My Grocery Method: The Pantry Prinicple and Know The Store

My favorite grocery store just pulled a fast one! They actually had the nerve to move to a bigger place with a new and improved(?) store layout. Whether the layout is improved or not remains to be seen. However, no amount of whining on my part will, I'm sure, convince them to revert to the old arrangement. As a result, I find myself needing to update my Pantry List.

My Pantry List is a Word Document that lists all of the groceries I normally use to prepare our family's favorite meals. It's a list of staples and other necessaries that my pantry never wants to be without. When I sit down to plan my once-a-month "Big Shop",  I use one of these lists to help jog my memory. I simply go down the list, decide whether I need to stock up on each item and, if so, I circle the bullet mark in front of it. If I need more than one, I write a number next to the circle. I make sure to evaluate the status of everything on the list so nothing is forgotten. Then I'm set to shop with a list that I can rely on to be complete. I really have no patience for lazy, unreliable lists. 

The best part, though, is that I have taken the time to organize my Pantry List to match the aisles of my favorite store which always gets my Big Shop business (hence the need to also re-arrange the list). The products from each department are listed together so I only visit each part of the store one time. Even better, my pathway through the store follows my pathway down the list.  I start with produce, move to shelf stable and non-food items, saving cold, frozen and light, squish-able bakery items for last (they go on top of the pile in the cart).  I save time because I rarely need to backtrack; and, I save money because I can walk right to the items I need without hunting through tempting displays of things I don't need. The only drawback is that I can never plan on my grocery shopping to count as a workout.  This method just doesn't elevate my heart rate that much.

I always keep my pantry stocked with the ingredients to make plenty of our favorite meals.  So if I decide to change my mind about what's for dinner at 3:00 p.m. I don't have to run to the store, I just go shopping in the pantry.

Each week I still need to stock up on milk, bread, eggs, some produce and anything for a special occasion coming up, but I limit my staples purchases to once a month if possible. 

The most effective way to save money is to just not go to the store. Having a well-stocked pantry and an efficient list from which to work will keep your time in the store to a minimum.

You can take a look at my Pantry List below. It includes lists for both of the stores where I shop on Big Shop Day. Of course, you will want to build your own Pantry List based on the best stores in your town and your personal eating habits. So get to know your store.  Make note of where things are placed in it. Plan your shopping trip, shop your plan and get out of there as fast as you can.

http://www.mediafire.com/download/cuna3br0j6u2j48/Pantry_List.pdf