The Best Ways to Schedule for Efficient Grocery Shopping

As someone who loves to cook, there's nothing more frustrating than starting a recipe and realizing I'm out of an ingredient. Between juggling work, home life, and everything in between, I've had my fair share of hurried, last-minute grocery trips.

Having a system saves me time, helps me stay organized, and reduces unnecessary trips, which is also great for the environment.

Whether you're a busy professional or an avid home cook, these tips will help make grocery shopping a seamless part of your weekly routine.

Planning meals in advance

Planning your meals for the week is the cornerstone of efficient grocery shopping. It saves you from the daily "What's for dinner?" dilemma and helps you make the most of what you already have at home. 

Before you make your grocery list, take inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Plan your meals around what you need to use up. For inspiration, check out recipe websites or social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where you can search based on specific ingredients. 

There are also plenty of meal-planning templates and apps that can help you organize your meals and generate a shopping list based on your plans.

Using technology for shopping lists

Gone are the days of scribbling down grocery lists on random pieces of paper. Shopping list apps are a game-changer for organizing your grocery trips. Apps like AnyList, Out of Milk, and Google Keep allow you to create and share lists that you can update in real time. These apps can categorize items by aisle, store, or recipe, making your shopping trip more efficient. 

Plus, with digital lists, you'll never have to worry about leaving your list at home. One of the best features of these apps is real-time updating and sharing. If a family member is out and near a store, they can easily buy items and cross them off the list. They can also add items they’ve noticed are missing so everyone shares the responsibility.

Optimal times to shop to avoid crowds

Timing is everything when it comes to grocery shopping. Shopping during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your time in the store. Generally, the best times to shop are early morning or late at night on weekdays. 

Avoid weekends and evenings if possible, as these are the busiest times. Some grocery stores publish their peak hours online, so check your local store's website or Google Maps for this information. Shopping during quieter times means less stress and a quicker trip overall.

Planning purchases in different grocery shops

Planning your trips can help you stay organized and reduce travel time if you shop at multiple grocery stores. Make separate lists for each store based on their specific offerings and sales. This way, you can maximize your savings and get the best quality products. 

Additionally, consider sustainable shopping practices like buying local produce, using reusable bags, and consolidating your trips to minimize your carbon footprint. Including visits to farmer's markets in your routine can provide you with fresh, local produce and support local farmers. Reducing the number of trips you make saves time and money and helps the environment.

Grocery shopping can be efficient too

Efficient grocery shopping can save you time and money while making your life easier. By planning your meals, using technology for your shopping lists, shopping during off-peak hours, and strategically planning your trips to different stores, you can streamline your grocery shopping routine.

And while you're at it, why not streamline other aspects of your life too? At Doodle, we offer tools to help you schedule meetings and events effortlessly so you can focus on what matters most. From one-time to recurring events to 1:1s and group meetings, Doodle covers all your scheduling needs.

Happy shopping!