6. Map your route.

If you have a pinball machine shopping style, it’s time to map your route and efficiently move through the store without zigzagging or back tracking. Most people have an idea of where they will head first when entering the grocery store. Using a grocery list that’s divided into store departments will really help you map your route well.

7. Choose your convenience.

Deciding ahead of time which convenience foods you are willing to pay more for will help prevent over purchasing of convenience foods (which tend to go bad more quickly), and it will help prevent overspending on these items, which tend to be more expensive. If the head of broccoli will rot in your fridge while a bag of cut broccoli is more likely to be eaten, plan on spending more here and saving in other areas. Knowing in advance where you are willing to pay for convenience will help save time and money during your grocery store visit.