If you go to the grocery store on any kind of regular basis, chances are you’re making a list each time. And if you’re making a list each time, you’re probably adding the same things to that list fairly often. You can save time by using a reusable grocery list.
A reusable grocery list is one that has the items you use frequently. You don’t need to write milk on the list each week if milk is already listed.
You save time in a number of ways:
- You aren’t recreating the wheel each time you make a list.
- You aren’t making a special trip to the store when you forget to put something on your list.
- You’re making a list in short order since it’s only a matter of checking off your inventory.
You can make this reusable grocery list by whatever means suits you, digital or paper. For instance, on an iphone or ipad you can use the reminders app to list the things that you regularly buy. Adjust the settings so that it will add those things to your list regularly, ie on a weekly basis.
Or you can use the old fashioned paper and pen method. You can type it into your computer and print it each week or laminate a nice copy and have it laminated. That’s what I did. I can go through the list, cross out the things we don’t need and check off the new things that we do need when I’m shopping at the store.
This post is part of the Kitchen Time Savers series. You can follow along this month as we explore lots of ways to make more efficient use of our time in the kitchen.
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AmyG
I recently went back to using a shopping list like this, although I do print a new one for each week instead of using an eraseable marker. It has reduced the time spent on my list when making my menu plan and all the missed items at the grocery store. I set it up according to the layout of my grocery store so that I don’t have to backtrack through the store and included a place to write my meals and snacks for the week. I am loving it. Also, if you shop for someone else it is invaluable. My Mom has had to have us shop for her and giving her a checklist, based on what she usually buys (it did take a few minutes to set up the first time), made it so much easier (I checked her refrigerator and cabinets for brand names, sizes, etc. and noted those right on the list as she cooks just for herself and has definite opinions about what to buy).
Nicole F
Sharing this one from one of my fav. food blog’s
http://mealmakeovermoms.com/mealtime-tools/supermarket-shopping-list/
Leesa
I use the Out of Milk app for my grocery list(s). I have one for regular grocery, one for Sam’s Club, and others for specialty stores (Lowe’s, sewing, etc.). It remembers your history, so when I start entering stuff, it automatically brings up a list that match what I’m typing – making entry super easy. But the BEST part is that it syncs automatically between my kindle, the online website, and my husband’s phone – meaning I can work on the list over the week at home, finalize it at work, and ask my husband to do the grocery shopping on the way home (well, sometimes anyway)!
Cheri A
I love the Out of Milk app too! I would often forget my list, but I never forget my phone. 🙂 And I love to share the list with my hubby too!
Serena
I am so glad you posted this! A few years ago, when I was just starting out my married life, I thought about doing a master list, but I didn’t like the list I saw someone suggest and left it at that. I think I am going to have to create my own… it’s annoying to forget something at the grocery store, but even more annoying when it’s a staple!
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving
I’ve been meaning to make a master list for quite some time. Good reminder to do so! I think I’d laminate one master copy like you do. Thanks for the encouragement to go ahead and get this item checked off my to-do list!
Tracy
I love love love the idea of printing and laminating the grocery list! Can I have yours? LOL Just kidding. Great idea!
Jessica Fisher
I think there’s a copy of it in the Organizing Life as MOM ebook. 🙂