Living on the road was one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. We escaped the daily grind, traded in routine for adventure, and began creating the life we truly wanted. But one thing we couldn’t escape? Grocery shopping. Sure, we could eat out every night, but our budget and waistlines quickly reminded us that wasn’t a sustainable option. Stick around as I share how we handle grocery shopping while living on the road. These tips might just change the way you shop too.
The Benefits of Grocery Planning
Who wants to add another chore to their already packed list? I get it. But what if I told you that spending just 15 minutes on grocery planning could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress?
Planning your meals in advance does exactly that. When you have a well-thought-out grocery list, organized by the sections of the store, you’ll find yourself spending less time wandering the aisles and more time enjoying life. A solid list keeps you focused, helping you avoid those impulse buys that often sneak their way into your cart (we’ve all been there). Think of it as a grown-up scavenger hunt, where the prize is saving both time and money.
“Oh, but I order my groceries online for pick-up or delivery—I don’t need a list,” you might be thinking. I’ve been there too. But even with online shopping, a list is essential. Without it, you’ll likely find yourself running back into the store for those forgotten items. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that a list is a lifesaver, even when you’re ordering online. Plus, it speeds up the process, keeping you focused on what you really need.
And let’s not forget one of the biggest perks: no more staring into the fridge wondering what’s for dinner. Your meal options are right there on your list, ready to be cooked. Easily answering the dreaded question, “So, what’s for dinner tonight?”
Steps to Effective Grocery Planning
Grocery planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering the grocery store with ease.
- Check Your Calendar
Whether you’re a traveling family or stationary, life gets busy. For us, Fridays and Saturdays are our busiest days, as we prepare for and hit the road. Those nights often mean takeout or quick, easy meals like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with fruit. If we have an activity during the week, I’ll plan a crockpot meal for that night. On slower days, we fire up the grill. Knowing your schedule helps you plan meals that fit your lifestyle without overcomplicating things. - Shop Your Cabinets/Pantry
Before making a grocery list, take stock of what you already have. This is your first money-saving tactic. There’s no need to buy more when you already have it on hand. For example, we discovered we had three bottles of soy sauce and 2 of Worcestershire—definitely more than enough! Checking your pantry also gives you an idea of staple items like pasta or frozen veggies, so you can plan meals around what you already have. - Meal Plan
I’m the mom, not the executive chef, so I involve the whole family in meal planning. Asking for input from everyone not only lightens my load but also ensures that everyone gets at least one meal they’re excited about. It’s also a great way to teach kids life skills—after all, they’ll need to feed themselves someday! Once dinners are planned, I assign them to specific days based on the effort required and our schedule. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be more flexible, like leftovers or sandwiches, everything goes to the top of my list to keep me organized for the week.
- Make a Grocery List
Use a grocery list organizer to categorize your list by sections of the store (frozen, dairy, meat, etc.). Instead of writing your list meal by meal, group ingredients under their respective categories. This way, you’ll only visit each section of the store once, saving time and avoiding the frustration of running back and forth. While this might not be the best way to get in your daily steps, it definitely frees up time for more fun and memorable activities. To help you get started, I’ve created a free, downloadable grocery list organizer that’s designed specifically for busy moms like you. Subscribe to my blog, and you’ll receive this handy tool directly in your inbox, making your next shopping trip a breeze.
Tips for Smarter Grocery Shopping
Here are my favorite tips for keeping your grocery list from expanding your budget and your waistline.
- Shop with a List
After following the steps above, you should have a perfectly curated list of items to feed your family for the week. Now, all that’s left is to take it with you and use it at the grocery store. Sticking to the list will cut down on impulse buys, ensuring you are buying only what you need and nothing more. - Choose Seasonal and Local Produce
Buying in-season produce not only ensures fresher and tastier food but also supports local farmers. Many grocery stores partner with local farms, offering you the chance to buy fresh produce while also supporting the community. When traveling, visiting local farmers’ markets is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy fresh, local produce. - Shop the Store Perimeter
This strategy has been around for years and for good reason. In most grocery stores, the perimeter is where you’ll find fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other whole foods. Spending most of your time here helps you avoid the overly processed foods found in the center aisles. - Buy in Bulk
While we don’t do a lot of bulk shopping these days due to limited storage space, buying in bulk can still save you money and time. For example, instead of buying a pack of pork chops or steaks, it often makes more sense to buy a whole tenderloin and cut it into portions yourself. You can also stock up on frozen vegetables when they’re on sale for future meals. I do miss my deep freezer from our stationary days, but this approach still works well on the road. - Look for Sales and Discounts
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: look for sales and discounts. I usually go for the product that costs less, whether it’s on sale or the store brand. This is also a great time to check out any coupons or deals your grocery store offers through their loyalty program. As we travel, I collect grocery memberships like I collect postcards. Even if they don’t offer special coupons, most have a points system that can be used at gas stations or for discounts on future purchases.
Healthy Grocery Choices for Living on the Road
Eating healthy while living on the road requires some planning and creativity, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, with a bit of organization and the right approach, it can be quite easy.
Small spaces demand organization to prevent chaos. With limited kitchen storage, you’ll need to be mindful of what you buy and how you store it. Gone are the days of owning “It Cups” in every color and multiple cabinets bursting with food. Now, we follow a one-in-one-out rule for dishes, and our cabinets are usually bare by the end of the week since we only buy what we need.
RV refrigerators, typically gas absorption units, are practical because they can run on propane or electricity—a lifesaver in situations where electricity is limited, like during storms or dry camping. However, these fridges have their quirks, and air flow is crucial. Overstuffing them can actually work against you, so adjusting your shopping habits might be necessary.
In warmer months or climates, I tend to grocery shop twice a week to avoid overstuffing the fridge. I also rely more on dry, non-perishable goods like pasta, rice, beans, nuts, and canned vegetables to help alleviate space concerns. If you have an outdoor kitchen, use it to store bottled drinks—keeping them cold while freeing up space in the indoor fridge.
Conclusion
Grocery planning and shopping are key components of a healthy lifestyle, especially when living and traveling full-time in an RV. By following these tips and using a grocery list organizer, you can ensure your family enjoys nutritious meals, stays within budget, and minimizes food waste. Subscribe to receive monthly emails and download your free grocery list organizer today. Join our community of moms who inspire and encourage each other to make incredible memories on the road. Share your experiences and tips with us—we can’t wait to hear from you!
