Tips to make your grocery shopping easy this winter
Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard
It may be a startling revelation that school didn’t teach you how to grocery shop. Typically, most people grab a cart and go up and down the aisles while picking things that look good at the moment. However, efficient grocery shopping in winter takes a little forethought.
Keep these five tips in mind as you plan to go grocery shopping this winter.
Make a Grocery List
Think of the grocery list as your strategic game plan. This is your method of staying away from displays designed to trigger impulse shopping. The store is full of tempting deals that mean higher gross margins for the store. Very few people can spend money without care. Making a list will help you stay on budget.
Residents of Asheville, North Carolina have rushed to stores to stock up on food before the winter storm arrives on Dec. 7.
Prepare for a Storm
Depending on where you live, you may have storms that keep you indoors and off the roads for a length of time. You should have a stockpile to hold you over during those times. You may even experience power outages. Have a cupboard filled with water bottles, nuts and trail mix, cereal, canned meats like tuna and chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups and chili, crackers, granola bars, and power bars, and sports drinks. Also, invest in an extra can opener to keep in the cupboard in case you can’t locate the one in a dark kitchen if the power is out.
Buy Non-Perishables to Make Fewer Trips
Having fresh fruit and vegetables on hand is nice. Still, you may want to stock up on non-perishables so you can make fewer trips to the grocery store. Fewer trips mean fewer opportunities for a fender bender due to inclement weather. These items should be separate from your emergency food supply.
Try the Pick-Up Lines
Many grocery stores are now providing pick-up shopping. You order and pay online. Then you drive to the store and park in a designated pick-up spot, which is typically at the curb. A store worker will bring your grocery bags out to you. Most large grocery stores offer a free mobile app to help. If you are pressed for time or need to stick to the budget strictly, this is a convenient way to shop. It also means you won’t have to leave the car and walk in the rain or snow from the parking lot to the store.
Use the Grocery Store’s Delivery Service
You can simply stay home, shop online, and have the grocery store deliver your purchase. Many large grocery stores offer this option for a small fee. Or, you can use an online app to hire a third party to shop for you and bring you the groceries. If you have any mobility issues, this may be the right option for you.
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