We’ve all got to buy stuff, including groceries, and it can be really frustrating to be cooking and realize you’re out of a common ingredient or ready to work on a project and not have the supplies you need.

I resolve this by using a perpetual shopping list on my phone which also syncs to my computer and iPad.

I simply use the Reminders app that comes native on all Mac devices and create individual lists for Groceries and store specific lists. You may not need to do this if you live in an urban area but as a rural resident, it might be 3-5 weeks in between getting to “town” for some stores.

General Grocery List

My general list contains food and household items that I need to replenish. Any time I notice something is low or out, it gets added to the list. This can happen in the moment when I have to toss bad food (it happens to everyone!) or when I reach for a vitamin and realize I only have a few more days supply.

When it’s relevant I’ll also include the quantity I need, for example if I need 2 cups of shredded cheese for a recipe or want to get 2 dozen eggs so I have enough to make a breakfast casserole and cake.

If I have a few minutes before going to the store, I will actually re-order the items to flow in the same way I like to walk my local store. It sounds a little wild, but saves me time from backtracking. At my store I go pharmacy – personal – garden – household – tools – pet supplies – food. And food it’s generally dairy – drinks – dry goods – chips/snacks – canned goods – pantry – frozen – meat – fruit and vegetables – bakery.

So while I don’t have an aisle by aisle list of products, I generally know that if I start at the back of the store getting eggs and coffee creamer, I’ll want to pick up chips for homemade salsa before getting chicken and lettuce for tacos at the front of the store.

This tip only really helps if you have a regular grocery store that you know fairly well.

Store Specific Lists

I do have a list specifically for Trader Joe’s because they have items you can’t easily find elsewhere and because the store is about 100 miles away, I can’t just pop back over if I forget something.

Additionally, I have a dedicated list for the Home Depot – which is obviously not food related. Here I’ll list tools or supplies I need for projects with two additions. I’ll include the measurements if I need things like trim, or the quantity for garden soil, lightbulbs, etc. If I know ahead of time which store I’m going to, I might even look up the location using the Home Depot website and add those notes. Just for items which are tricky to find.

Why is this list perpetual?

If you were to use a written list, it takes some time to write or type up a list, cross things off and make a new list for the next trip. With this digital list, I can check items off as I go and add new items anytime. It’s also a great visual clue when I am done shopping and should go checkout before I buy more stuff I don’t need.

Recently it’s been harder to find some items due to the supply chain or being out of season. Keeping these items on my list helps me remember to look the next time or at another store.