How to Make a Grocery List Categorized by Sections in a Grocery Store

Grocery shopping--we either love it or hate it, but if we want to eat it needs to be done. Making a grocery list is an effective way to remember the items you need and keep you from overspending. If you really want to stay on track and manage your time, try organizing your list according to your grocery store's aisles. Organizing your list not only by aisles but the flow of the aisles may cut your shopping time in half.

Get to know your store. On your next trip to your grocery store, take the extra time to find out what's in each aisle. On the top of each page, write down the aisle category, such as produce, beverages, baking supplies, etc. Under that heading, write down the major items found in that aisle, such as ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce. If the aisle has a number, jot that down on the top next to the category for a quick reference.

Pay close attention to the layout of the store. Make note of the first department you walk into upon entering the store, such as floral or produce. Write down any item or items that you were surprised to find in a section. For instance, finding raisins and nuts in the produce section instead of baking supplies.

Make notes at every grocery store where you shop if you go to more than one store. Write the name of the store on the notebook or pages to keep the stores separate.

Organize your shopping list by the layout of the store. Specify the aisle or department. Group your fresh fruits and vegetables in the produce section, frozen veggies in the freezer aisle and canned fruits and vegetables with the canned goods. Repeat the process for each aisle.

If you find on your next trip that you have items in the wrong categories or aisles, make a note of what needs to be changed next to the item on your list. Keep perfecting your list.