in but how to get it to sort what i want is beyond me
i have microsoft works if that helps..this seems like an easy way to keep track an locate... way better than going thru a stack 6 times only to realize you used those ones 2 weeks ago...lol
I pretty much had to learn how to use Excel by trial and error. Actually, that's STILL what I do. To sort, you just click the sort button on the toolbar. In the window that appears, you'll have to choose what you want to sort by (for example, by number or product name, etc). Now, depending on what version of Microsoft you're using, the sort button is in different places. It's actually easier to find on the older versions. It's right there in the tool bar. When we switched to Excel 2007, I couldn't find the sort button anymore. Well, it took me a while. You have to click on "Data" at the top, then you'll find the sort option. Don't know if that helps. You might just have to play around with it some. As you said, doing it this way does make it way easier to track and locate coupons. At least, it's helped me a lot.
mommas2moody
10-26-2009, 11:06:32 PM
Thanks for the input! I started on it last night and I can see that it will take some time. Plus as I am sorting them I am figuring out more on the lines of will work for me.