How 4 Simple Steps Can Save Money On Groceries

I was so proud of myself for planning ahead for my meals this week.  With my recipes all laid out and my grocery list ready, I headed out to our local store and got everything I needed.  No last minute stops at a convenience store, no pizza delivery, and no fast food.  Good for me!

Then I opened my pantry to put my groceries away.  Oops.  I was staring at items of food that I purchased while they were on sale a couple weeks ago... items I just bought today at full price.  I had completely forgotten them when I made out my grocery list.  I guess if I would have dug around a little I might have seen them, but it was too late now.  I really hate to waste money in such a foolish way.

So, starting today, I'm implementing a plan to organize and itemize my pantry so I never buy duplicates again at full price.  To make it work for me, I'm going to set up 4 steps to follow.  Here we go.

Step 1:  Clear Out Your Pantry.  Pick a day, make a cup of coffee, and start cleaning out your pantry or cupboards out of all the dry or canned food items.  Take everything out, checking each item for expiration dates or damage.  Then wipe your shelves off so you can start fresh with a clean space.

Step 2:  Mapping Your Pantry.  This will take some organization, but it isn't difficult.  You'll actually be sorting your food items into categories so that you can make an inventory of what you have.  The basic items could be sorted into baking goods, soups, broth, canned diced tomatoes, canned tomato sauce, oils, barbeque sauces, crackers, dry snacks, canned snacks, rice, and so on.  Then you'll need to do the same with your spices.  This can be tedious, but start arranging your spices in alphabetical order so that you can check for duplicates.  You'll be amazed how many duplicates you have.  Again, check the expiration dates and throw out any spices that you know, or suspect, are old.

Step 3:  Make A List Of Your Basic Items.  Making a list of all your most used items may seem like a lot of work, but it will really be a useful tool.  Once this "most used" item list is made, stick it on the pantry door.  Now you can routinely update your items, keeping a tally of items as you buy them and use them.  (Highlight them when they get low and cross them off once you run out.) A very simple grid type paper will be easy for the entire family to follow.  Just some rows and columns, and you'll have a handle on everything that is in your pantry.  This is very simple once you start using it.

Step 4:  Grocery Shop Using Your List.  If you already have a supply of the basics that you bought when they were are a special price, you're all set.  Why would you want to accidentally buy the same items at full price because you forgot you had some?  That's why referring to your new list will save you money.  Stock up on your staples, like pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, and soup, when the price is right and eliminate that duplicate purchase at full price.

Wouldn't it be great if we always knew what food items we had in our pantry and never bought duplicates at anything other than a sale price?  Once you dig out your pantry and discover all those hidden items tucked away in the dark corners, you'll see why a system and a list is important in saving money and time.  You'll never go grocery shopping again without referring to your newly categorized and inventoried list of the basics.