I started this habit after watching too many episodes of Hoarders.

You know the show.

One of the bad habits I saw played out over and again was a hoarder who went shopping, came home, and immediately dumped the bags in a pile. This led, predictably, to rotted food, lost items and a total mess.

So MY habit is that as soon as I return from any shopping, I must empty the car of all my bags and then put things away immediately. Within 30 min or less.

Here’s why it works:

• nothing gets left in the car for days, even “shelf stable” items like potatoes which once froze in the car overnight when the temps dropped and immediately went bad
• I, presumably, bought these items because I needed them so I need them in the house
• I consider putting everything away the final step of a shopping trip.

Practically, I begin by packing the car smartly. Any bags with perishable foods will go into the front seat, while non-food items and canned goods go into the back. This way I can prioritize unloading when I get home.

(As soon as I get home I usually have a dog that needs to go outside so that happens while I put items away in the fridge and freezer.)

When I’m unloading groceries, I attempt to decant or unpackage as needed. Sodas go into the fridge, K-cups come out of the bag and into a basket, crackers go into an airtight container.

When I go back to the car for another load to carry in I will also take out the trash of emptied boxes.

Recyclable bags go back to the truck and plastic bags are stored to be reused as trash can liners.

This goes beyond food shopping to everything I buy. Clothes get tags removed and hung up or folded. Cleaning supplies get put away under the sink, beauty items go to the bathroom, office supplies go to the desk. Medication goes into the medicine cabinet.

Even the cat and dog food are decanted into their tubs, snacks and toys are put away.

Try it out on your next shopping trip and see if it helps stay organized!