How To Plan An Efficient Shopping List

Because most of the time I loathe shopping, I have creating a shopping list down to a science.

Creating an efficient shopping list not only allows me to shop less frequently but it also helps reduce the cost of groceries, household items, and more.

Here are some of the rules I follow:

1. Plan the number of shopping trips you want to make: I prefer to do my household shopping once a month, so I plan for once a month. If space, budget or personal preference prohibits you from making a once a month trip, decide if you would prefer to shop weekly, bi-weekly or otherwise.

2. Take stock: During the time before my monthly shopping trip, I place a blank shopping list on the refrigerator. As the last of an item is used, the person who empties the container is responsible for writing that item down on the list.
   Living with four men, I double check this frequently. You may wish to double check your list too if have a similar situation.

3. Plan Meals Ahead of Time: Before my shopping trip, I sit with a calendar and plan my meals ahead of time. As I'm making this "menu," I add any ingredients needed that we do not have or have not been added to the list.
   By planning menus ahead, it also allows for you to buy things such as ground beef in bulk to divide into smaller portions versus prepackaged smaller sizes. When buying in bulk, you can often save a great deal of money.

4. Organize your list: I shop at only one store, which works well because this store also price matches in the event of lower prices elsewhere. And, shopping at only one store, has allowed me to memorize the layout of the store.
   When my shopping is complete, I organize all the items on it by location. This prevents criss-crossing the store or doubling back which can also lead to more impulse buying.

5. Stick to the List: If at all possible, do not buy anything that is not on the list. From time to time, even I have thought of something additional needed; however, I always stop to ask myself, "Do we really need it?" If I can answer that question truthfully with a yes, then I quickly add it; if not, then I leave it until the next shopping list.

6. Organize your coupons: As one last tip, if you like to use coupons, also take the time before your shopping trip, to organize them by location in the store also; then, clip them to your list with a paperclip.
   Using this method, you can quickly see the savings, product size required, number of purchases required, etc. In addition, presorting your coupons allows you to weed out any expired coupons; thus, saving you time at the register.

Having an efficient, effective shopping list can make a shopping experience less frustrating, economically beneficial, and, in general, more pleasurable.

When I took the time to start making list, I not only experienced a lack of dread that I used to feel just prior to shopping, but I found more cash in my wallet with the money I saved and lower fuel costs from making numerous trips back and forth to the store.

Give it a try! You'll be amazed at the difference!