7 Reasons Why You Should Use Shopping Lists

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Make shopping easier and more efficient when using a shopping list. It will help you to save time, money, and help make your next shopping trip stress-free!

I always make sure to have my trusty grocery list with me when I go shopping. But I’ve noticed that a lot of people prefer to wing it and shop without a list. I love making lists, and I never go into a store without one! Not only do they save time and money, but they have tons of benefits. You can create a list on your phone, jot on scrap paper or use one of my shopping lists. So, if you’re not already making lists, give it a try and enjoy a more efficient, effective, and stress-free shopping experience!

I created the Shopping List Notepads with categories as I found myself having to back track up aisles I’ve already been up as there was something lower on my list that I didn’t see. Categorising helps to save time while at the grocery store. 

7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE SHOPPING LISTS

1.

SAVES MONEY
Yep, it’s true! By sticking to a list, you’ll resist the temptation to go off on tangents and buy things you don’t really need. In fact, studies show that you can reduce your food expenses by a whopping 25-30% just by bringing a list with you to the store.

2.

SAVES TIME
Bring a shopping list! With a list in hand, you’ll glide through the aisles much quicker, ditching the indecision and scooping up only what you need. Trust me, making a list is a game-changer and will save your sanity. 

3.

HELPS YOU PLAN YOUR MEALS
With a grocery list, you cannot only ensure you have what you need for the week, but you can also easily plan your meals. As someone who’s all about meal planning, trust me when I say this simple step can make a world of difference. Check out my meal planning tips here and get started on your shopping list.

4.

LESS TRIPS TO THE SHOPS
Using a shopping list is a smarter way to shop, as you won’t need to make multiple visits during the week to pick up odds and ends. With everything planned out ahead of time, you’ll curb the temptation to make impulse purchases. You know that block of chocolate that you probably wouldn’t have bought if you didn’t just quickly pop in to buy more groceries. 

5.

EAT HEALTHIER
Planning ahead can help you evaluate the types of food you’re consuming and avoid last-minute unhealthy decisions. Stick to a healthier trip and feel good about the food you bring home.

6.

LESS STRESS
If you’re someone who gets anxious or overwhelmed while shopping, this small change can make a big difference. With a list to guide you, you can navigate the crowded aisles with ease and get everything you need without any unnecessary stress. Plus it helps you to remember everything too!

7.

LESS FOOD WASTE
Want to reduce food waste? Start by grocery shopping with a list. Not only will it prevent you from buying unnecessary items, but sticking to the essentials means less food ending up in the rubbish. 

Using shopping lists is incredibly beneficial and worth the effort. With the structure it provides, you can save money, time and energy by having all necessary items gathered for each meal.

Plus, with the use of a list you can make meal planning easier, avoid stressful trips to the store due to forgetting something, opt for healthier snacks and meals as you are able to pre-plan what you will buy during each shopping trip. Shopping lists make life easier. 

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11 comments

TARA June 29, 2017 - 10:09 AM

I agree – I’d be lost without my lists. I write my shopping list every Friday based on the meals I will be cooking over the weekend and following week (these meals are chosen by the whole family – we get one night each). I then check the pantry/fridge for breakfast and lunch items we may need. I have a pad on the fridge where I have trained my boys (husband included) to write down things we run out of or that they ‘want’ me to buy – I review this last and add those things we do need (e.g. more dishwashing liquid) to my list and note the wanted items (e.g. ice-cream). I mostly shop at ALDI so when I write my list I do it in the order of their shelves so that I can walk through once and get it done as quickly as possible. Items I know I have to go elsewhere for I put at the end of the list. Sometimes I use paper, mostly I just use the notepad function on my phone.

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Katrina - The Organised Housewife June 29, 2017 - 2:03 PM

Yes, I do that too write my list based on the shopping aisles, saves so much time. Love reading your system thank you so much for sharing Tara. Great idea keeping a list on the fridge purely for the things you run out of during the week.

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Julie June 29, 2017 - 3:07 PM

My husband and I have downloaded the free app “Our Groceries” and use that for our shopping. The genius thing, is it shows the same list on both our phones (synced via email address) so he can be at the supermarket and I can be adding things that he will see in real time. I also have this app organised by the aisles in the supermarket.

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Rhonda Lancaster (me) June 29, 2017 - 5:11 PM

My best tip is to use click and collect at Coles and Woolworths have them do all the running around for the dry goods etc and just go in and pick up your meat, fresh veg and fruit.

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Tanya Beechey June 30, 2017 - 9:57 AM

Our family keeps a pad on the kitchen table that anyone can add to. When I go shopping I take the list that has been created since the last shop. Often see some non essentials that have been added such as marshmallows!

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Kelly July 3, 2017 - 10:14 PM

$180 a week! I’m so embarrassed! I’m never less than $400 for our family of 5! What on earth am I doing wrong!

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Shane July 26, 2017 - 3:55 AM

I know same here I’m a family of 3 and can barely get out without paying $200 to $300 and that’s with meal planning and eating out 1-2 times a week still ?What am I doing wrong!!!!

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Kristy August 2, 2017 - 1:14 PM

If you use the supermarket app (I shop mostly at Woolworths), the list will not only always be with you, but also sorted by aisle. Even if you change to a different suburb, it can be rearranged (so helpful when you’re in an unfamiliar store!)

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Katrina - The Organised Housewife August 3, 2017 - 9:01 AM

Are you serious, I did not know this, what a brilliant idea for an app. Going to look into this. I actually have a Woolworths opening up around the corner from me soon so that will be useful.

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Antonia August 3, 2017 - 8:42 AM

Ive just started following katrina. Im finding all her tips so useful. Only problem i have is that im in England and you talk about Woolworths – oh i miss that shop so much, you lucky people still having it in Australia

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Katrina - The Organised Housewife August 3, 2017 - 9:00 AM

So glad you are enjoying all the tips!! Do you have something similar over there Antonia?

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