Do you need to add more time to your week? You might be able to by shaving a few minutes off your grocery trip with this guide!
by Stephanie Caroline Snyder | Stephanie Caroline Snyder graduated from The University of Florida in 2018; she majored in Communications with a minor in mass media. Stephanie currently lives in Utah, where she works as an Author, Freelance Internet Writer, and Blogger.
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If your week is always super busy and you need to find some extra time, but don’t know where to find it, perhaps you need to look at your grocery trip.
For most people, grocery shopping is nothing more than a boring chore. Yet, it’s probably the most time-consuming activity you do every week. Here are five ways that you can shave minutes off your grocery trip each week, giving you back more of your life.
#1 Shop During Off-Peak Times
There is no doubt that a crowded grocery store will certainly slow you down. Not only will you waste time looking for a parking spot but you will also need to wait in long lines to check out and to get through the crowded aisles. This means that you can save a considerable amount of time by simply shopping during off-peak hours.
Grocery stores tend to be most crowded on weekends or on Fridays. If you have the flexibility to shop on a weekday morning, you will likely see the fewest number of people. Shopping late at night is another easy way to avoid crowds. The worst time to go is on a weekend afternoon or after work when more people tend to stop by on their way home.
#2 Frequent the Same Store
While it may be tempting to hit up different stores for specialty products or good deals, this strategy will simply add more time to your weekly shopping visits. You are better off finding one store that carries most of what you need and sticking with it. This will also mean that you get to know the layout of the store better so that you can get in and out more quickly. It is frustrating to have to wander around a store looking for a particular item. You will avoid this if you stick with familiar surroundings.
If you are using the same store, you can also get familiar with their coupon apps and use them to your advantage. Spend a few minutes before leaving your house looking at the weekly flyers online and making a note of what deals appeal to you. Not only will this save you money but it will also save you time because you can head directly to those sale items.
#3 Consider a Meal Delivery Service
Discover what many other families have already found when you lean on a meal delivery service. Leveraging a professional meal service will naturally translate to fewer trips to the grocery store. You will also spend far less time in the kitchen, giving you the opportunity to spend time with the people that matter the most to you.
Signing up for food delivery in Victoria will inspire you to get creative with your meal planning and prep. You will feel good about feeding your family nourishing meals that are made from scratch and delivered right to your front door.
#4 Get Organized With Your List
Savvy shoppers understand the power of a well-organized grocery list. Rather than wandering around a large store aimlessly with no purpose in mind, a list will keep you on track with your shopping goals. Take it one step further by organizing your list by category or area in the store so that you are not always backtracking.
There are many apps that make this organization process easier. Using your phone will allow you to easily add or subtract items wherever you are and when it is convenient for you. You can also merge your list with a coupon app to generate money savings as well as time savings.
#5 Be Smart With Your Purchasing
Being smart with your purchasing decisions will also save you a considerable amount of time on this weekly chore. For instance, purchasing non-perishable items in bulk will ensure that you are not running to the store frequently for one item that could easily be stored in your pantry. As a bonus, you will also likely save money with this strategy as well.
In addition to buying in bulk for pantry essentials, consider signing up for a dairy delivery service. Why have to stop at the store twice per week for fresh eggs or milk when you can have these items delivered right to your doorstep at regular intervals?
The Takeaway
There is no need to spend more time than necessary while doing an activity as mundane as grocery shopping. These five proven tips will help you to get back some of this time so that you can spend it on the things that truly bring you joy.