Get in and out of the grocery store in record time
I hate grocery shopping! My kids know I am avoiding it when I serve breakfast for dinner in an attempt to delay the inevitable.
The secret to speedy shopping
Write your grocery store list in the order of the store. The shopping will take less time, and you will avoid the frustration of multiple laps through the store.
This is a huge plus when your four-year old insists on riding in the “car” cart monstrosity that maneuvers with all the grace of a big rig through the tight aisles.
Create your menu plan and grocery list at the same time. As you add items, picture the list as the layout of the store.
I created a diagram to print and use to make it easier. The test run yesterday proved it was a real time saver. The categories also reminded me of a few items I needed while I was writing up the list.
(Publisher version or PDF version.)
Many grocery stores have an aisle layout map available. Inquire about one at the customer service desk. This is especially helpful after they decide to rearrange the store to confuse shoppers.
Now…if I could just read my writing…
Have any other tips to make grocery shopping easier?
Glancing down at tomorrow’s grocery list…does this mean that I shouldn’t have “avacados” listed right above “spaghettio’s”?
The map is a great idea, although I’m terrible with compass-type directions, so as long as I’m not expected to know that the tuna is southeast of the tomato soup, its all good.
Great tips!
HA HA! I think you are safe without a compass.
Will say this: I think you should absolutely go grocery shopping with a list, so you don’t forget what’s most important, but hating grocery shopping? I love it; it’s time out of the house.
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ha ha..let me send my 4 year old with you.
I have been shopping at the same primary grocery store for many years now. I have the place memorized so well that I almost never miss an item on my way around the store. I have been doing this so long that I think I have worn footsteps into the store’s tiles by tracing my exact steps pretty much every week that I am in there. I definitely do use a list though. You are far more organized than me by having everything laid out so well. No wonder you run this blog.
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LOL the worn footsteps! I hear you! I always wrote my list in this diagram format…but without the actual diagram. Since I had it all typed up I decided it made my list a little neater. However, it does nothing for improving my bad handwriting.
Like you, I really dislike grocery shopping. I put it off as long as I can and even when I MUST go I have to talk myself into the task. I write out my grocery list in the order the items are displayed within the store. Unfortunately for me, though, I always seem to forget to write down an item and wind up backtracking. Ugh!
That happens to me, too. I love coming home to find out I missed the main ingredient of the meal while writing my list. List user error.
That’s cool never thought of a store diagram, but I have no sense direction and would still look at the aisle markings. I alway take a list and ALWAYS leave the kids at home, that way items don’t mysteriously appear in the cart come check out time.
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LOL they are good at sneaking things in. I try to avoid taking them with me, too.
They are so good at putting things in the cart when you have your head turned. I try to go without them.
Personally i really don’t grocery shopping. Aside from it is too exhausting it also demands a lot of time. That’s why more often than not i let my husband do it.
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Not that I hate it but my stomach does! Every time I get into one, 5 minutes haven’t passed when I need to find the toilet! That’s how fast I should shop! I’m not yet done but I have to go to the cashier. When I do, my stomach tames and I go back to my shopping. I don’t need a list as there are just a few to buy.
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Grocery stores are designed to slow you down and make you browse so you buy a bunch of stuff that you don’t actually need. If you go through the grocery store with a strategy plan and a path already thought out you will get out of there in no time at all.