Day 13: Simplifying Grocery Shopping

Shopping is something we all have to do to fill the fridge. Some people shop daily, while others prefer to shop weekly or even less often. How frequently you shop depends on factors such as your affinity toward fresh foods, storage space in your kitchen, and budget. Here are a few tips to help simplify your grocery shopping, no matter how often you hit the store.

• Keep a running list of what you need on your fridge, on your To-Do list or somewhere else easily accessible. Ideally, this will be someplace all members of your household can see it and add items to it as needed. Be sure to include not just food products, but also staples like toilet paper, toothpaste and other household necessities.
• Check sales papers each week for the best deals, then plan your weekly menu according to what’s on sale. Not only will you save money, you’ll be eating seasonally based on what’s available at the lowest prices for the time of year.
• After making your meal plan for the week, check your pantry, fridge and freezer for the items you’ll need, then add only what you’re lacking to the shopping list. By knowing in advance what you’ll be eating, you’ll save money, time and storage space by not buying items you don’t need.
• Plan ahead for breakfasts, lunches and snacks. If you don't mind repetition, eating the same thing for those meals several days in a row can drastically simplify both the shopping and the food preparation.
• Once you have your list, use it. Don’t forget to take your list to the store and actually use it. Buy only what’s on the list, and avoid impulse purchases as much as possible. 
• Before you go to the store, make sure you have any coupons that you need, as well as shoppers’ discount cards and proper payment. 
• Limit the number of stores you shop at. I tend to do most of my shopping at three stores, and which store I go to any given week depends on what’s on the shopping list.
• If you think you’ll buy enough to warrant a cart, park next to the cart return. This is particularly helpful when you’re shopping with small children.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.