How To Make An Insanely Effective Grocery List
If you are looking for a way to simplify grocery shopping I have my easiest tips to help. See just how to make an effective grocery list so you can be more efficient in the store.
Your guide to simple living includes being efficient in the store and saving money on the things you buy. These boxes and more will be checked off in this simple guide.
The cost of food is going up every day, and not only is it that hard on our wallets, it’s frustrating.
Years ago, I was all about saving money. We were a young family, and funds were tight.
As I got older, I was able to be more lax at the store, but today, I find myself going back to my roots, dusting off my best tips so I can leave the store with more money in my wallet.
How much should I spend a month on groceries?
Determining how much to budget for food each month can vary greatly depending on the size of your family, if anyone has food restrictions and your lifestyle.
A good starting point is 5% and 15% of your monthly income. For more accurate budgeting, track your expenses for a month or two to see what you are spending.
This will help you identify areas to cut back if necessary and adjust your budget as needed.
When most folks visit the store, they are there to grab a few things. A gallon of milk, some bread, and maybe a box of cereal for the kids.
As they walk down the aisles, items begin to make their way into their shopping cart.
They mentally check their home pantry and add a few boxes of pasta just in case they are out, along with a few cans of soup, salad dressing, and maybe a package of cheese.
Before they know it, they have a full cart and are faced with a $115 bill. Out comes the credit card for this unplanned purchase, and off they head to their car.
The worst part is, once they are home they realize that the things they purchased, they had plenty of.
Even worse, they are still out of spaghetti sauce, which was one of the things they actually went to the store for.
To me, nothing is worse than wasting time and money all in one shot.
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How To Make An Insanely Effective Grocery List
A shopping list is one of those home management tools that tend to get overlooked. My goal is to have you not only using a list but to rely on it to save you time and money.
Step #1. Start your list early
The trick to a good list is accuracy, and the best way to be accurate is to keep it out all the time so you can add to it as needed.
I keep an ongoing list on the front of my fridge at all times. Everyone in the family knows if it’s not on the list it will not get bought.
Do not be tempted to skip this step because even the best, most organized folks find it challenging to make an effective list in 5 minutes before you run out the door.
Remember, the trick is to be thorough, meaning every little thing needs to be on the list.
SLCG Pro Tip: Get into the habit of adding items before you run out. If you see the mustard bottle is getting low, add it to your list now to have a backup in the pantry before running out.
Remember to include your spices, baking ingredients, mixes, and paper products like foil and parchment paper. A thorough list is the key to this all working.
Treat this list like an extension of your kitchen, a tool that will keep things more efficient.
Step #2.include a quantity
Another tip is to write how many you need for each item. Our goal is to decrease how many trips you make to the store because this will save you money and prevent impulse purchases.
If you want to save money…stay out of the stores. This is such a simple and super effective tip to remember.
How it works: If you drink a lot of coffee, don’t just write down “coffee” but instead write down “Coffee-2 bags”. Be thorough so you remove the guesswork on grocery shopping day.
Step #3. Break your list down by store
If you are like me and do your shopping at more than one store, then breaking your list down by store will help to keep things efficient.
I like to use a small notebook to hold my final list. This book is perfect since it has pockets for any coupons or other notes.
I can separate my list by store listing the items I need for each. This will allow me to get done more quickly and remove any distractions that may cost me money.
Step #4. Keep track of your “coupon” items
Another tip for an effective shopping list is to remember to use the coupons for the items on your list. Try this tip as a simple reminder. Put an asterisk * next to items you have a coupon for.
Be sure to put one asterisk for each coupon, so let’s say I have three coupons for an item. I will put three asterisks. I use this same tip for online coupons as well.
Nothing is worse than going to all the trouble to find those money-saving items and forgetting to use them. The trick is to do whatever you can (old school or not) to remind yourself of them.
SLCG Pro Tip: As you place the items you have coupons for into the cart, move the coupon to a different area. You can use a clip to attach them together.
When you get to check out, you will have all the coupons you need together, making things more efficient.
Step #5. Make a menu
Do not be tempted to skip this step; remember, this guide is about tips for an Insanely Effective grocery list, and if you want insanely effective, you will want to take a few minutes to make a menu.
Did I say a few minutes? I sure did. Ten minutes is all you need to make a weekly menu, and twenty minutes is all you need for a monthly menu.
If you have never made a menu, get my step-by-step on how to make and use a weekly menu. Once you have a menu, you will know exactly what you need and how much, keeping you on track and on budget.
Step #6. Organize your list
This is my favorite tip on this list and what I like to call a game-changer. Most of us are not new to shopping so we know what is located where in the store.
