Turn An Expandable File Into A DIY Coupon Organizer

Did you make New Year’s resolutions this year? If one of them was to be more organized, or to spend less money, you’re in luck! Today’s simple tutorial will show you how to turn a dollar store expandable file into a super useful coupon organizer!

Turn a dollar store expandable file into a super simple coupon organizer to help you get organized and save money!

When it comes to organization, the simplest system is always the best; if your system is too complicated it might be more trouble than it’s worth to maintain it and you might give up after a month or two. That’s why I love this little DIY coupon organizer; it’s simple to set up, and simple to use!

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DIY Coupon Organizer

Here’s what you need to make your own: (affiliate links below to the products I use and recommend)

Note: I’ve provided a link to download the cut file that I used for this project below!

Start with a plain envelope-sized expandable file.

DIY Vinyl Decorated Coupon Organizer-5

The first thing I did was cut out the word “Coupons” from silver vinyl using my Silhouette Cameo. I weeded away the vinyl background and then used washi tape as transfer tape to transfer the word to the front of the file.

Then I started on the inside. I measured the small tabs sticking up from each divider and created a small rectangle of the appropriate size in my Silhouette Studio software.

DIY Vinyl Decorated Coupon Organizer-4

I copied the rectangle so I had one for each tab, then I added letters to each rectangle. If you want to download the cut file I created, you can download it here! I used Silhouette’s print and cut feature to print out the letters on printable white sticker paper, then cut out the rectangles around them.

Next I peeled up the labels and stuck them on the tabs!

DIY Vinyl Decorated Coupon Organizer-6

Once the labels are on the dividers, you’re ready to fill it up with coupons!

I prefer to have my coupons organized by store, so this filing system works great for me. But if you want to organize your coupons by expiration date, just put months on the tabs instead of letters!

Turn a dollar store expandable file into a super simple coupon organizer to help you get organized and save money!
Turn a dollar store expandable file into a super simple coupon organizer to help you get organized and save money!

Want to share this project with your friends? Share to Facebook, Pinterest, or send the article by email—just click on any of the share buttons floating on the left, or find them at the top and bottom of this post.

small expandable file folder with the word "coupons" on it on a table with newspaper coupons and scissors

DIY Coupon Organizer With Dollar Store Supplies

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Turn a small expandable file from the dollar store into a DIY coupon organizer in just a few minutes—great for organizing coupons, and small enough to take with you to the store!
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Yield 1 coupon organizer
Cost $5

Materials

DIY Coupon Organizer

Instructions
 

  • Measure the tabs on the dividers inside of the expandable file. Open the cut file provided (like in Materials section above) and modify the size of the rectangular labels to fit your coupon organizer.
    dividers and tabs inside of expandable file
  • Using your Cricut or Silhouette, cut out the word "Coupons" on a sheet of adhesive vinyl. Weed away the background vinyl. Then use the print and cut feature to print the alphabet labels and cut them out with your cutting machine.
  • Place transfer paper on top of the weeded vinyl (not the printable labels) and press firmly. Peel the vinyl and transfer paper away from the backing paper, put the vinyl word on the front of the expandable file, then press down firmly to make sure each letter is attached. Carefully remove the transfer paper.
    small expandable file
  • Peel up each alphabet label and stick it onto one of the divider tabs inside the expandable file, and you're done!
    hand placing alphabet labels on divider tabs inside of expandable file

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Jessi Wohlwend

I believe that anyone can do crafts and DIY projects, regardless of skill or experience. I love sharing simple craft ideas, step by step DIY project tutorials, cleaning hacks, and other tips and tricks all with one goal in mind: giving you the tools you need to “do it yourself”, complete fun projects, and make awesome things!

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Reader Interactions

  1. A says

    4 years ago

    I use this same container but my tabs are labels like Dairy, Cleaning, Hygiene, Grains, Meats. Then within the tab I alphabetize by the the product name.

  2. Camila says

    9 years ago

    This is such a GREAT idea… That same idea applies to all sort of paperwork, like bills and stuff!!!
    Love it!
    XOXO

  3. Michele @ Our Rosey Life says

    9 years ago

    I am the worst at organizing my coupons. They are paper clipped together and I never know what I have. Your idea is a great solution for me!

  4. Kristy gd says

    9 years ago

    I have to admit – I’ve never thought of organizing coupons alphabetically before. Usually I go by aisle – but then different things are in different places depending on where we go. What a great idea!

  5. Randi Sowders says

    9 years ago

    I wish I could get into coupons…I’ve tried and failed so many times I just have resolved myself to never “getting” into them This is super cute though!

  6. Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says

    9 years ago

    This is right up my alley! Just a few days ago I purchased one of these expandable folders from Target to {hopefully} keep my blogging receipts organized….now I just need to Silhouettify it! And I LOVE the font you chose for ‘Coupons’. Great work!

  7. keri @ shaken together says

    9 years ago

    I have got to get on the ball and organize my coupons – I guess my ratty old envelope has got to go! Love this easy update to stay organized!

  8. Laura Beth says

    9 years ago

    I did this a few years ago & am STILL using my coupon organizer. LOVE the idea 🙂

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