Now that I'm a mom of two kids under 2, it's harder than ever to go to the grocery store. At the same time, I've lost so many brain cells over the past 2 years (you know, the ones that die during pregnancy and 2:00am feedings?) that I find myself doubling back through the same grocery aisles over and over again. And when I finally get home and start unpacking, I realize that I've forgotten some vital item (Milk? Bread? Oops.), so I have to go back in the next day or two for one or two more things. Which becomes 5 or 10 by then. And the process repeats.
In September, I came up with the oh-so-bright idea of listing out EVERY SINGLE ITEM THAT I EVER BUY on a sheet of paper. I went through my cupboards and took note of everything that we use, and where I would buy it. I then made up 4 lists: one for the pricey natural store, one for the super-cheap grocer, one for the conveniently nearby store, and one for the cheapest store to get personal and paper supplies.
Some of the foods go on twice - I definitely want to buy tortillas at the cheap store when I'm there, but I might need more between trips, so I'll pick them up at the nearby store, too.
I arranged each list of everything by aisle, in the order that I go through the store.
I keep them stuck to my fridge, with a pencil on top of the fridge. When I discover that I need something, I star it, and take notes if needed. Before I leave for whichever store I'm going to, I run my eyes down the list to make sure that I have everything starred that I could possibly need from that store.
Ah, relief from the chaos! I hope that you're inspired to do something similar if you're having trouble in this area. It sounds like a big project, but it took me maybe half an hour. SO WORTH IT!
This post is in participation with Works For Me Wednesday at www.rocksinmydryer.net.
2 comments:
a half an hour?! that sounds like a weekend project to me. gad-zooks. however, you've inspired me to give it a shot. i can never remember where such-and-such an item is cheaper or who has what so maybe this will help me get organized in multiple ways.
btw... i like you participating in WFMW. i've oohed and ahhed at all of your tips so far.
I have four list, but they not that extensive. None of my stores are pricey. I have a list (for those of you that live in California) for: 1) Trader Joe's; 2) WalMart; 3) A cheap grocery store; and 4) the 99 Cents Store (yes they have food there).
I call my list "The Cheap Grocery List". :)
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