Despite all the advances of technology, grocery shopping still remains to be one of the basic daily activities. For that reason, it’s worth considering the concept “Waste not and want not”, a phrase I find myself saying to my son and family members often. If we practice smart shopping from our homes all the way to the stores, we can easily save money, time and reduce pollution all at once. With this set of guidelines in mind, you can start smart grocery shopping today!
Make a List
The first thing that you should do before going to the store is make a list of all of the items that you need to buy. This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important when you get there and also helps keep your shopping trip shorter because it will allow you to see what items are available right away instead of driving around aimlessly trying to find what you need.
Research Prices Online First
If possible, research prices online before going into the store so that when you get there, all of your shopping needs have been met and there are no surprises waiting for you at checkout time! Most stores offer coupons online as well as sales on certain items which can really help out if budgeting is an issue for your family or household. You can also save time by not having to go online for prices of items you need before going into the store. If you do this, be sure to check at least two websites so that you will get a good idea of what the best price is in your area.
Don’t Shop Hungry
This might be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Don’t shop when you’re hungry, because you’ll end up buying more food than you need. If you do get hungry, grab an apple or some carrot sticks from the produce section before heading to the checkout line.
Check Late is the Grocery Store Open
If you’re shopping at midnight, you’re more likely to buy more than you need and pay more for it. Turn off your phone and get out of the house earlier. If you have kids, try going out on Saturdays instead of Sundays — they should be in school then anyway! Always check how late is the closest grocery store open before going.
Bring Your Own Bags
Plastic bags are an unnecessary expense for most people, so bring your own reusable bags when shopping. Not only will this save money over time, but it will also help reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans around the world.
Stock Up When Prices Are Low
Some stores don’t have regular sales on certain items, so it’s important to shop around for deals on things like paper products and canned goods. You might find that buying in bulk is actually cheaper than buying smaller packages of food at full price!
Pack an insulated bag
You know those reusable bags that everyone has been using for years? They work great for groceries because they keep foods cold or hot until they reach their destination (or until they get home). Just don’t forget them when you leave the store!
Shop when stores are busiest
While this may seem counterintuitive, it’s actually good advice especially if you’re looking for good deals or trying to stock up on items that are on sale during specific times of the year (like Easter candy). The trick is knowing which days of the week are the busiest and plan your shopping accordingly. That way, you can avoid long lines at checkout and find a parking spot more easily.
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