How to Write a Better Grocery List

Writing a grocery list is easy.

Milk
Eggs
Bread

(Am I the only person who only buys eggs about once every two months? I hate baking!)

Writing an effective grocery list is hard.

An effective grocery list includes everything that I need, a couple of things that I want, and nothing else. It is organized by aisle and does not require me to double-back or, worse, to return to the store later in the week.

There are many tricks that I use to write a better grocery list.

Assign a Dedicated Place in the Planner

My grocery list goes in my planner right behind my sticky note dashboard. It needs to be very accessible, since items are so often added during the dinner cooking crazy hour.

Having a dedicated space for a shopping list is so much better than sticky notes or torn slips of paper all over the house.

Have a Standard Layout

My layout is pretty much the same for each week's shopping list. It reflects the layout of the store.

CHECKLIST - DATES - PRESCRIPTIONS

NONFOOD - FROZEN FOOD

FOOD - COLD FOOD

FOOD - SPECIAL STORE LIST

Note that I fill my prescriptions while at the market.

Use a Checklist

I have a eight item checklist for making a grocery list. Note that in a time pinch, I can skip all steps and just shop from my list. These items are only intended as a means to budget.

My budget checklist items:

1. Bring usable bags to the store (saving the planets and earning a $0.05/bag discount at Target, where I usually shop).

2. Check sale flyer.

3. Use a gift card if I have one.

4. Check my text messages for discounts.

5. Use Cartwheel (a Target discount app).

6. Cut coupons and make to grocery list.

7. Use a % off coupon if I have one (available at Target by signing up for pharmacy rewards).

8. Getting my husband's grocery list from him.

Create Priority Codes

A dot means I can wait for a sale or next week, but will need the item soon.

A star means it is a must have item.

These codes help me make decisions in the store about whether to buy today or when the price drops.

Include Extras

I have extra things on the list, like special stores that I need to shop at or my prescription list. It helps me see overall what I am buying.

Obey the List

Stick to the list! 

I make a few exceptions, like stocking up on kids' gifts when they are on clearance for birthdays and holidays and occasionally buying a ribeye for the freezer when it is on clearance, but mostly, I just buy what is on the list.

Etcetera.