There’s nothing worse than aimlessly wandering around the store. Without the proper planning, a trip to the grocery store can turn into a stressful, inefficient use of time. More importantly, walking into the store without an efficient shopping list can lead to filling up your cart with unhealthy and expensive foods you really don’t need.

Luckily, there are some ways to keep on top of your grocery needs to ensure every trip to the grocery store is a success.

Rule 1: Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry

Just like you shouldn’t wait until your Ford Bronco’s gas light is flashing and the engine is sputtering to get gas, you shouldn’t walk into the grocery store without the proper fuel. It’s hard to resist yummy baked goods, high-sugar treats, and regular old junk food when your stomach is growling. Even if you just have a light meal or healthy snack before making a stop at the store, you’re sure to stick to your list better than when you walk in hungry.

Rule 2: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

The best way to ensure you have a successful shopping trip is to make a list. That means you have to think ahead about the kinds of things you want to make/eat over the week or so. Once you decide what kinds of meals you’ll have, check to see which ingredients you need. Check your pantry to ensure you have the staples like oil, salt, sugar, spices, etc. With your list in hand, you can get your groceries loaded into your spacious Ford Bronco and back home in no time.

Rule 3: Make a Shopping List As You Go

One of the easiest ways to make sure you never forget something from your shopping list is to make that list as you go through your day. For some, this means keeping a magnetic notepad on the fridge. Whenever you run out of something or get a craving, you can add it to the list. Modern shoppers also utilize apps like AnyList or Mealtime along with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Seri, or Google Home to keep digital lists. These services are great because you can add items to your list from anywhere at any time, even while you’re driving down the road in your Ford Bronco.

Rule 4: Shop At Home First

Before you start planning a full range of exotic meals, check out the foods you already have at home. As you start your meal plans for the week, take inventory of what’s In your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Select your meals on what you already have. Shopping your own stock will help you reduce your shopping list and ensure you’re not wasting the food you’ve already purchased.

Rule 5. Check Out The Deals and Add Them To Your Shopping List

If you have some flexibility around what kinds of meals you’ll make, you can save some serious cash by planning around specials and deals. Start with the grocery store’s website or app. You can build your meals around foods that are on sale. You can even stock up on non-perishable items for the future.