How to Organize a Shopping List by Store Layout

Use different colored pens to distinguish between regularly purchased items and products you don't need as often.

The next time you look in your pantry and realize that it is time to go shopping, take a little extra time to make a list of the items you need. By creating a list before you go to the grocery store, you will not only save time, but you may save money if you create a list according to store layout. This is an organized way to shop that focuses your efforts on the products you need, rather than items you happen to see on the way. Additionally, the less time you spend in a grocery store the better, as you will be less likely to make spontaneous and, often, unnecessary purchases.

Things You'll Need

• Pens (three different ink colors)
• Paper

Instructions

1. Make a shopping list by writing down all of the items that you need to buy on a regular basis. Under a separate subheading, list items that you don't need to buy as often, such as laundry detergent or toilet paper, if you buy these items in bulk amounts, for example.

2. Familiarize yourself with the layout of your local grocery store by going to the store and taking a look at each department's location with respect to the front entrance.

3. Make detailed notes about where specific departments are located. For example, observe where the produce, deli and bakery sections are and then draw a diagram that lists where all the departments are found. Most often, departments such as produce, bakery, seafood, and dairy sections are located on the outer perimeter of a grocery store. Middle aisles are normally designated for nonperishable items. However, keep in mind that some freezer sections are mixed into the middle aisles as well.

4. Go home and start a grocery directory that lists regularly used items under each specific department heading on your diagram. For example, put sandwich meats and bread under the deli and bakery department headings, respectively. Do this with all of your regularly purchased items.

5. Take a different-colored pen and write in all of the items that you need less often under each respective department.

6. Keep a separate list for sale items that you find in store circulars. Make color copies of your original diagram and list the sale items under each specific department on a copy of the original the day you plan on going to the grocery store. Use a different-colored pen for these items as well. Only add these items to copies of your original diagram because sales vary from week to week.

References

• Ohio State University: Grocery Shopping for One or Two
• I'm an Organizing Junkie: Grocery List Template
• Life Organize It: Grocery Shopping Lists

Resources

• Grocery Lists: The Ultimatest Grocery Lists