Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Works for me Wednesday - organising your shopping list


This is my first ever Works for me Wednesday, so let's see how it goes!

I want to share how we organise the food shopping list in our house. A while back we sat down and came up with a list of the things we buy most weeks. Once we had that list we thought about the layout of the store we go to and arranged the items in roghly that order. We always go round the shop in the same way so we had a farily good mental picture of what comes where. (If you don't have a regular route it might be an idea to come up with one as it saves time because you're not rushing here there and everywhere to find stuff)

I created a simple spreadsheet with three columns. (I'd put up a pictue of it, but I'm not on the right computer to access it!) We start at the fresh fruit and vegetables so that's what's at the top of the first column. Each item we buy regularly has the name of the item and then next to it there's a little box to tick (very important, I'll explain in a minute). The whole list fits onto an A5 sheet, and has three columns, each with a list of items and then the boxes next to them.

We have two copies of the list on the spreadsheet so that whenever we're started using one list we can print off another sheet and have 2 more ready. (Cut the A4 sheet in half and the same list is on both sheets).

Whenever we realise we need to buy something, for example we've used the last tin of baked beans, we tick the box next to baked beans. Then just before we go shopping we have another quick whizz round the kitchen and tick anything else that we need. Because we've been ticking as we go we generally don't miss off something important. And beause the list is arranged in the order we come to things in the shop it's easy to follow where we've got to and not forget to pick anything up.

I think at all makes sense. If it doesn't or you just want to see our list leave me a comment and your email address and I'll be having to send you a copy of our spreadsheet. I'm going to try to set up a 'contact me' button for people to email me, so have a look and see if I've managed that if you don't want to leave your email :-)

Ordered shopping list - It works for us.
Now go and see Shannon for some more works for me wednesday ideas.

12 comments:

Lady Why said...

Organizing that shopping list is the key to staying on budget around our house! It's a must have!! Great tip!

Anonymous said...

That is smart! Thanks for visiting me too!

Anonymous said...

Having an organized shopping list saves us so much time in the store...and less confusion as I would be through the store and realize I had forgotten an item on the other side! UGH!

Tracy

T.S. Eliot said...

Great idea! We used to do the same thing in our old town-- great post.

And welcome to WFMW!

Musings of a Housewife said...

Thanks for the tip! I didn't realize I had the wrong link. OH, and the grocery list thing is great. I think I've read this one before, but it's one of the best ideas EVER.

Anonymous said...

Great idea! We do this also, except I don't have a spreadsheet made up. Now I'll have to try that. Thanks!

Kathleen said...

I haven't gotten around to a spreadsheet either... we don't always use the same things anyway. But I make a meal plan before I go shopping and decide what we'll have for dinner every night, THEN I write out the things I'll need as I take the mental shopping trip...

Christine said...

great idea! i do something similar but don't "tick" it off as i go and occasionally forget things! thanks for visiting me today, hope you have a great day!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea to tick as you go!

Laurie said...

How super organized you are! I keep a running list and have often thought of making such a one as you explain but have never gotten around to it. Maybe tomorrow!

Pig wot flies said...

Oh good, I'm glad it's back.

tiggerprr said...

Wow, that's a great idea!