Hi friends! Over the weekend we were talking with some friends about our grocery shopping habits, and when we were doing that I realized both how crazy AND how effective our method is.
I think most people probably agree that grocery shopping sucks. Nobody (but me) enjoys doing. So, why not get in and out as fast as you can. That’s why I’m sharing my secrets how we get our entire weekly grocery shopping done in 30 minutes or less.
Before I get to the strategy I’ll share a little bit about our grocery routine.
· We eat at home MOST of the time. We probably only eat 5 meals out each full week (so, including the weekends).
· We usually only do one grocery trip per week. Unless we forget something we go to the grocery store only once to get the food for all 16 of our other meals plus snacks.
· We go to multiple grocery stores. And to be fair they’re all right next to each other. We do the bulk of our shopping at Trader Joes, get whatever we can’t get organic at TJs from Whole Foods, and sometimes go to Harris Teeter if we need a mainstream item that we can’t get at the other 2 (like Bisquick or something). But going to Harris Teeter is rare, maybe once every 4-6 weeks. Usually we just go to Trader Joes and Whole Foods.
4 Tips for Getting Your Weekly Grocery Store Trip Done in 30 Minutes or Less
1. Have your list ready – This is key. Make sure you take the time to meal plan and create a list BEFORE you get to the store. I like using my Notes app for my grocery list and meal plans. Xan and I have a shared Note so we can both access it, there’s no problem of forgetting the list or a pen, and you can add to it at any time (like when you run out of olive oil on Tuesday but you don’t go to the store until Sunday!)
2. Go at the right time: Usually this means early mornings or late in the evenings. Because we’re in the South Sunday mornings before noon are usually significantly less crowded. But, we almost always go on Saturday or Sunday before 10:00 am.
3. Go together: Xan and I pretty much always go to the grocery store together and when we do we have specific roles. One person is responsible for the cart (usually him) and one person is responsible for the list (usually me). The person responsible for the list sends the person who has the cart to pick up 4-5 easy things at a time. Then the person with the list can focus on the things that are harder. Things like new items your unfamiliar with, choosing between multiple options, and things that require reading the labels. We always start on one end of the store and methodically work our way through it. Usually beginning in the produce section.
4. Bag yourself: This is especially true if you’re going together. Xan always bags and I always help the cashier and pay. Pro tips: 1. If you’re bagging, put all your refrigerator and freezer items together to make for quicker work of unpacking the groceries when you get back. 2. If you use your own bags at most Trader Joes you can enter to win a $25 gift card! Something for the non-bagger to do before having to pay.
What about you guys, do you have any grocery store tips that help you get it done faster or more efficiently?
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