Grocery shopping can be a harrowing and exhausting task: going through the maze of shelves, facing the risk of picking up items that you really don’t need (compulsive shopping), forgetting to pick up items that you actually need, and queuing up to the cashiers. If not properly planned, grocery shopping can be a total waste of time, energy and money.
To make trips to the grocery easier and relatively hassle-free, plan it ahead of time. You can adapt a weekly, bi-weekly or even a monthly grocery shopping schedule. The key is to get everything you need for the entire period with just one trip. This will save you on gas, time, energy and money.
Think of the meals you’d like to make throughout the period and list down all the ingredients that you need. Double check your pantry. Some items might already be available while other essentials might need replenishment. Bring the list with you to the supermarket and cross-out items as you pick them up. A list will get you out of the store faster and prevent you from spending money on things you don't need.
Buy plenty of frozen meals (take into consideration the storage capacity of your fridge, though), soups and even cereals at the store. You can keep these items in your home for a month or more without having to worry about them going bad. They’re also quick and easy fixes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Buy in bulk. You can save money on items like bath soaps, toothpastes and toothbrushes as they are offered at wholesale prices when you buy them in packs. And follow the basic rule of shopping: If your family won't eat it, don't buy it -- at any price! Even if you are tempted by rock-bottom prices, these products will be no bargain if nobody likes them.
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