7 Steps To Creating the Perfect Grocery Shopping Checklist

Creating a grocery shopping checklist is a great way to make sure you’re getting all the food you need while keeping your budget in mind. Here are seven steps to creating the perfect grocery shopping checklist for your needs.

Step 1: Figure Out What You Need to Buy

Start by figuring out what you need. For the most part, this will be obvious, but it can also get tricky. Is your recipe calling for an ingredient that you only use occasionally? Don’t buy it if you won’t use it again soon. A good rule of thumb is to buy only what you will need in the next few days or a week.

Step 2: Figure Out What You Already Have in Your Pantry and Fridge

Once you know what you need, it’s time to take stock of what you have. This way, when you’re going through the pantry before going shopping, you won’t be duplicating.

Step 3: Make a List of What You Need to Buy

Do this after you’ve taken stock of what you have at home. Start with the ingredients for your recipes first, then go on to non-food items like laundry detergent, toilet paper, squirrel food, and razors.

Step 4: Consider the Lowest Price Items First

Now that you have your list, prioritize it. You’ll typically get the best deals on non-perishables when you buy them in bulk — so start there! Spread out what you can so you don’t need to go back to the store for a while. That being said, perishable items should be bought before you run out.

Step 5: Keep Prices in Mind as You Shop

As you go through the store, make sure to look at prices and not buy the best frisbees at not so best price. If your list is long, cross off items as they become cheaper or double up on high-priced items if they’re on sale. Again, this step may take a little bit of practice, but your list will be more accurate than ever.

Step 6: Keep Your List on You at All Times

This may seem trivial, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget something by mistake. The best way to keep your list safe? Clip it into the inside pocket of your purse or wallet so that you’ll always have it with you.

Step 7: Make a Second Shopping List for Grocery Store Delivery Services

If you want to go the extra mile, create a shopping list for services like Instacart or Shipt. These services let you shop from home and deliver your groceries to your house. In some cases, they’ll even do your shopping for you.

One great tip when making checklists is to use Venngage — an online checklist maker and free infographic maker that offers various checklist layouts for everyone. From daily checklists to business checklists, Venngage has it all. To give you an idea, here are some checklist examples from their website!

Venngage

Having a completed shopping list in hand will save you time and money. Every little bit helps when it comes to your grocery bill, so being prepared with a list is the smartest move. Of course, creating a comprehensive grocery shopping checklist isn’t easy — but that’s why we’re here! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect shopping list in no time. Good luck! To start making your own checklist, click here.