How to Make a Grocery List: Hall of Fame

by Taylor @ Home Storage Solutions 101

There are many ways to make a grocery list, and several readers have shared great ideas with me about how they do it in their home.

While making a shopping list isn't necessarily a complicated endeavor, it is very easy to forget to put something on your list that you realized you needed during the middle of the week, and also easy to overlook something on your list while you're in the store.

That's where making a grocery shopping list can get complicated. You've got to have a system in place to keep that from happening, at least on a consistent basis.

Scroll down to the ideas shown below to get some ideas for how other readers who have taken the healthy meal planning and grocery shopping list challenge have taken on this task.

Photo by BruceTurner

Keep A Running Grocery List With A White Board

by Dawn @ Megwetch, Gitchie Manito

Dawn shared her great ideas for organizing her pantry a couple of weeks ago when we did the Organize Pantry Challenge.

However, as part of that post she shared how she keeps track of food items to buy for her home, and I use something similar and wanted to show you.

She uses a white board (such as the one on the right), on her refrigerator, and just jots things down as she runs low or out of an items, so she remembers to place it on her list before she goes grocery shopping.

This is a simple, yet very effective way to remember all those little things, like spices or other ingredients that you may use up over the course of the week, so you can keep everything well stocked and not realize, in the middle of cooking, that you should have remembered to buy something at the store earlier in the week, but you forgot.

Make Your Grocery List On An Envelope

by Lisa Junkins

Lisa has shared how she makes her grocery list, and like the simplicity of her system.

Lisa says:

I tried several printed versions of grocery lists. I have found over the years what works best for me is to write my grocery list on a business size envelope(I think they are size 10). Then I put the coupons I need for that trip inside the envelope and off I go.

Taylor says:

Lisa, I love the simple elegance of your system.

Plus, you've solved two birds with one stone since your system also solves the problem of how to keep track of your coupons while at the grocery store. Thanks for the great idea!

I Use ZipList: A Grocery List App To Keep Track Of My Shopping Lists And Recipes

by Mary Jane

Mary Jane shared how she uses a smart phone app to make a grocery list that she can carry around with her, no matter where she is.

Mary Jane says:

I do everything electronically...I use ZipList on my desktop and laptop and have an app on my ipad and phone so I always have access.

You can create multiple lists (I tend to run one a week) and add or subtract as I go. I can also email the list to my husband in a pinch.

I like it because I store all of my recipes there in a recipe box. Each week I select my meals from my recipe box which allow you to "add to a shopping list" - giving you the opportunity to verify your on-hand inventory and add only the items you need.

The items are listed as they are grouped in the grocery store (ex: produce, meats, frozen, etc).

I usually print out the list (I love to check mark as I go), but using the phone app works too, and match up coupons I have clipped before I head out.

There is also a note section for each item on your list to make note of any sales at specific stores (ex: b1g1 at Kroger).

I also manage my grocery store perks card on-line and add store specific and product specific coupons that are tracked through my perks card (Kroger is really easy).

Taylor says:

Thanks Mary Jane for sharing how you use this app to make a grocery list and keep track of your recipes.

The ZipList app is available for both Apple and Android products, and is free. You can download the apps from these links, if you wish:

• Download ZipList For Apple {Free}


• Download ZipList For Android {Free}

I have found that many of the electronic recipe organizer programs have multiple related functions, including organizing recipes, making your list, and helping with meal planning.

I would love to hear from even more people who have used this, or similar apps or software programs, to hear what you think about them, good or bad. Please share your reviews with me in the HSS101 App Store For Great Organizing Apps.

In addition, check out all the recommended apps for home organization and management I've compiled as a resource for everyone!

Make A Grocery List You Can Easily Reference While Out Shopping

by Cortney @ Faith, Home, Love

Cortney from Faith, Home, Love shared how she makes a grocery list that she can take to the store with her, to help her buy what she needs for the week, with her coupons.

As you can see from the pictures she uses several of the skills we've discussed in the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Challenge, including couponing and meal planning together, when making her list.

She explained that her list is in a "hard folder that easily sits up in the grocery cart and helps me stay on track in the stores."

In addition, on her grocery list she writes the price of each item down, before she even begins to shop, so they can stay within their budget. You can track your own rock bottom prices, to know when you're getting a good deal, with this grocery price book.

Are You Inspired To Make A Grocery List That Helps You Stay Organized At The Store?

I hope these ideas have inspired you to organize your grocery list to help you at the store.

If you'd like more instruction, I urge you to join the Healthy Meal Planning and Grocery List Challenge.

Then, when you set up a good system in your home I'd love it if you shared some pictures of it here on the site. You can share your Home Organization Hall of Fame pictures and tips here.

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Related Links At Home Storage Solutions 101

Printable Freezer Inventory Form

Printable Pantry List: Create An Inventory And Stay Organized

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