Learn how to create your own master shopping list with these practical steps and get access to my FREE printable. Using a master list is a great way to stay on budget and save time and energy when shopping!

We have many things to keep track of every day, between chores, work, play dates, meal planning, and so much more. When it comes to shopping, it’s not much different. You start making a shopping list with items in mind that you need, but you get distracted by something and forget what things you needed to put on the list. Plus, you probably don’t remember that you need more tomato sauce because it’s stored at the back of the pantry, and you forgot it existed! Sound familiar?

If you’re anything like me, later you’ll find yourself at home with a load of groceries, wondering why you ended up with chocolates but not the bell peppers or milk you meant to buy.

Plus, staying on budget with groceries is hard.

That’s why I created a master shopping list.

Click here to get my printable:

What is a Master Shopping List and How Do You Use One?

A master shopping list is a comprehensive list of groceries and household consumables, customized to you and your family.

Instead of digging through the cupboards and fridge to see what you need when you’re ready to go to the store (and trying not to miss any items), you create an inventory of everything you have and need. When you’re ready to go shopping, pull out your master shopping list and refer to it while writing a new list of what you need. This ensures you don’t miss any important items. You can also laminate your master list and use a marker to circle or cross out what you need, instead of creating a new list each time (more on this below).

How to create your own Master Shopping List:

1. Print My FREE Master Shopping List PDF or get inspired:

Check out my free PDF printable or look at it for ideas on how to create yours. You could also use my free printable and add any extra items to it that you use. I’ve provided blank spaces after each category for this purpose. If you or a family member have food allergies, you can write in substitutes or other ingredients and personalize it.

2. Take Inventory:

Make a list of ALL your regular groceries and staples around the kitchen. Don’t forget household consumables like toilet paper, paper plates, and hygiene products. This shopping list should include anything you go through on a regular basis. I even include things like cotton balls and batteries. Take your time to check everywhere around your house and consider everything you should add. Remember, this list is for YOU. Adapt it as you need and make it your own.

At this point, you can even add where you buy each item and the price if you like.

Note:

Consider bulk buying: Bulk buying your staples is often the cheapest way to stock up your pantry and freezer. Bulk buying also means shopping less frequently, so this is a great option for those of you in rural country or who dislike venturing out to the store!

3. Account for your weekly meal plan:

You should create a meal plan BEFORE making your shopping list, that way you can add any groceries necessary for the week’s meals to your list. This will be one of the adjustments you’ll have to make each time you go shopping, since you probably won’t make spaghetti and meatballs every single week.

Note:

If you are a meal planner, start by planning your meals based on what groceries you already have in the house. For example, if you have gnocchi and broccoli that need to get used, then plan a dinner with those ingredients instead of seeking out new things that sound good on your next trip to the store. Being resourceful will help your budget in the long run! Follow me for a post on Meal Budgeting soon!

4. Laminate it:

Laminating your finished list will make it durable and waterproof. I haven’t laminated mine, but I store it in a plastic binder sleeve to protect it. You could even use a dry erase marker on the plastic to mark things off or make notes. If you do this, then you could choose to take your laminated list to the store with you instead of making a new list each time. Personally, I don’t like to do this because I’d rather not let my master list get weathered from transportation, but it might be more practical for some people.

5. Where to Keep It:

Find a place for your master list. The inside of a cupboard door on a hook or in a recipe binder is a great place to store your list. It can be anywhere you can easily grab it when you need it.

Some things to keep in mind:

• When making your master list, try and stick to only the things you need. Especially if budgeting is a concern. Cooking and baking from scratch also makes a huge difference. If you spend money on the staples for cooking and baking instead of buying premade things, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. Having a list for what you need will help you stay on track when you walk by those chocolates and premade foods at the store.

• Don’t forget to be creative! You don’t just have to create a master list for groceries and consumables. If you’re a homesteader, gardener, or pet owner, then try making master lists for your supplies and feed each year. If you’re an artist or you enjoy working on home projects, you could make a master list for your art supplies or material basics. You may not run through some of these items as quickly, but it’s still useful to have a full list of everything you should keep on hand.

Time to make a list and get shopping!