Get in and out of the grocery store in record time
Is the mere thought of grocery shopping enough to make you break out in a sweat? Do you find yourself trying to postpone it as much as possible, even resorting to unconventional meal options just to delay the inevitable trip to the store? If you're nodding along, don't worry; you're not alone! Grocery shopping can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially when you have kids in tow. My family knows that breakfast for dinner is my grocery-store-avoiding meal.
But fear not! I have a secret to share that will revolutionize your grocery store experience and have you zipping in and out of the store in record time. The key to faster, more organized shopping lies in one simple tool: the grocery list planner.
Plan Your List in Store Order:
Imagine walking through the aisles of the grocery store, confidently picking up everything you need, without the frustration of going back and forth for missed items. The trick is to create your grocery list in the order of the store's layout. Start with the produce section, then move on to the meat and dairy, followed by canned goods, and so on. This way, you'll streamline your shopping process, saving time and avoiding unnecessary stress.
Combine Menu Planning with Your Grocery List:
Plan your meals for the week ahead and create your grocery list simultaneously. As you jot down the items you need, visualize the layout of the store and group related items together. This method can be even more effective if you use a store layout diagram, which you can easily print and use as a reference. Trust me; it's a real time-saver! Plus, while you plan your meals, the categories on the diagram may jog your memory about other essential items you might need.
Here is how you can make your grocery shopping trips a breeze:
Utilize Store Aisle Layout Maps:
Many grocery stores provide aisle layout maps to their customers. These handy guides show you where each product category is located, making it a breeze to navigate through the store efficiently. If you're unsure whether your store offers this, simply inquire at the customer service desk. It's especially useful if the store decides to rearrange their layout to keep shoppers on their toes.
Maintaining an Ongoing Checklist for Necessary Items
Utilizing magnets on the refrigerator to display the planner has proven to be a brilliant idea, as it allows everyone to contribute to the list. This way, we can avoid the frustration of realizing we're missing essential spices or staples only when we require them urgently.
Improve Your Handwriting:
Let's face it; an organized list is only useful if you can read it! I am guilty of scribbling items I can't read once I am at the store. Make an effort to write your grocery list clearly and legibly.
By incorporating these tips into your grocery shopping routine, you'll find yourself becoming a pro at handling the weekly chore. No more dreading the grocery store; you'll breeze through it like a seasoned shopper.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.