How to organize coupons with a 3-ring binder

When I first started couponing I was just using one of those accordian style wallet sized coupon holders. After a while I upgrated to a basic 3-ring 1" binder. I have recently upgraded to a 2" trapper-keeper style binder.

And I have to say, I LOVE my new coupon binder! I purchased it at Walmart in the stationary department for around $15. There is a small zippered compartment on the outside which I keep my little calculator in.

Inside on the left inside cover there are 3 accordian style pockets which I keep my current week's store circulars in. There is also a zippered mesh pocket which I keep a notepad in, a pen, and a coupon cutter. The coupon cutter makes it SO much easier and faster to cut out last-minute coupons from store circulars while you're in the store.

This binder came with 3 plastic folders which have little pockets in the front. I use one for my catalinas and other coupons such as Register Rewards. This way they are right in front and I won't forget to use them. The second one I use for my rebates, and the third one I use for my Rainchecks.

I purchased a few packs of divider tabs which are rewritable. There were 5/pk and I bought 4 packs. I also bought some baseball card holders to keep my coupons in. You can find them at Walmart, usually near the checkouts where the collector cards are located.

I set up my coupons in 4 major categories, and 20 categories all together.

The major categories are: Health & Beauty, Pets, Food, Non-Food

In each of those categories I have tabs for these sub-categories:

Health & Beauty: Medicine, Razors, Teeth Products, Personal, Deodorants, Hair Care, Soaps, Makeup & Lotions.

Pet Products: (no subcategories)

Food: Boxed/Canned Goods, Beverages, Snacks/Candy, Cereal, Baking Products, Dairy, Frozen

Non-Food: Paper Goods & Bags, Cleaning Products, Laundry, Dish Detergents

Some people prefer their categories to be in alphabetical order, or some other order, but I prefer to have them set up in the order I shop the store I visit the most: my Super Walmart!