Full Proof Grocery Shopping Prep!

How often do you grocery shop? Do you just "wing it" when you get there hoping you'll get what you need (and likely a "few" extras)? Over the years I've tried a bunch of different systems to help our family in this department. Done the apps, the all purpose list on the fridge (which I often forgot at home), and many other concepts all which ultimately didn't work out. But I finally found what DOES work for us. So I'm going to share it with you and maybe it can work for you too.

I shop at 3 grocery stores each month. I visit Trader Joes and Costco once a month, and Stop and Shop weekly. But really, it doesn't matter ... this system will work for any schedule. It takes a little bit of work to get organized to start with, but I promise, once that work is done this is the easiest and quickest way to keep your pantry and fridge properly stocked.

Step 1 - Get a Google Drive (https://www.google.com/drive/). I will dedicate an entire blog post to my #1 favorite tip for "balancing" life. But more about that later. So, get one (and put the app on your phone too). 

Step 2 - Start a spreadsheet for your grocery store of choice (using the google drive). Take a total inventory of your house and what you typically buy at that store. Categories should include (but are not limited to): Frozen, Fridge, Meat, Pantry, Household, Baking, Other. In each column list everything you would possibly stock in that category. This list will need to be tweaked the first few times you use it and will often have additions or subtractions here and there as your needs change. But the "basics" will remain the same. 

Step 3 - Attach list to clipboard and hang in your kitchen. Like this:

Step 4 - Now ... when you run out of something circle (or highlight) that item on your "master list". Also before a grocery trip you should take your clipboard and browse your pantry, fridge, and freezer, etc. and do the same thing. Sometimes you'll have to write in items that you forgot to list originally and that's okay. Just remember to type them in before you print out your next list. Which should be right when you get home from this shopping trip.

Step 5 - Bring your board with you to the grocery store! 

Now for some this might seem a little too OCD for them. But I promise it works. It just takes a little bit of time at the beginning but then you're cooking! You'll never forget that can of tuna fish or box of trash bags again! 

This "system" works for any store you frequently visit too. It doesn't have to be just the grocery store. Add a tab for any store you shop at often. 

And use the app to pull up the list on your phone to add or subtract items as you think of it throughout your day! Or as a good guide if you forget the clipboard at home (but you're not going to do that, are you?). 

I promise, once you get your household inventory in this format, grocery shopping will be a lot easier and thorough. 

Thanks again for stopping by and here's to another day closer to a life in balance. 

xo

Sloane