I am a big fan of all kinds of lists, but shopping lists are the ones I couldn’t do without.
The trick to using them is always to put an item on the list as soon as you start running low. There are some things you just don’t ever want to be without so its a good idea to keep extra(s) on hand (such as deodorant, toothpaste and toilet paper). Those things go on the list when you open the last backup. This saves you from running out at an inconvenient time.
I like to use paper- a magnetized shopping list on the fridge. That way everyone has access to lit and can write things down. If you only shop for yourself or prefer it, you can always create a list on your phone. That way you cant forget it at home.
Saving Time
It wastes a lot of time to have to run to the store for one or two items. Cutting down on going to the store until you have a decent shopping list makes the best use of your time. If you have a nice list, you also save time by going straight for what you need and then getting out of the store, rather than wandering aimlessly trying to think what you might need (or impulsively want).
Saving Money
Using shopping lists saves you money because you go to get what you need, not what catches your eye as you browse through the store. Once you get into the habit, you know what things you use regularly and can buy several when they are on sale. If you read store ads, it can also remind you what things you may want to pick up because they are on sale, saving you even more money.
Putting an item on the shopping list also lets you think about it a bit to be sure you really need it. You may rethink the item and save yourself even more. You also can research where to get the best deal on a bigger ticket item. However, remember there is a cost in time, money and energy for every store you visit, so take that into account when planning your trip. Be sure its actually worth it in all areas before you add a store to your shopping trip to save money on one or two items.
Saving Energy
Time, money and energy are the big 3 resources. Shopping can be exhausting, especially if you do it more than you have to. Many people don’t enjoy grocery shopping or shopping for household and toiletry items. Shopping lists aid you in making the most of the of time, money and energy you do expend to get your necessities purchased. Why make more work for yourself?
Holiday shopping lists are a great idea because you know for whom you need to buy a gift, ideas of what you want to get and what you have budgeted for the purchase. (You may want to read about the financial aspect of gift giving in this post.) Make your holiday list at the beginning of June and keep it with you. That way, those gifts can be in your mind when you are doing other shopping. You can be thinking about what to get the people you don’t have ideas for, and can look for and purchase the items you know you want to get. This helps spread the cost over time and removes the stress of the last minute hustle. You can start getting the gifts early so you are not getting gouged, run over or picking from what’s left over in December.
Happy shopping!
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