Grocery shopping is a chore that needs to be done continually, like so many thankless jobs in life. For many busy people, grocery shopping is put off until the last possible moment, but there are a few tips, like leaning about Peapod Shopping and becoming an efficient shopper, that can resolve at least one of life's problems.
Peapod Shopping
Peapod is a grocery store delivery service, offered through a variety of grocers, that is available in limited areas of the United States. Shopping is done online through the Peapod website, a delivery time is agreed to, then groceries arrive at home without having to visit a store. For shoppers who live near a participating grocer, it's a wonderful solution to the empty-refrigerator problem. Check the Peapod site for delivery areas.
Gourmet Meals Delivered
If planning and shopping for meals, even the delivered kind, seems too much on occasion, having gourmet meals delivered is always a last minute solution. While rural areas may be limited to the usual pizza and Chinese delivery, many urban areas have delivery services that will go from restaurant to restaurant picking up gourmet meals and delivering them to residences. Not the most economical solution every night, but a good thing to have available when needed. Find local sources and keep menus at hand.
Supermarket Shopping
If Peapod delivery is not available, and having gourmet meals delivered is too expensive, actual supermarket shopping may be in order. There are a few tips for this tedious chore that can make the process faster.
- Make a Shopping List - Shopping without one means a lot of time spent roaming and wondering. Write down meal ideas for the week, and create a shopping list based on them. Don't forget paper, pet, cleaning and other household supplies. Organize the list according to the store, keeping produce, meat, pantry, pet and frozen items in separate areas of the list.
- Plan a Budget - Estimate the cost of all items on the shopping list and compare it to funds available to avoid checkout surprise. Nothing will shorten shopping time like crossing unnecessary items off a list. Check grocery store fliers in the paper or online to save and help make dinner selections.
- Organize the Cart and the Belt - Keep like items together in the grocery cart and when loading onto the checkout belt so as to keep cold items together, and make unloading at home an easier task.
A Full Refrigerator
Like most unpleasant tasks, keeping ahead rather than falling behind actually makes things easier. Pick a day each week for grocery shopping, whether done via Peapod or at the store, and stick to it. The refrigerator will be full no matter what other surprise chores life may offer.
Further Reading:
Save money with Peapod Shopping
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