31 days to {a better} ordinary :: day 17 ~ master grocery list

I find that I purchase many of the same things at the grocery store every single week. We tend to eat the same fresh vegetables, use the same lunchmeat on our sandwiches, and go through the same amount of milk, week in and week out. Using a master grocery list eliminates the need to remember all of those items that are staples for our family.

I used to rely on my master list every week when it was time to hit the store, but I haven't updated it for so long that it's now out of date. I need to do a little bit of thinking and a whole lot of listing. I like using an iPod app (I use Shopper) because it's easy to create a new shopping list each week by using my master template and simply adding sale and meal items to it. You could do the same thing with a computer document or pencil and paper.

To make a master list:

1.  List the grocery items you buy every week or two. Just pretend that you are making out this week's list. If you still aren't sure what to include, keep a copy of the lists you use at the store for the next couple of weeks. You'll likely see a pattern. I do not write down those things I only purchase occasionally. This list is for the things we regularly need and use.

2.  Write down a build-to number. We go through the same quantity of many items every week or two. I can count on buying six cucumbers and three pounds of lettuce every single week. We use one bottle of ranch dressing, two gallons of milk, and one package of colby cheese. Usually. But we may or may not go through exactly the same amount each week. Using my build to number, I can double check that we don't have a bunch of produce I've forgotten about, and I can see how close my supplies are to the quantity we'll need to have on hand.

When I sit down to make my grocery list, I'll begin by checking this master list. I'll mark off anything we already have and change the quantities to reflect what we actually need to buy to reach the build-to number. Then I'll take my grocery pre-list and add the sale items I don't want to miss. I'll finish up by jotting down any ingredients we need to round out our meals. Easy....well, at least easier than trying to wing it!

Click to learn more about 31 days to {a better} ordinary and to find links to all the posts in this series.

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