Make Your Grocery Shopping Trips Easier

I'm one of those grocery shoppers that loves going to the store every week. I'm not sure why I love it, I just do. When I first starting grocery shopping for myself and my boyfriend, I wanted to rip my hair out because I could never find items and I was constantly forgetting things. In the past 3 years that I have been shopping on my own, I have learned a few tips and tricks to making grocery shopping a little easier and less hectic.

First, I have a list that I keep track of every week. When I run out of milk, I write it down on the list. If we need chicken, I write it down. It's much easier to write down the items during the week, rather than scramble all at once to see what I need. This way, you are much less likely to forget something at the store because it wasn't on your list. It's also good to do this because I know I am getting everything I need in one trip, and I won't have to run back and forth between home and the store to pick something up. Lists like these can be taped to the fridge or inside your pantry, so that everyone in your household knows where it is if they want to add something to it.

Going through the sale ads of your grocery store can be a great way to see what they have on sale that upcoming week. It's extremely helpful when making your shopping list. The store I shop at, Giant Eagle, mails their weekly ad every Tuesday. On Tuesdays, I go through the ad and check off the items that are good deals. If I already have a bunch of boxes of dried pasta, then I don't need to buy more, even if it's on sale. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it. Add the foods you need to buy to your list. If you clip coupons (which I highly recommend), now is the time to bring them out. Using coupons on sale items can get you amazing deals, especially if your store doubles the coupons.

Categorizing your list can be a great way to stay organized. If you're not already familiar with your store's layout, I suggest getting familiar with it. Know where the canned foods are located, and where the meat department is, as well as the other departments. Instead of racing back and forth in the store to get what you need, you can get everything you need when you're in one particular section. Save frozen and dairy foods for last when you're ready to check out, that way you aren't walking around the store while your food is melting. Ask the store manager if they have a map of the store. Many large grocery stores have a brochure of where to locate certain items, which you can take home and study and use when you're making your list. It may take some time to get to know the store, but it definitely is worth your time in the long run.

I've learned to never step foot into the grocery store during their busiest hours, which tends to be weekend mornings and afternoons, or the days before holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. It's no fun to try to get your shopping done when there are 20 other people in the aisle pushing their way past you, and it's definitely no fun waiting 10 minutes in the checkout line. Not to mention the amount of traffic in the store's parking lot. I try to get to the store during the week when it's slow. Depending on my work schedule, I either go in the morning or later in the evening after dinner time. Staying away from busy times is a great idea, unless you want a migraine headache.

Overall, grocery shopping can be a good experience as long as you follow these tried and true tips. If all else fails, try online grocery shopping!