A Customized Shopping List
- Go through your refrigerator, freezer, pantry kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, shower, laundry room, etc. And make a list of all foods and products that you and your family use regularly.
- Group them by categories so that you can shop efficiently, aisle by aisle, without having to repeatedly look up and down your entire shopping list. Possible categories are: fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, dairy items, snacks, paper goods, cleaning supplies and beauty supplies. Add a few blank lines in each category for special-occasion items.
- Type the list on the computer and save it. Print out multiple copies and keep them in a file in or near the kitchen.
- Keep one copy of the list on the refrigerator so that when you run low on something, you can check it off. When you are ready to go shopping, your list will already be made for you.
- Remember to bring the list!!!
Shopping at a Warehouse Club
Prior to Leaving
Organize your list. Know what you need and how much storage space you have.
Invite a friend. To take advantage of bulk prices and savings, bring someone along with whom you can split large purchases.
Bring plastic tubs. Since warehouse stores do not provide bags, bring a few plastic bins to contain loose items and transport purchases.
While Shopping
Know unit costs and price compare. Warehouse clubs can offer deep savings, but they do not accept manufacturer’s coupons. Usually the best deals can be found on pantry items, over-the-counter medications, personal-care products and big-ticket items such as electronics, appliances and jewelry. Some smart phone applications can scan barcodes and find the best deals using google product search.
Coming Home
Leave boxes behind. Avoid the hassle of disposing of boxes at home by bringing a box cutter with you to break down boxes as you load the car. Check with your local warehouse club to find out if it has recycling procedures.
Unpack strategically. Keep similar items together when unloading into plastic bins. This will make unpacking at home much easier. For instance, keep frozen foods together to unpack them first. Keep paper goods in one tub and pantry items together in another.
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