Until we can become more self-sufficient,
we need to get our groceries at the store.
I thought it might be helpful to share
the process I use to get this weekly chore tackled.
First, I refer to my menu-by-the-month plan
to see what is on tap for the week's meals.
Items needed for the week's dishes
are added to the list.
As I mainly shop at one particular grocery store,
the list is made out according to the shop's layout,
aisle by aisle.
Next, I check the online ad for special offers,
especially the BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals.
Stocking up on these makes good fiscal sense.
Lastly, these three sites are scoured for coupons:
RedPlum
SmartSource
Coupons.com
Any coupon that can be used
within the next month is printed out,
even if it's not needed for this week's shopping trip.
I get to the store early on Saturday morning,
usually between 8 and 9 a.m.
Parking spaces are easy to find,
there's no waiting at the deli counter,
and aisles are clear of shoppers.
It makes the experience so much easier and quicker.
When checking out, like items are placed together.
Refrigerated items are unloaded first,
along with produce and meat.
Then cans, bottles, boxes and paper products.
This makes it so much simpler
to unpack your groceries at home.
The cloth shopping bags are kept
next to the garage door,
so that they're handy on the way out.
Shopping is not one of my favorite things,
but this system gets me outta there in no time
so I can start enjoying my weekend!
One Simple Thing
First, I refer to my menu-by-the-month plan
to see what is on tap for the week's meals.
Items needed for the week's dishes
are added to the list.
As I mainly shop at one particular grocery store,
the list is made out according to the shop's layout,
aisle by aisle.
Next, I check the online ad for special offers,
especially the BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals.
Stocking up on these makes good fiscal sense.
Lastly, these three sites are scoured for coupons:
RedPlum
SmartSource
Coupons.com
Any coupon that can be used
within the next month is printed out,
even if it's not needed for this week's shopping trip.
I get to the store early on Saturday morning,
usually between 8 and 9 a.m.
Parking spaces are easy to find,
there's no waiting at the deli counter,
and aisles are clear of shoppers.
It makes the experience so much easier and quicker.
When checking out, like items are placed together.
Refrigerated items are unloaded first,
along with produce and meat.
Then cans, bottles, boxes and paper products.
This makes it so much simpler
to unpack your groceries at home.
The cloth shopping bags are kept
next to the garage door,
so that they're handy on the way out.
Shopping is not one of my favorite things,
but this system gets me outta there in no time
so I can start enjoying my weekend!
One Simple Thing
You and I pretty much do our shopping prep the same. I always keep a running list because I shop once a month. It always takes me quite awhile to print the coupons and I usually do that a day or two before I do the actual shopping.
ReplyDeleteThe recycled shopping bags are always kept in the trunk of my car along with two cold food bags. I don't shop from the way the store is laid out because I go to several stores for my bargains...Aldi, Winn Dixie, Save-a-lot and Publix. I do Publix last on my list because they are the most expensive and knowing I have foods to be refrigerated in my car helps me to stick to my list and whiz right through the store. They do have the best BOGO sales though.~Ames
I really need to start incorporating the sale items in my menu planning, but it just hasn't seemed to work out that way yet. good reminder to keep trying :)
ReplyDeletekaty
I am very similar, although I'm not a coupon clipper. Since we get most everything at Aldi, I don't need to. But, I like your tips about going early. I hvaen't tried that. I'm not a fan of grocery shopping, but it's a necessary evil.
ReplyDeleteAmes-It sounds like you've found a system that works for you! Kudos!
ReplyDeletekaty-Just keep tweaking the system!
Kim-When your lil' one comes along, you'll have to work around his naps, but maybe you could try going earlier now.