Why an Empty Fridge is a Sign of Good Organizing Habits

If you’re looking for one suggestion to help you get organized, save time and save money, it’s this:Use a grocery listEither a preprinted list or a digital app will work, as long as it is:

1. Accessible to everyone in the family
   • If you’re using a preprinted list, keep it where everyone can see and reach it. Keep a highlighter near it so anyone in the family can mark items throughout the week when they realize something is running out.
   • If you’re using an app, choose one that can be accessed from multiple devices. You and your spouse should be able to add items to it and you can even teach your kids (grade-school age and older) how to do the same! Communication is key here
2. Organized by aisle of the store(s) you shop at
   • As best as you can, create a list that groups items as close to your store’s layout as possible. This will help keep your shopping trip smooth and efficient.
3. Specific to the items your family consumes
   • Generic grocery lists can be frustrating because they don’t include all of the specific items your family likes. You’ll end up adding items out of order and using sticky notes, which makes it more confusing. Get as detailed as you prefer when you create your list, using specific brands, sizes and types of items so that everyone knows exactly what is needed.
4. Used to do at least a high-level meal plan for the week
   • Make a list of several meals your family likes and each week before going to the grocery store, pick out seven meals that you’d like to make that week. Consider what activities you have in the evenings and keep in mind which nights will require a quick meal and which allow more time for cooking. You don’t have to know exactly which meal will be made each night, just have a general idea of what you can choose from for the week.

Some of the benefits of taking these steps are:

1. You’ll save money. When you have a central list that everyone in the house uses, you know exactly what you need. Using this one list allows you to buy only what you really need and avoid purchasing duplicate or unnecessary items.
2. You’ll save time. By keeping track of what you need throughout the week, you can create a routine for going to the store. Ideally, try to stick to shopping once or maybe twice a week and avoid sporadic stops throughout the week (that’s when unplanned purchases occur and time is wasted).
3. You’ll be less frustrated. Evenings can be a busy, stressful time, especially for families. Knowing what meals you have ingredients on hand for can be a huge relief.
4. Everyone will easily know which groceries are needed at any given time. No sticky notes throughout the house, no multiple lists in various places. It’s all there together in one spot-easy to see and easy to grab and go. In the event someone that doesn’t normally do the shopping needs to do it, they’ll know exactly what to get.

At the end of the week after you’ve followed these tips and enjoyed these benefits, you’ll understand that when you look in your fridge and think it looks kind of bare, it’s actually a good thing! It’s a sign that you’re practicing some great organizing habits. You’re purchasing only what you need and avoiding excess, you’re communicating with your family members, you’re keeping things contained and you’re being intentional by thinking ahead. All from a grocery list!I’d love to hear which of these tips you use in your home. If you need help creating a system that works for you, including customized grocery lists and meal planning assistance, let me know. I’d love to help you simplify!To Simplicity & Joy,Lisa