Scope out the store.

This may seem like overkill, but trust me, it will make your life easier in the long run. Take some time to note the organization of the stores you go to. If the aisles are numbered, jot down what is offered in each aisle. When you make your list, you will organize everything using this information.*

Make a list of what you already have.

Before you even think about what you need to buy, go through your cupboards, fridge, and freezer and write down everything you already have. This will take a while the first time, but after that it will be quick to update the list, crossing off things you've used and adding things you've purchased (you can even post your completed shopping list on the fridge door as a record of what you've got). If items are running low (rice, sugar, flour, etc.), add them to your shopping list. Now when you go shopping, you can be confident you're not buying yet another can of tuna or jar of capers, and you're much less likely to end up tossing half the things in your fridge simply because you forgot you had them and they've gone bad.

Plan some meals for the week using what you have

Gather your list of what's on hand and some recipe books and magazines, log onto bonappetit.com and put together a rough meal plan for a week. Add the ingredients you will need to buy to your shopping list.

Organize your list

& get on the phone

Using the intel you gathered in step one, divide your list by store and then by aisles within each store. You should be able to start at the top and get everything without crisscrossing the store trying to find the right aisle. Callthe store ahead of time and order your meat and fish so they'll beready to pick-up when you get to the market. Or, if you're not thatorganized, go to the meat and fish counter first and order what youneed, then shop for the rest of your groceries and pick up your meat orfish when it's time to check out.

Buy fragile items last

Most grocery storesencourage you to start in the produce aisle, but resist this urge. Ifyou leave produce for last, you can ensure that your delicate lettuceswon't end up squashed by cans of tomatoes

** 6. Bring a pencil

Thisseems so obvious, and yet it's so easy to forget: Put a check next toeach item as you add it to your basket. Don't forget to addspur-of-the-moment items to the list so you have a record of whatyou're taking home with you.