The Smartphone Hack That Makes Grocery Store Visits Lightning Fast

The use of pen and paper is a dying art. Our lives are consolidated through our phone screens, with an app for virtually everything imaginable. It's no surprise that there are tons of grocery-related apps, but they sometimes offer too many bells and whistles. Many shoppers prefer to simply write a list on their phone's notes app. This can be just as efficient, especially when used in conjunction with one grocery store hack for more efficient shopping: making your shopping list your phone background.

Think about it. A list right there on your phone is convenient. Physical lists are easy to misplace in pockets and purses, while most of us know exactly where our phone is at any given time. However, notes app lists do come with certain drawbacks. Every time you take your phone out to check your list, you'll have to punch in your passcode or deal with Face I.D. From there, you'll have to locate and pull up your list if it's not already opened on your screen. Instead of dealing with this hassle, turn your phone into a physical list by making your grocery list your phone's lock screen or background. You'll be surprised at how much time this simple hack saves.

Keeping a list is among the best ways to grocery shop, with some studies indicating that individuals who consistently use lists have healthier overall diets. Still, there's a certain art to list writing. If you've haphazardly written down items, it can make navigating the store a nightmare. Plus, if you're not proactive about maintaining a grocery list, it's easy to forget to pick up essential items.

First, figure out a meal plan ahead of time. Rest assured, you don't have to go into incredible detail. Just be aware of what you plan to eat throughout the week and how much food you'll need. For instance, if you plan to eat yogurt and fruit for breakfast, make sure you have enough to last roughly seven days. You can also add items to your list throughout the week as you notice you're out of supplies.

As you compile your list, organize it in a logical fashion. Make sure to group items by store department. If you know the layout of your grocery store, it might also make sense to compile the list in geographical order. For instance, if the produce section is right before the cereal aisle, list all the fruits and veggies you need, followed by your cereal and oatmeal requirements.