Time Savings Tips: Developing the Ultimate Grocery List
We all struggle with the amount of time spent grocery shopping. It can take hours out of your weekend. But what if you could save precious time, and simplify the experience in the process? It is possible my friends. The key is to be armed with a good list.
I am sure everyone has and uses a grocery list, and are wondering honestly how it can be improved. I am about to show you how a well-organized list can save you precious time by creating shopping efficiencies. No unique skills or tools required, just a few minutes spent mapping out your plan. Give me 10 minutes, and in turn you will gain at least 30 minutes saved while shopping. Promise.
SELECT A METHOD
- Sure, there are specialty apps and fancy list builders, but none of that is needed here. Instead, I suggest one of two methods. The Notes tool in your phone, or an Excel spreadsheet.
- If you don’t like to carry around printed paper, and prefer to do everything digitally, go for the Notes version.
- And if you prefer to physically check off items on a paper list, go for the spreadsheet version.
- Whichever version you chose, incorporate the tips below to maximize your time.
ORGANIZE BY DEPARTMENT
- Organizing your list by department automatically creates a roadmap for your shopping experience. Instead of zigzagging across a store, bouncing back and forth from one end to the other, you will hit one department at a time and knock out items section by section.
- More on this next week, when we dig into how to navigate your grocery store.
- Until you get used to this process, it may be easiest to write out your entire list, then sort by department. This is where the spreadsheet method comes in handy, as you can use the sort function. (See example below). Or if you feel comfortable already, begin drawing up your list using the following categories:
- Produce
- Meat
- Dairy
- Frozen
- Pantry/dry goods: this includes your core staples such as flour, spices, sauce, sweetener, stock, etc.
- Snacks: this includes desserts, chips, trail mix, etc.
- Beverages
- Other: this includes any miscellaneous items such as pre-packaged foods.
SEPARATE BY STORE
- If you’re like me, and sometimes visit 3 separate stores on any given day, this one will really surprise you. This final small step forces you to plan in advance, thus avoiding convenience shopping (purchasing everything at one store) and last-minute unplanned stops.
- Alternatively, if you have a small list and are only heading to 1 store, skip this step.
- Think about which items you typically purchase from which store, and create a sub-list for each location.
- For instance, I purchase produce and dairy at Whole Foods, so my master list has a sub-section for this store and with these categories. At Trader Joes I purchase pantry/dry goods and beverages, so there is another sub-section with this store and these categories.
And that’s it folks. Three simple steps to keep you organized and save you time shopping. Get ready to be dazzled, it is amazing how efficient and stress-free your shopping experience is about to become.
Wow that is a good idea to keep lists by store- I do reg store, Trader Joe’s, and Costco! Thanks for the tip!
It’s make a ton of difference! I hope you find your shopping trips are much more efficient 🙂
I usually go to one store (once a week), but occasionally write separate lists for additional stores and shopping trips. I’m a paper and pen kind of girl myself. Anyone else arrange their list not only by department but according to where items are located in the store, or is it just me? 🙂
I do that too Kimi! I actually sort my list by department and placement in each store. I have my path down so well at my main locations that I nearly do it on auto pilot. Thanks for the great tip!
Great tips and I need to try them. I hate grocery shopping to begin with so the quicker I can get in and get out, the better!
Absolutely Bridget! I’m glad you find the ideas useful and wish you a more efficient shopping experience 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
I hate grocery shopping. By the time I get myself and toddler ready, get in the car, shop (sometimes with an unhappy toddler), unload (thank goodness for the elevator in our apartment building), and put everything away, I’m exhausted. I found a grocery delivery service that I place my order online and that same day, my groceries are delivered. Of course, there are still some items I have to go to another store to purchase. Still, the key is having a good list, broken down by the stores. It saves the twilight zone experience going into a store unprepared.
I hear you Amanda! Especially with young ones in tow, that is a lot to handle. I have been curious about delivery options. Which one are you using? Agreed on all your points, organization is key!
thank you! I need this so bad!
You’re welcome, Lyndsey. Happy shopping!
Woow. I’ve never seen a grocery list as organized as this. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much Annabella! I hope you find it useful 🙂
These sound like useful tips, I will have to plan it out and use it. I always feel scatterbrained at the grocery store.
That’s great Crystal! I know that feeling well, it is so overwhelming when you don’t have a plan.
I really need to put together a list like this. Lately, I go to the store and forget what I went out for and end up leaving without what I went in for.
With Love Rochelle
http://www.withloverochelle.com
That’s the worst! I hope you find these suggestions helpful and you avoid any future shopping mishaps 🙂
Yes. I like this method of grocery lists. This is the one. Get it girl.
Thanks so much Miri! Cheers to efficient shopping.