I have been using Meijer as my one stop shop for over 15 years. I really like efficiency and dislike driving from store to store – even for a deal. This really hit home to me 14 years ago when we had a preemie baby in winter time. Eighteen months later our family grew and now I had two babies to shop with – NOT fun!
I quickly learned to streamline and systemize my shopping – at Meijer.
When the kiddos were toddlers, I would shop only once a week. I would go get two happy meals at McDonald’s and head on over to Meijer. I pushed the double stroller while I pulled a cart around the store getting everything on my list.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my errand list is FULL of non-food items. That is why I LOVE Meijer. In one shopping trip, I can get ALL my errands done while taking my babies out of the car only once.
To get it all done, I needed to be organized. Grocery shopping alone can take an hour, so if you are going to add buying gift cards and stamps, doing your banking, filling prescriptions and buying office supplies and hardware to that list, you need to be organized!
At the end of this post I have a monthly “to buy” list printable. I like to do one big monthly errand day. Just today, I realized I need more label tape for my label maker. So I am adding that to my list. My list stays on a clipboard in the back of my file tote.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Meijer. I wanted to show you my actual shopping trip this week, so I got permission from Meijer to print these pictures.
I shared with you already how I make a master errand day list and drive in one big circle to get everything done. I do the same at Meijer.
Getting Started
I start with a little treat for me – either coffee or soda. I often buy Starbucks gift cards as well.
Next, I drop off the mail I have brought with me, buy stamps or mail packages.
After that, I get cash out of the ATM or deposit checks at my bank right inside the store!
If I have prescriptions to fill or pictures to print, I do that, too, so that they are ready when I am finished shopping.
Twelve years ago, my mom and I practically lived a Meijer while we scanned in and printed hundreds of pictures. We were creating heritage photo albums for our family. I talked with the photo department and they now have more scanners! You can take your photos into the store and fit about 350 on a CD. If you are looking to scan your photos – go before noon for the best scanner availability!
Now on to shopping.
Health and Beauty
I start in the health and beauty department. This is where I stock up for the month. We are out of the protein bars I love. I also buy many of our vitamins here as well as over the counter medicines.
I buy first aid supplies for home and rubber gloves for my organizing jobs. Today, I needed Epsom salts.
This picture is from a prior month. I stock up on razors, shave gel, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, lotion, make-up feminine products, Q-tips, cotton balls, sunscreen Chap Stick, nail polish remover and soap.
Gifts, Books, Crafts and Seasonal
Hubby buys many of our cards, but if I am buying the cards, I do that at Meijer. I also will get helium balloons, gift wrap, party supplies and flowers. I have a helium tank at home, so I can buy balloons in advance as well.
I love to buy activity books for car rides and school workbooks at holiday time to keep Abby busy.
Since I am working on making 17 albums in less than 17 weeks for a client, I am in the craft area A LOT! Today I picked up more tape and 20 sheets of blue paper.
As I was wandering around today, I walked by this cute front porch rug a few times. I just couldn’t resist. I love having seasonal decorations and will buy a few new ones each year.
I know Christmas is eight weeks away, but I smile every time I see these cute little owls in my garage. Don’t worry, I will wait until the day after Thanksgiving to move my new owls to the front porch.
Lawn and Garden
I buy all our weed killer, lawn bags and outdoor plants at Meijer. Today, I needed grass seed for where our trampoline used to be. {Which we also bought at Meijer!}
Clothing and Baby
I have bought many clothing and baby items over the years at Meijer. Waterproof watches for the pool, sunglasses and accessories for Abby…there’s not a department I haven’t shopped over the years. But none of that was on my list for today.
Household
I buy most of our household items at Meijer. Today, I needed a lamp shade for this lamp. Yes, I bought the lamp at Meijer about 10 years ago.
We also bought Abby’s desk at Meijer. It was just the right size! Last week I posted about putting a storage bench in your hall closet to make a mini mud room – Meijer has a whole row of storage benches to choose from.
There are three rows of picture frames and a complete Yankee Candle display at our Meijer.
Media and Office Supplies
I buy the latest video games, movies, iTunes gift cards, Microsoft points, headphones, blank DVD’s, office paper, and iPad supplies in the media section of the store.
Next to that are the office supplies. I am still using the same planner I bought at Meijer about a decade ago. I loved the red cover and bought it with the planner inside, but created my own system once I got home.
I wouldn’t allow myself a trip down this aisle today! Office supplies are my Achilles’ heel! I buy Sharpies, pens, legal pads, Post-Its, packing tape, highlighters and more!
Toys, Sporting Goods and Auto
For years, I would stroll the toy aisles. I do much of my Christmas shopping at Meijer. They have a great selection of board games, Legos, baby dolls, collectable cards, cars, craft kits and puzzles.
I mentioned we bought our trampoline at Meijer years ago. They also have pool toys, sleds, camping equipment, exercise and fishing supplies, a whole row of fishing poles, outdoor sports chairs, coolers, hunting supplies, and suitcases!
I have bought windshield washer fluid, wiper blades, organizing supplies and car chargers in the auto section.
Hardware, Paint and Pets
Remember last week’s holiday post where I told you to lock a closet? You can get your door locks at Meijer, along with screws and shelving, hooks and power tools!
I buy my painting supplies and electrical supplies here as well. Greg got everything to fix our toilets at Meijer.
Today, I bought night lights and these hooks for a project I have coming up.
Abby’s hamster needs more bedding, so I picked that up, too. I buy all our cat food and cat litter here as well.
Housewares
I love the selection of kitchen products at Meijer. You could buy everything from your pots and pans to new dishes! Today, I needed a few more to go coffee cups.
I make my kids’ birthday cakes. It has been so nice to be able to buy Wilton cake decorating supplies throughout the years without having to go to another store.
I have bought all our table linens and curtains at Meijer along with kitchen towels and vacuum bags.
I am going to have to add small appliances to my list! There were 23 vacuums to choose from, including Shark, Dyson, Hoover and Electrolux!
Cleaning supplies, shelf liner, lint brushes and rat traps have all been on my list in the last year.
But my FAVORITE aisles are…..
ORGANIZATION
I LOVE the organization aisles at Meijer. I linger there. Seriously, there are SO many aisles:
Kitchen
Closets
Shelving
Bins
Baskets
I buy 80% of the supplies I use on professional organization jobs at Meijer. Their aisles are always stocked, I get the best variety, they have my favorite products and my Meijer is open 24 hours a day. I often drop my kids off at the bus and shop for supplies at 7 am.
I know this post is EXTRA long, but if you really start using Meijer as your ONE stop shop, you will save SO much time!
Here is my printable monthly shopping list for your clipboard. Start making your list and saving time so you can GET ORGANIZED!
What do YOU buy at Meijer?
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