1. Create a Menu

Tips for grocery shopping start at home. Create a menu based off what you already have in your pantry, fridge and freezer. Using what you already have on hand means you will need fewer things from the grocery store, saving you time and money. It also means that you won't waste food or forget about it until it spoils. You can use everything you have, and keep yourself clutter free by purchasing a smaller number of items.

2. Know the Layout of Your Grocery Store

It’s important to know how your grocery store is set up. You can spend less time looking for the items on your grocery list because you already know where to find them. You won't believe the amount of time you waste when you're searching for something while wheeling your cart up and down the aisles. That's not time efficient, plus it's frustrating, and if you get too impatient, you'll have a hard time shopping smart.

3. Plan Your List

Make your list according to your menu. Add the things you need to your list to complete your menu. Make your list using the layout of your grocery store. Categorize it by aisle and section, going in order. If you shop produce first, then produce items should be at the top of your list.

4. Stick to the List

The most important tip for grocery shopping is to stick to your list. You put all that extra effort into making it, don’t mess it up by getting things you don’t really need or forgetting the things you do need. Following a grocery list keeps you on track. It also saves money, especially if you're working around a budget.

5. Eat before You Go

One way to help make grocery shopping easier is to not shop when you're hungry. I always shop right after breakfast. Doing this keeps me focused and less likely to fill my cart with junk I don’t need. Any time I shop hungry, I end up making a few impulse buys. It's also easier to purchase a lot of junk food and other unhealthy choices when you go into the store while you're hungry.

6. Have a Budget

Always have a budget when shopping. Keeping to your grocery list should keep you on track. But also knowing that you only have $100 to spend on your shopping trip will also make things easier. That's also why it's so important to avoid impulse buys and items you don't really need. Those types of buys can easily take you over budget.

7. Clip Coupons

Clipping coupons doesn’t have to be hard. It’s not just for grandmas and it isn’t just for those crazy coupon ladies we’ve seen clearing the shelves on reality television. You can use coupons sensibly by clipping the coupons for the items you are most likely to use and the things on your list.

8. Shop Less

Plan to shop less often. The fewer trips to the grocery store will save you time and sanity. I plan my shopping around my paycheck and buy enough food to last me until the next check comes. Keeping a list and sticking to it ensures I don’t forget anything and won’t need to come back.

I feel a little silly having admitted that grocery shopping is often the highlight of my week, but it is probably because following these tips for grocery shopping makes my trips stress free. Do you have any grocery shopping secrets you want to share? Let me know how you save money and make grocery shopping easy.

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