Research shows that most people make their shopping list before going to the store, and there is a reason: there are several advantages.
Firstly, making a shopping list before going to the market has several advantages. According to some studies, most people don’t usually plan their purchases. However, when we don’t have in mind what we are going to buy, the impulse ends up leading us to spend more than necessary, and this can cause losses in the budget.
A well-planned grocery shopping list makes you remember the smallest details before leaving home. So from now on you definitely can’t go shopping without your list. So let’s go!
6 tips for making a shopping list
1 – Analyze what you need
First of all, the first step before going shopping is to see what is out of stock or about to run out at home. For example, a packet of rice or a liter of oil, and write everything down on paper or even on your cell phone.
Especially on the monthly shopping list, it is necessary to include non-perishable products or products that have a longer shelf life. Prioritize the items that you will use during the month and remember that you must calculate the exact quantity of each item on the shopping list so that there is no shortage or excess product.
This organization is for you to check everything you have in your home. You will end up realizing that you have more items than you need and you may even find products that are out of date and cannot be consumed.
2 – Making notes and budget
Once you have checked what is missing and especially what you need, it is time to write down the items according to your budget. So paper and pen in hand.
While you make your shopping list, plan exactly what you will need for the day, week or month. This way you cut unnecessary expenses and buy only what you need, in the necessary quantities. Above all, by doing this, it is possible to avoid wasting products that spoil or expire in the refrigerator without being consumed.
3 – Quantity of products that will be purchased
It is extremely important to emphasize that products that spoil very quickly should not be purchased in large quantities, regardless of whether they are cheap or not. Because if it gets damaged you will have to throw it away anyway, this way you end up at a loss and above all you are eliminating what many would like to have.
The ideal is to shop fortnightly for non-perishable foods. In the case of perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables, they can be purchased weekly to have fresh food.
The shopping list can also be made with weekly offers, which are announced in newspapers delivered to people’s doors, and make it easier to choose the products on offer. Therefore, carefully analyze the offers available in establishments.
4 – Separate everything by category
Just as supermarket aisles are divided into categories, there is nothing more interesting than making your list according to these criteria. Then separate food items, cleaning products, hygiene products, drinks, among others.
5 – Going to the market
First of all, do some research beforehand to find out the best place for you to do your shopping. Above all, check and compare product values. Once you have the market chosen, it’s time to shop.
With the shopping list in hand, simply look for each item at the place of purchase, always remembering to check the validity of the food, as well as the price comparison, which is very important for good savings. Another tip is to have a calculator on hand, without a doubt this helps a lot.
At this stage, it is crucial that planning is maintained. No wanting to buy things that are not on the list and that will go over your budget!
Above all, some items are basic for every family and cannot be left behind. That way, always start with them. And then you move on to the next items.
6 – Other tips for shopping
In short, only go to the market when you’re not hungry, otherwise it could be a big danger because you could spend money on superfluous food. This way you will be spending more than planned.
Secondly, avoid taking your children with you when purchasing, as this is a guarantee that you will spend more than you should. However, if you have no option, first of all talk to your child to explain that there is a shopping list and that you must follow it. This way the list will work completely.
In short, follow your complete shopping list, don’t look at other items that you don’t need. Even if they are on sale. Above all, focus.
Finally, when you get home, write down the amount spent and even the date or invoice for the purchases on your shopping list, this way you will have complete control of everything that has been spent recently.
Advantages of making a shopping list
Firstly, you save time. In short, going to the store without knowing what you really need and without remembering what you have or don’t have at home will take a lot of time. However, the list is a great ally.
And above all, you learn to focus by buying what you really need, with the list you put your impulses aside. As well as having self-control, with the list you will always know how much was spent and have control over your finances.
See an example of a shopping list
- Sugar;
- Rice;
- Cookies;
- Café;
- Carnes;
- Flour;
- Bean;
- Yeast;
- Vegetables;
- Yogurt;
- Leite;
- Noodle;
- Margarine;
- Tomato Sauce;
- Oil;
- Eggs;
- Breads;
- Grated cheese;
- Sal;
- Spices;
- Bleach;
- Alcohol gel;
- Softener;
- Disinfectant;
- Detergent;
- Steel sponge;
- pineapple sponge;
- Flannels;
- Insecticide;
- furniture polish;
- Plastic gloves;
- Bar soap;
- Washing powder;
- Trash bags;
- Absorbents;
- Hydrogen peroxide;
- Cotton;
- Disposable shaver;
- Dressings;
- Creme dental;
- Deodorant;
- Toothbrush;
- Adhesive tape;
- Fio dental;
- Gaze;
- Flexible rods;
- Toilet paper;
- Soap;
- Shampoo;
- Conditioner;
- Phosphor;
- Paper napkin;
- Lamps;
- Aluminum paper;
- Paper movie;
- Paper towel;
In conclusion, creating the habit of always going shopping with a list, in addition to making it easier to choose the right products, also offers good monthly savings on your household budget. So don’t have any doubts, always make your list.
Finally, this was our content, if you liked it. then read also: 12 secrets to spend less at the supermarket
Featured image: Healthy food singsnap
Sources: Decorfácil Viva Decora
