I love grocery shopping. Even with all of the apps out there that allow us to not go to the store, I still like being in a physical grocery store. And, clutch your pearls, but I even prefer having an actual grocery list as opposed to having it on my phone. Call me crazy but there’s just something about being able to cross items off of my list that I really like. I know this post may not convince you 100% to be a grocery store person (is that a thing?) but I can certainly provide you with some tips for effortless grocery shopping.

First, what do I mean ‘effortless grocery shopping’. One thing I hear often is that no one has time to go grocery shopping or when they do, it takes way too much time. I feel you. When I grocery shop, I do not want to be in there all day and I certainly can use my time more effectively when I don’t have be in a store for what feels like hours.

I’m going to help you alleviate those feelings.

You’d be surprised. There are *really* simple tips or hacks that you can incorporate into your shopping routine that will make it easy. Sometimes I write posts like this and I think: surely this is just what everyone does. Then I’m reminded that’s not always true.

Effortless grocery shopping tips

Make a list. If you’re saying to yourself, duh Shawanda, I’m right there with you. But let me tell you, not everyone makes a list. I feel like this is why my husband isn’t very effective when it comes to grocery shopping. He buys things he doesn’t need and takes way too long to shop. If you’re a wanderer or if you’re simply trying to spend less time in the grocery store, you have to make a list. Digitally or on paper – the choice is yours.

Get organized based on the store’s layout. Now that I’ve convinced you to write a list, I’d also suggest that you organize your list based on how your store is laid out. For instance, when I shop at my local market, I start with produce (because that’s the way I walk first) then I go from there. Seems silly but trust me when I say, this leads to optimal grocery shopping ease. For real.

Be aware of your surroundings. This doesn’t only apply to grocery shopping. For me, this comes into play when you’re any public setting. So what do I mean when I say be aware of your surroundings? I mean, be conscious of others around you who are shopping effectively. I go to the grocery store weekly and I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve seen shoppers who are simply lost and aimlessly wandering around (i.e. John). To move with ease throughout the store, be aware of your surroundings. Move your basket out of the way, say excuse me when you need to – you know? Basic manners.

Be nice/become friends with your butcher. Trust me on this one. There’s nothing better than having your local butcher become your friend. Talk about effortless grocery shopping!

Always stock up on basic items. I find that what makes grocery shopping easy and enjoyable for me is to make sure I stock up on basic items so I don’t need to get them every single time I go to the grocery store. So, what’s a basic item for me?

• chicken broth
• rice
• onions
• coffee
• butter

See? Basic things. Making sure we’re stocked up on those just makes it easy when I grocery shop. I don’t have to think about those items all of the time. It’s awesome.

Effortless grocery shopping: a recap

OK for all of you grocery store naysayers, if you start incorporating some of these easy tips, I promise grocery shopping will begin to be enjoyable for you. Promise. This isn’t to say you can’t or shouldn’t use a grocery app if you desire, these tips are to simply help if you don’t want to use an app. Grocery apps can be very useful, especially if you’re short on time. Happy shopping!