Carrying Groceries

I didn't realize when I moved into an apartment what a challenge the simple act of carrying groceries inside was going to be for me. If you are a home owner you can park right beside your front door so carrying all the groceries in one trip isn't that important.

However when you live in an apartment or town home that has a parking lot instead of a driveway it becomes important. You have to walk across the parking lot get to the apartment door, unlock it, walk to the stairs or elevator, then walk to your apartment door, and then unlock it. This is not something you want to have to make several trips to get done.

So when I carry in the groceries I wanted to take them all at once. The problem then became not just the plastic cutting off my circulation, but how do I get my keys out and unlock the door? Well of course I had to put the bags down to do it. No big deal, right? Wrong! I had some jars and can goods in some of the bags. When I put the bags down they came out and started rolling away.

It was at that point that I swore to myself that I would find an easier way, and I did. I now use the Rubbermaid Hiphugger laundry basket. Not only does it keep them all contained, the bend allows you to hold it with one hand. This allows me to get my keys and open the door with my free hand.

Photo By: whatsittoyou

These are not your standard cheaply made baskets. These are made with a heavy duty plastic that will hold a lot more weight without bending or cracking. I have had mine for over 10 years now and they are still going strong.

The curve allows you to rest it against your body, which allows you to lug it around with one hand. This is very helpful for when you have to go up stairs with a load as you can then use your free hand to hold onto the railing.

The other benefit to having the bend which allows you to have a free hand, is that you can lug even more with you. If you have heavy items like soda pop or large bottles of detergent you can put them in a shopping utility cart. You can then use your free hand to pull that across the parking lot.

You will still have a free hand when you get to the door because while the cart has wheels it will stay in place when you put it level. I use this combination when I have really heavy products to carry or when I just have a really large amount of things to move.

This is the style of cart that I got from my grandma. It was originally hers, but since I am the one who takes her shopping I have it now.

I like this design because the holes in the cart are smaller so things don't fall out. My sister bought the one with larger holes and the bags would stick out the holes and catch on the wheels.

This is the style of cart that I got from my grandma. It was originally hers, but since I am the one who takes her shopping I have it now.

I like this design because the holes in the cart are smaller so things don't fall out. My sister bought the one with larger holes and the bags would stick out the holes and catch on the wheels.

If you are looking for a cheap way to lug a lot of bags, you should check out the mighty handle. The idea of these is that you can load many bags onto each handle. Then when you twist the handle it keeps the bags closed. Plus the handle is designed so that it holds more without cutting off your circulation.