Shopping in today's world is highly stressful. With how busy we are dealing with other tasks, shopping online and visiting stores has become less enjoyable than it used to be. I remember those days when my mom and I would "shop" to browse and see what was new and trendy. Browsing has become an unnecessary activity in our increasingly busy lives. Sometimes I miss those lazy Saturday trips to the store and shopping with her. This week, I will be talking about shopping time-saving tips to help you get things done in a streamlined way and save money, too! Read more to help keep your precious time in your day.
These shopping time-saving tips will help you throughout the year, as well as during the holidays.
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Shopping Online Time Saving Tips
First, if you shop online often, these tips are for you.
Have a list of online stores that you shop at often. Keep a bookmark list of stores that you frequently buy from on your computer (affiliate) browser. This will provide you with a convenient reference point. It is convenient to clear your browser's cache, and if your computer (affiliate) no longer has the website. Some stores are not visited every month, so doing this will also remind you and other family members which store was used to purchase each item.
Have a separate email address just for e-store newsletters. Receiving a barrage of emails is not enjoyable. However, using a different email address for them can be an easy way to stay informed about current deals and specials, allowing you to take advantage of them. Through your email provider, you can create a task that will move all those emails to a folder to review once a week. Microsoft Outlook refers to them as "Rules." Read more about it and how to do it here.
Use recurring subscription shopping features for food and other products. If you frequently buy items online, consider setting up recurring scheduled shipments of those products.
Some other sites offer diaper subscription purchases. Visit this post I found online. Stock Up From Home - 18 Best Diaper Subscriptions
Food delivery services are popping up everywhere these days. Some of the ones we have used in the past are Sun Basket and Blue Apron. Some places also offer food delivery services, such as Instacart. When you create an account, you can view all the stores that their staff will visit on your behalf.
Now, let's talk about ways to save time when shopping in person.
In-Person Shopping Time Saving Tips
Get the app for the grocery store. There are lots of coupons and offers on these apps, and if they have a rewards program, you can get even more benefits. Some of these apps also have a grocery list section, allowing you to generate your grocery lists directly within the app - it is super easy to do.
Figure out how much you spend on groceries each month. Then, budget that amount each month in the register. At the beginning of each month, allocate the amount of money you usually spend on groceries into your checking account. Then, as you use it, adjust this allocation in your register. This tip works well if you use a money management app, like Quicken.
Create a customized grocery list.
If you choose not to use an app, make a printable, customized grocery list just for your family. Using a spreadsheet app, you can easily add all the columns and categories you need for your family.
Dividing the sections up according to how your store is organized works well, so you're not flipping back and forth on your customized paper grocery list while walking through the store.
Color-coding the parts works excellently, too. You can include columns such as specific types, descriptions of the items, a checkbox for the required column, and a purchased column.
If you have coupons for specific products, you can add a "C" next to the item to remind you when you're at the store. Here's just a small example of our extensive grocery list.
If you don't want to get too detailed, using a printable like the one below works great for a smaller household with minimal dietary restrictions.
Hopefully, these tips will save you time and money when shopping at stores. They do help us. And, I don't have to go to the stores often. Yay!
But wait! Now it's time to give you some tips about the crazy holiday shopping season. Read on to help you make the most of your holidays.
Saving Time During the Holidays
Start shopping now. The best deals and ample stock are BEFORE Thanksgiving. If you plan to send gifts, such as flowers or wine, schedule them now and have them delivered closer to the holiday season.
Like to shop online? Start shopping now while the sales are still ongoing. You can get discounts on shipping and other items before the holidays arrive. For example, shop while you are waiting for your hair appointment. I like to email myself links of what I want for a particular person, and when I get home, I order them. I prefer to purchase stuff from my computer (affiliate) instead of my phone.
Make a master spreadsheet to manage your mailing list for the holidays. Create labels (affiliate) by merging your list into a label (affiliate) format in a Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word.
Instead of sending out greeting cards (affiliate), personalize picture greeting cards (affiliate). Then, when your picture greeting cards (affiliate) arrive, simply print out your labels (affiliate), attach them to the envelopes with your return label (affiliate), stamp, and mail. And, you are done.
Use bags instead of wrapping paper for wrapping your gifts. When my kids were younger, we would get many gifts from my parents, though my parents were not into wrapping the gifts. So instead, they would buy the presents and leave them with me to wrap. What fun, right? I am happy that it is over. I determined that buying gift bags was a better option, as it saved me time when it came to assembling, and it also saved me money, as I could reuse the bags for the next year's presents.
Making these changes to your holiday route will help your holiday season become more enjoyable and less stressful.
How to Create a Holiday Season Planner to Save Money and Time
Planning is necessary so we can fit in everything and enjoy the holiday season. From November to the middle of January, we typically participate in or host several events, both at home and outside, during this period.
Well, there you have it. I hope these shopping time-saving tips help you throughout the year.
Now it's your turn. What is your favorite shopping time-saving tip? Please leave a comment below.
Please note that the link above is an affiliate link through Amazon (affiliate). At no additional cost to you, I will receive affiliate fees if you click through and make a purchase.
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