*** Tips to Simplify Your Lists & Shopping ***
Get a sheet of paper and a pen. Number it 1 - 20 (or whatever you want, but 20 makes it easier).
- What are the main items that would totally destroy your
household routines in normal times if you didn't have them? TP might be an example. Pet food might be another. Focus on only your top priorities.
- Make another list: what
morale items are truly worth having? Number that list 1 - 5 (or whatever works for you). Again, top priorities only.
-
What emergency items are missing that would allow you to do work-arounds in the event of a grid down or other area emergency? Examples: matches, clothes pins, charcoal for the outside grill. Number this list 1-20 (or whatever works)
- If you
work at home or have certain business supplies, list those (1 - 20)
- If there is something else I haven't mentioned where a list would help, do that (1 - 20) [One example: services needed: oil change, hair cut, eye exam, teeth cleaning, dog grooming . . .]
You now have 4 - 5 prioritized lists. Don't start shopping, yet, unless it's truly an emergency. Do start making appointments if you need to: teeth cleaning, eye exam, etc.
Organization
Let me stop for a second. If you had a hard time making lists because things are scattered in your house or in different places, take time to gather like things together and have a storage plan before you bring in new stuff. One Example:
Random photo from the Internet
Unless it's truly an emergency, don't shop until you have some sort of system set up and have gone
though what you already have. You don't need to spend a lot of money on organization! Menard's and Lowe's have
affordable shelves.
Shopping
Once you have a system set up or have done inventory on what you already have, review your lists. If necessary, consult with partner or family. Decide on your priorities and then shop. I highly recommend getting the morale stuff first if at all possible! People will put up with a lot of boring food or tiresome workarounds if they have their coffee/chocolate/wine waiting for them.
To keep from being overwhelmed, start with the priorities on the list and make a point of putting them away
as soon as you get home. This is especially important if you did some bulk buys. They can quickly overtake a
living space, as some of us know.
More Shopping
After you have the important stuff for now, try to look ahead to important stuff you'll need for the next season or holidays.
This is why some of us are doing our Christmas shopping in August. Again, watch the budget -- don't go into debt! --
but in some cases, you might save money getting it early. In my area, winter clothes from last winter (!) are now coming
in. They are selling for 40% - 50% off.
This is the philosophy behind the 100 items lists. I always like looking at those as a starting point, but I know
my needs are specific to my household, as are yours.
I hope this post helps someone.