To make things more efficient, write out your list in the order (or at least close) to which isles they may be found in.
This will one tip alone will cut your shopping time and distractions in half.
Where are things located in a grocery store?
If you are new to shopping, most stores have the same layout. Produce and the bakery are first, with meat and dairy along the outside.
The interior houses your canned goods, cereal, baking supplies, pasta, drinks, and snacks… each in their own aisles.
Step #6. Order online
More stores now have the option for grocery pickup. This is where you order online, pay for your order, and choose your pick-up day and time.
Imagine shopping from your recliner and stopping at the store only to find your groceries all bagged up and ready to go. And the best news is, they will even load them for you.
If you don’t have this option at your local grocery store you can find most groceries online with free shipping from sites like Amazon.
Step #7. Take cash and only cash
This one can be a bit tricky to get used to, but it will save you money and time. If you have never shopped with cash before, the best advice I can give is to keep track of your tab as you go.
Use the calculator on your phone and type in your food budgeted amount. As you shop subtract out the amount as you go. This will help you stay on budget.
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Step #8. Check it off as you go
This might seem like an obvious tip, but you would be surprised how NOT doing this step can be a time waster.
Once it is crossed off the list, it is done, and you can move on to the next item. You would be amazed at how things can get lost on a list when you are not crossing off as you go.
SLCG Pro Tip: If you forgot to bring a pen, you can ask to borrow one from the service desk. I do this more often than I care to admit and they have been very helpful with me on this.
If you follow these tips you will not only cut your grocery time in half but never run out of items again.
I know some of you are electronic list makers and I applaud you for it. I, on the other hand, am old school. I need paper and pen in hand to be efficient.
The most important thing is to find what works for you and use it. If you make it complicated you will not do it, trust me on this. Keep it simple, keep it efficient and use all the time and money you save on bigger and better things.
More Kitchen Guides to Read:
If you are looking for more tips on being efficient in the kitchen, read our other articles.
- Simple Cooking Tips for the Kitchen
- Simplify Your Kitchen
- How to Create a Weekly Menu You Can Stick To
Hi Tracy! I have to chuckle at your grogery list on the fridge! This is how I did it when my (now grown with kids of their own) kids were youngl. I always told them to put it on the list. If it was on the list, I would buy it. If it’s not on the list — too bad. I did the same thing with activities. I had 4 kids and I did daycare. We were always on a tight schedule. I bought one of those big desk top calendars each year and put it on a wall in the kitchen. This became our “Grand Central.” There were 6 lines for each day of the week — enough for each member of our family. Everyone had a line. If it was on the calendar, we did the activity. If it wasn’t, too bad — you don’t get to go. All softball, volleyball, dance, music lessons, etc (as well as family vacations and doctor appointments) went on the canendar. It worked very well for our family. As my kids grew older and went off to college and had their own apartments, I bought them calendars for Christmas. All the family birhday’s were on the calendars, as well as family dinners/holidays, etc….. One year my then 34-year old son didn’t remember we were having a family dinner (even though I had told all of them!) and didn’t show up (because nobody bought him a calendar for Christmas!). Needless to say, I have not missed a calendar gift to him since! Now, two of my daughters have children of their own, and guess what they give me for Christmas every year?!!
Hi, Dorine,
Yes, isn’t it funny all the technology out there and I choose to use a paper on my fridge! But hey, if it works..why change it? I just love the calendar idea, I will have to do that for my boys. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by,
Tracy Lynn
This is almost exactly what I do, and it works so well… I don’t do the cash or menu planning, but the notebook? Writing the list well before, sorted by store, IDing which you have coupons for, etc….? Lifesavers! I do a big shopping trip once a month as well, and only top off perishables like milk and bread as needed..I actually note coupons, rebates, etc, on the list as well, since I use rebate apps. And price matching! I don’t know if that’s available where you are, but it is, selectively, here.. So I mark that down beside the item, on the list. It all works together.
Hi, Rachel!
Looks like we both think alike. I have met very few monthly shoppers so I really enjoy it when I do. Isn’t it the best time and money saver? I have friends that shop every Saturday and I just don’t understand why they would want to do that.
I totally forgot about price matching, yes we have just a couple that do but I like to take advantage whenever I can. I have not used a rebate app, I will have to check that out…thanks!
Tracy Lynn
What about produce? Do you buy that once a month too or do you make trips for fresh produce? Just curious! To go once s month would make my life much easier!
