Organizing Grocery Shopping

I love to make lists. However, I often failed to make two important weekly lists – a menu and a grocery list. I kept getting frustrated with not having what I needed when I needed it. This usually translated to me going to the nearest drive-thru for dinner.

My mom is one of the most organized people I know. In her kitchen I'd see the menu posted each week. She wrote her list each before she went grocery shopping so she knew what to buy. “Why am I not doing this?” I decided to make my own weekly menu and list.

I also started making a regular time to go shopping when I was unlikely to be hungry. We all buy more groceries when we're hungry. Just a snack before I go makes me less likely to grab extra items. I also make sure I have my grocery list with me. If I have that with me, I’m less likely to buy something I don’t need. Having a specific grocery list notebook is much easier to locate than just using a random piece of paper. If you prefer an electronic list, make a list on your phone since it's probably with you all the time.

I noticed pretty quickly that I would forget things that weren't on the week's menu. It was always simple things like milk or laundry detergent. I found a notepad with a magnet on the back that I keep on the fridge next to the menu. This gives me somewhere to quickly note if there is a staple I need.

Book Recommendations

What tips do you have for keeping your kitchen life organized?