You’re a busy mom, wife, chauffeur, chef, maid, all the things.. and the last thing you want to do is aimlessly wander the aisles of the grocery store.
Having a grocery list will save you time and money, which are both so valuable. Getting super organized when it comes to making a grocery list will keep you from buying unneeded items and forgetting items you actually need!
I have created a free printable grocery list to help you save time and money at the grocery store!
How do I make a simple grocery list?
Making a grocery list doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. So how can you make a simple grocery list..let me help!
Take Inventory
This is a non negotiable for me. One thing that I hate is buying something I truly didn’t need, especially if it is perishable.
After you make your meal plans for the week, make a list of things that you need to make your meals. This helps you to be able to take inventory properly.
After you know what you need to make all of the meals, take inventory of what you do have. This is a great time to add any staples to your list.
Check on Non-Grocery Items
When you make your list be sure to take inventory of your non grocery items. The worst things is getting home after shopping and realizing you are out of toilet paper!
Keep a Running List
One thing that my husband and I like to do is keep our grocery list throughout the week. This is mostly things that are our essentials.
Keeping a running list is so helpful when it comes to cutting down the time it takes to make a grocery list!
How do you structure a grocery list?
There are a few different ways that you can structure your grocery list, depending on preference. I will tell you that I prefer to categorize by area of the store, but that’s just me!
There is no right or wrong way to structure your grocery list, it’s all personal preference and what works best for you!
To be honest, I can get overwhelmed in a grocery store especially if shopping with kids. Making sure that I have a list that is structured is so important for my sanity.
Categorize by Area of the Store
This is my favorite way to structure my grocery list. When my list is structured this way, I don’t feel like I am backtracking all over the store.
List in Order of Priority
If you are on a tighter budget, a priority list is going to be your friend. These are things that you absolutely need to grab, and if you have the budget for things after you grab the essentials get the things you want!
Non-Perishable Items First
If you live a far distance away from the grocery store, then you might consider grabbing the non perishable items first. This will help your cold items stay cold for longer!
Non-Grocery Items First
Before structuring and planning out my list, I feel like I always forgot my non-grocery items (like toilet paper, diapers, wipes,etc).
Grabbing non-grocery items first can prevent you from either getting tired and coming back later for those items or forgetting them all together!
Meal Planning is Key
Meal planning is key when it comes to staying organized with groceries. Meal planning lets you know exactly what you need for each meal.
Knowing what is needed makes it so much easier for you to plan and stay on track. When you go to the grocery store and just start throwing random items in the cart hoping to make it work, that will get you into trouble.
Meal planning sets you up for success in more ways that one! Now, I would recommend meal planning with flexibility.
What I mean by that is to look at your calendar and see what events you have coming up. Then, get your breakfast and lunch on the menu.
Next, I would only add in 5-6 dinner meals. This is because you are bound to have leftovers or events during the week.
I also highly suggest having a few easier meals on the menu just in case the day gets unexpectedly crazy.
Just Simply Mom’s Favorite Meal Planning Strategy
Meal planning can be overwhelming, and after a while you just get burnt out on the same ole thing. Instead of coming up with a new set of meals each week, plan dinners by category.
This is super helpful and cuts down on stress.
Meal Plan Example
Monday – Crock Pot Meal
Tuesday – Taco Tuesday (can incorporate any “Mexican” cuisine)
Wednesday – Italian
Thursday – Soups, Salads, Sandwiches
Friday – Homemade Pizza
Saturday – Grill/Charcoal/Smoke
Sunday – Breakfast for Dinner
There are variations for these categories so that you don’t get board. Some other easy categories to use would be:
- Chinese
- Takeout
- FFYS (fend for yourself, HA)
- American (burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs,etc)
- Casserole
Planning in categories keeps it simple and then from the categories you can choose the actual meal.
Top Tips for Planning Food and Dishes
Here are a few tips when it comes to planning food and dishes:
- Don’t plan meals that take a long time for busy days/nights
- Always have something easy on hand in case the day goes south
- Get the family involved in planning meals together
- Take a minute to look at your calendar before planning your meals
- KISS (keep it simple, sis!), your meals don’t have to be elaborate and huge meals. Don’t overwhelm yourself, keep it simple.
Why Use a Grocery List Template?
Using a grocery list template is so important for organization, sanity, and making sure you remember all the items needed for your meals. A grocery list template helps you stay organized and truly saves you money in the long run.
If you are like me, you might tend to “squirrel” when grocery shopping and get distracted from what you actually need. A grocery list template helps you to not only get what you went to the store for but also to cut down on those impulse buys.
Top Tips for Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of my tip tips for grocery shopping:
- Always go with a list
- Have a budget
- Don’t go shopping when you’re hungry
- Grab a few things that are quick meals
- Consider buying frozen veggies, they keep for a lot longer
- Don’t be afraid to use coupons
- Consider planning some meals around the items on sale
- Go in the early morning
How to use the grocery shopping list template
Downloading this template is super easy! All you have to do is click the “download now” button.
Next, you will be asked to fill in 2 simple pieces of information: your first name and email address. From there, the printable will be sent to you via email and you can print from there!
That’s it! It’s that easy!
Multiple Options
What I really wanted to create was multiple different shopping list templates that anyone would be able to use.
There are 7 different template options for you to choose from. Did I mention that the entire 7-page template is free!?
Other ways to use the grocery shopping list template
The great thing about the grocery shopping list template is that you can use it for several different things! I will give you a few examples below!
Brain Dump List
Sometimes you just need a place to get your ideas out onto one page. The grocery list template is perfect for that!
Just list out all of your ideas and get them on paper!
Birthday Shopping List
I always have good birthday present ideas at the most random times. If I don’t write them down, you already know I’ll forget them!
Use the grocery list template as a birthday shopping list.
Keep a Running List of Essentials
If you have essentials that you know you will need every week, then keep a running list! This is helpful so that you don’t forget those have-to-have items.
Errands List
I always get overwhelmed when running errands. You can use the grocery list template to write down all of your errands.
After you complete an errand you can cross off the task, which always gives me motivation to keep going!
Packing List
Packing lists can be quite a feat, especially for little children. Using a template can help improve the packing experience and make it less likely that you forget something.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Printable Grocery List Template
You may have some questions if you are new to using a grocery list template. I have listed the most common questions below, but if they don’t help leave me a comment below!
Do you print a new grocery list every time you go on a shopping trip?
This is entirely your preference. If you want to, then yes you can!
You can also laminate the template and write in the items needed with a washable marker.
What do you do with your grocery list once you’ve completed your shopping trip?
Well, you have one of 2 options I’d say.
You can file it so you have it to look back on if you happen to be in a pinch or put it in file 13 (the trash!)
Can you use this free printable with any meal plan?
Yes, you really can! The free printable is a great way to keep yourself organized on any meal plan!
Meal planning and grocery shopping can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! There are lots of resources out there, (like my FREE printable) that help you get organized and stay on track!
Do you use a grocery shopping template? Also, if you have any easy dinners I’d love if you would share those below!
The post Free Printable Grocery List Template – Save Time & Money appeared first on Just Simply Mom.