Hi, Amanda,
Yes, I also only purchase 90% of my produce once a month. We eat the produce that will only last a week or so first, then finish with the rest. Bananas we store in the refrigerator, yes the skin does brown up but they are just fine and not overripe at all. I have learned that staying out of the stores saves me the most money not to mention time. I have been monthly shopping for almost 10 years now and I am able to feed a family of 6 for less than $500 a month including pet food and paper supplies! I have a series coming soon on how to monthly shop. If you sign up for my email you will get notice when it is ready to go.
Thanks for stopping by!
Tracy Lynn
Like minded we are re: it goes on the list the minute I see we only have one left, different store lists, marking items that have a coupon (i even write the expiration dates to remind me). Items that are duplicated each month are already on each list by copying from the templates I created. Anytime we need to purchase inbetween monthly I send my hubby as he sticks to the list items only much better than me.
I’ve set-up a header list on the fridge using correction tape. Each of the 3 grocery stores are listed, then there’s the 4 TO DO lists – mine, hubby, ours, & long-term goals (like empty change each day to our vacation jar). Under each header is a magnetic pad of paper to write what’s needed. We sit once a week to review & edit. And decide from our pre-printed post-it nites what meals we like fir that week. We also have a bit of competitve streak as to who crossed off the most from their TO DO list and have silly wagers to make it fun.
I like the “gift calendar” that someone posted about as well. On my xmas TO DO list already lol.
Hi, Ana,
Oh that is a great idea! Expiration dates for coupons on the list. Love it!!
I also send hubby when I forget something on the list. What is it with us gals that makes us more apt to stray from that shopping list? 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tracy Lynn
THANK YOU! I Also love my pen and paper! I just recently started putting it up on the fridge. I buy the small yellow pads 3pk at those everything’s a dollar store. 1’s for grocery, ones for housework Todo , need to buy @the grocery , and the 3rd is for my son’s appts and events (he’s nonverbal w Autism) I am a Mom of 4 totally unorganized , not planned , forgetful stay at home mom who hated to throw away anything! Well , Autism has taught me my old ways just do not work! Slowly but surely and proudly I am getting there. I just still was buying what we didn’t need and forgetting what we did need. Main problem I have become so very much better w is FORGETTING MY LIST lol at home. So now I just snap a pic on my phone for just in case. My grandpa always said if you want to remember something right it down. So I keep a post it on door as I’m leaving. Better yet, I bought a bag for his Autism meetings w so and so and I can keep my folder and clipboards in it . I have been leaving an extra yellow pad of paper in bag.
This has given me such inspiration tho. Everything has to be so complicated nowadays but your post lured me in and I am so glad. Simpler the better!
Thanks again !
PS I signed up for your emails I think I may just surprise myself within the next few months . I definitely am so grateful to have found your website.
Hi, Jennifer!
I just loved reading your comment, thanks so much. 🙂 It totally made my day!
I agree with you completely, things have become so complicated anymore. Keep it simple so it works, that’s my motto!
I just love that you take a picture of your list, great idea..going to borrow that one.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Tracy Lynn
Here’s another idea: YEARS ago when the kids were little, I painstakingly typed up our family’s food list. I walked around the kitchen, then the pantry, then the bathrooms, etc., and wrote down what we actually like and use. I sorted the items as they are grouped in the grocery store, such as pharmacy, cleaning, pet food, frozen, refrigerated, paper, cereal….you get the idea, In front of each item, I put a little open square / bullet. THIS is what I kept taped on the frig. As I ran out of something, I checked it off. Oh, and at the end of each group, I put a bullet, but then I left the line open in case I thought of extra items that month.
It was easy walking around the store, using my own personal food list!
Wish I had that budget deal like you mentioned. Always a struggle for me! I will certainly try you calculator / subtraction idea!
God bless you, from the Texas Hill Country where it is 96 degrees today! Pray for our country and it’s leaders!
Jeanette
Oh I just love this tip!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Stay cool 🙂
Tracy Lynn
Organizing the list is a good idea. Unfortunately, grocery stores seem to enjoy regularly scrambling their layout….
Yes, I agree Anika and it drives me crazy when they do!
Making a grocery list is always a good idea. I learnt this the hard way when I used to go with my husband without a list and would end up buying things which were completely unneccessary.
What about produce? Do you buy that once a month too or do you make trips for fresh produce? Just curious! To go once s month would make my life much easier!
We purchased produce just once a month, however, the fresh is eaten in the order by which it goes bad and towards the end of the month, we are on frozen options. Apples are a good fruit that you can save for the end of the month as they usually last the longest.
I hope this helps!
Tracy Lynn
Making a grocery list is always a good idea. I learnt this the hard way when I used to go with my husband without a list and would end up buying things which were completely unneccessary. 🙂