There aren’t many times I advocate having two of something, but shopping lists are an exception!
When I write everything onto one list, I feel compelled to find and cross it all off in one trip—which makes me stressed, and increases my shopping time.
I shop once a week (for groceries and other outing-related tasks) and allow about three hours. By splitting my list into two, I have discovered that I can concentrate my time and energy on the most important items, and leave the rest for another time.
Here are my two shopping lists:
- Essential list. Those items I need to buy or do this week.
- Shop-around list. Things I want to comparison-shop for, items of desire (such as books or DVDs), and anything that isn't urgent.
Before I do the week’s shop, I write a final list of essentials plus a reminder of any items I'm comparison shopping for. This allows me to record details when I'm in a shop that stocks that particular product without having to go out of my way, and means the information will be gradually compiled over a few weeks. I also divide the list by store so I can make the best use of my time.
I've found it helpful to review my list with a second filter: needs and wants. I make sure I’ve included mostly needs, although I’m not averse to letting a couple of wants creep in as well!
I re-evaluate the shop-around list regularly: sometimes items become urgent and make it onto next week’s essential list; but more often I realise I no longer want something, or have found an alternative, so it drops off the list altogether.
How do you organise your shopping list?