How to Use Google Docs to Make a Template for Your Grocery List

It is possible to use google docs to make a template for your grocery list. Organizing your grocery list by departments helps you shop efficiently. The column for coupon tracking helps you make sure you don't forget to use the coupons you spent all that time clipping out. Items you buy every shopping trip will never be forgotten again when you "permanently" write them onto your list.

Instructions

1. 

   Sign in to Google Docs. After signing in, you will reach the main page where you can manage all the documents you have created. On this screen, you will click "New" at the top left. It will show a drop down menu, and you shouldl select "Spreadsheet."

2. 

   Spreadsheets in Google Docs automatically save every time you enter data and move to a new cell, as long as the document has been named. Click "File," then "Save" to bring up the dialog box. Give your spreadsheet a name. I called it simply "Grocery Template."

3. Organize your list into departments based on the main store. List items in order that you can use when walking through the store. That way, you do not have to retrace any steps. Keep in mind that frozen foods should be purchased last so start your circle from the other end of the store!

4. Once you have the categories in mind you would like to use, you can begin to build your template. Across the top (Row 1) you will enter the following:Column A: Blank CellColumn B: ItemColumn C: QuantityColumn D:StoreColumn E: Coupon

5. 

   In Column A, beginning on Row 2, list your shopping categories or departments. Leave yourself several lines in between each department name so that you can list your grocery items. The example in the image is slightly compacted to show more. In the actual template, you will want more lines in between departments.

6. Fill in any items you buy nearly every shopping trip. If necessary, you can cross the item off on trips when it isn't needed, but this way a needed item never gets left behind.

Tips & Warnings

• Save time. Organize your list based on the layout of your store so you don't have to retrace any steps.

• Maximize freshness. Visit areas of the store where you will purchase nonperishable items first.

• Make sure to save your work as you go along to avoid accidentally losing your hard work.

Resources

• Google Docs