An unorganised grocery list can actually keep you in a store longer. I used to make my grocery list by writing the first item at the top of the list and working my way down in no particular order.

An unorganised grocery list can actually keep you in a store longer. I used to make my grocery list by writing the first item at the top of the list and working my way down in no particular order.

I'd be in a particular aisle at the store, read my list in a hurry and miss one or two items in that section. I would then have to run back to that section later. I'd spend a lot of time running back and forth to get something I'd missed.

I knew there had to be a better way and came up with a pre-printed, sectioned list typed on my computer.

The list has headings such as produce, meat, breakfast foods, and so on. Now, as I make my list, I just go to the section on the list and write in the item.

Then, when I'm shopping, I can see at a glance all the items I need in that section.

I made the list by opening up a new document in my word processing programme. Then all I did was type in the following headings, three across in a row, left enough space, then made the next row of three across. These are my headings:

Produce

Bread-bakery

Condiments

Baking supplies

Packaged meals-soups

Snacks

Frozen veg-juice

Frozen meals

Frozen treats

Meat

Breakfast items

Cleaners

Processed meat

Pet food

Toilet paper-toiletries

Milk-dairy

I printed a few lists to keep with my grocery adverts in a binder. When I need more, I'll print more. An organised shopping list makes all the difference. - www.homemakersjournal